The Welsh Crucible Programme

What is it?

Welsh Crucible is a programme of personal, professional and leadership development for the future researchers of Wales. It offers a unique opportunity for researchers to take a step outside of their busy working days to reflect on their work and where they want to take it. We also discuss what impact they want to make with their careers and who do they need to tell about it.

Each year, 30 exceptional early- to mid-career researchers are selected to attend from across our 6 partner institutions (Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff, Cardiff Metropolitan, Swansea Universities and University of South Wales) and also outside academia (public sector, industry etc.) from any discipline of research.

Professor Jonathan Gillard, the programme’s academic lead and Deputy Head of our School of Mathematics:

“Researchers from Cardiff University have achieved significant success in securing positions at Welsh Crucible and progressing in their research careers thereafter. While the competition for spots is intense, if you believe you’re prepared to advance to the next stage in your research career, Welsh Crucible provides an ideal environment to cultivate the skills and networks necessary for success.”

The Programme Content

Once selected, participants attend 3 two-day workshops (Labs) in Cardiff, Bangor or Aberystwyth (alternating every year) and Swansea, from May to July. Over the programme, we encourage the participants to think about who and what their research is for, in the context of the current research environment and within the UK’s social, political, and economic landscape. We introduced participants to the importance of engaging with various media to boost the public profile of their work, and of engaging with policy makers both to increase the impact of their research and to help shape the environment in which they work.

Participant feedback:

“It has really broadened my view of my research. I saw my topic as one whole niche area but never really considered the individual elements and how each might link to wider society.”

We discuss the benefits and challenges of effective interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaborations. We also provide space for reflection and guidance with practical strategies for our researchers to realise their research and career goals.

Participant feedback:

“The programme has definitely helped to introduce me to potential research collaborators in different disciplines, as well as helping to think further forward and develop a more strategic future focused career plan. The focus on balancing workload and opportunities in this lab was also really helpful.”

A Unique Opportunity

Apart from the content we deliver, the huge benefit of attending Welsh Crucible is the other 29 researchers you share the experience with. Wales has a dynamic and thriving research community, coupled with a distinctive environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. The program offers an opportunity to engage with researchers from a variety of fields and backgrounds, fostering connections, shared objectives, and the exchange of diverse perspectives.

Find out more

If you’re interested in finding out more about the programme and how to apply, please visit the website (welshcrucible.org.uk) or find us on social media (@welshcrucible.bsky.social, @welshcrucible). The call for applications opens up in December each year.