Tucked into the grounds of Windsor Great Park, Cumberland Lodge hosted this year’s SCDTP residential on the theme of “Making Impact.” It was a space to consider how research connects with the world — and what kinds of impact we actually want to make.
Over the course of the residential, I joined sessions on public scholarship, podcasting, policy engagement, and social enterprise. One highlight was taking part in a session on engaging Parliament — and another was being interviewed for Speaking of Research, the new podcast series launching this spring.
But as always, the most meaningful moments weren’t scripted: talking through muddy paths with fellow researchers, sharing doubts and ideas, and holding space for reflection in between the formal sessions.
Impact doesn’t just happen at the point of output. It lives in how we shape our questions, who we involve, and how we build trust along the way. I left the Lodge re-grounded — and excited for what’s next.
