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Many researchers experience moments of self-doubt, regardless of their career stage, experience or achievements.

This practical and supportive workshop helps researchers understand and navigate imposter moments, build self-trust and engage more confidently with opportunities, challenges and career development.

Importantly, this session does not assume participants identify with having imposter syndrome. Instead, it explores the self-doubt, uncertainty and questions of belonging that many researchers experience at different points in their careers.

What participants will gain

• A better understanding of imposter moments and why they occur
• Greater confidence navigating self-doubt without relying on positive thinking alone
• Practical strategies for managing comparison, perfectionism and self-criticism
• Increased self-awareness and self-compassion/self-management
• Tools for taking action and making progress, even when confidence feels low

What we cover

• How self-doubt can show up at different career stages
• The impact of comparison, perfectionism and internal expectations
• Practical approaches for responding to imposter moments more effectively
• Building confidence through action, learning and experience
• Developing greater self-trust and a more realistic perspective on success

How it works

This session is designed to be:

• Practical and reflective, not theory-heavy
• Interactive, but low-pressure, making real progress in the session
• Supportive and realistic about research life
• Focused on small, usable actions that can be immediately applied

Format

• Single workshop, 90 minutes to 2 hours
• Delivered online via Zoom, or in person on request
• Suitable for PhD researchers, doctoral training programmes, postdoctoral researchers and early career researchers (can be adapted for each career stage)

This session works well alongside

• The Resilient Researcher
• The Focused Researcher
• The Proactive Researcher