Step away from the usual distractions at work and home, and make progress on your fellowship application.
Applications close Tuesday 31 March 2026 at 12pm (midday).
This retreat is for you if:
- You are working in any research, professional or clinical role relevant to mental health
- You are based in the UK and employed in a UK institution
- You are planning a doctoral or postdoctoral project-based fellowship application in mental health or addiction*
- You can demonstrate an evidence gap in your proposed project area, having done some sort of literature review**
- You are ready to refine your ideas, and get feedback
- You are ready think deeply on your research project design and methodology
- You would welcome guidance and support from NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) experts
* This retreat is not suitable for you if you are applying for a training/career development fellowship with no associated research project.
** We can only accept candidates on this retreat for which there is a clear rationale for research in this area demonstrated in the application. Relevant evidence could be a literature search or scoping review.
What costs are funded?
The Writing Retreat is fully funded. We will cover all your necessary costs, including travel expenses (driving or public transport), childcare and caring costs, to enable you to attend and participate in the programme. If accepted, your accommodation and sustenance costs will automatically be funded by the Incubator.
This retreat offers:
10 hours independent thinking and writing time
Guidance, tips and approaches for project-based fellowship applications
Access to methodology expertise from the RSS
Structured breaktimes and refreshments
Optional social time in the evenings/breaktimes
All meals and refreshments included
A range of different places to write - in company and separately
A distraction-free environment
Space to step away from responsibilities and immerse yourself in your application
The retreat starts at 3pm on day 1 and finishes 3pm on day 3.
Wednesday 1 - Friday 3 July 2026
Gladstone's Library, Church Lane, Hawarden, Flintshire, CH5 3DF
The nearest main station to Gladstone's Library is Chester station. We will ask participants travelling by train to arrive at Chester station by 2pm. Transport from the station to Gladstone's Library on day 1 and drop off back at the station at the end of the retreat will be arranged and funded by the Incubator.
All transport costs, including travel by train and car, will be reimbursed. The Writing Retreat is fully funded - accommodation and sustenance is included in this.
You’ll be guided on how to prepare to get the most out of the retreat. All participants will be supported to set realistic goals and have opportunities to gain feedback on your ideas.
If accepted on the retreat, you'll be invited to an online preparatory meeting with other participants where you'll be guided on how to prepare so you arrive at the retreat in the best position to make the most of the time there.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 hours scheduled planning time is factored into the 2-night retreat.
Travel expenses to and from the retreat venue, all meals and snacks during the retreat and childcare costs if you need are covered for all participants accepted on the retreat.
Travel expenses will be reimbursed so participants will be asked to buy their own tickets/fuel and then submit an expense claim form for travel. Please indicate on the application form if you will have childcare costs.
Yes.
We ask all attendees to commit to attending the whole planning retreat. We appreciate that unexpected events happen but ask that you only apply if you are willing and able to commit the time to prioritising your fellowship application in this time.
Are you accepting and funding international participants?
No. Our funding only covers researchers based at institutions inside the United Kingdom, therefore places on the retreat can only be allocated to those based in the UK.
Get in touch with us at mhresearch@psych.ox.ac.uk if you have any further questions.
