4th Annual SDHI Postgraduate Retreat
Monday 16th June to Tuesday 17th June 2008

The Social Dimensions of Health Institute (SDHI) held its 4th annual short retreat for postgraduate students conducting health research. This year's retreat took place from Monday 16th June to Tuesday 17th June 2008 in Kindrogan Field Centre near Pitlochry. See http://www.field-studies-council.org/kindrogan. The retreat was designed to be informal and enjoyable with food and overnight accommodation provided. "Entertainment" was provided in the evening and time made available for enjoying the beautiful location.

Feedback from last year's event was extremely positive and has shaped this year's programme. Comments included, "The retreat was very beneficial and convenient ", "It should be extended to at least 3 days….", "Faculty talents are well balanced to deal with the variety of methodologies represented through the students", "it was good to meet other students and share ideas…", "…..selection of topics for presentation was really helpful as they exposed the audience to multiple methodologies".

This two day retreat allowed health-related PhD students and early career Postdoctoral fellows:

• To discuss key methodological issues relating to their thesis with fellow health researchers and to become familiar with a range of related research methods.
• To make contact with health related researchers from across the Universities of Dundee and St Andrews to help future collaboration and employment options.
• The opportunity to explain and discuss their research in a less familiar, but nonetheless supportive and friendly environment.
• To become familiar with wider disciplinary perspectives on health related research, essential for current and future multi-disciplinary working.

The revised retreat programme was largely discussion based. All students submitted a one page summary describing an aspect or element of their PhD or studies. This formed the basis for an initial group activity.

Nine attendees had the opportunity to deliver a more detailed conference style presentation of their thesis topic/findings. This was followed by discussion of a key methodological, practical or analytic issue that arose.

This programme allowed participants the opportunity to raise and discuss key methodological issues relating to their current research activity and build generic research skills.

Finalised programme

Monday 16th June 08

Tuesday 17th June 08

Website comments to Rosanne Bell