The MHR Incubator Writing Retreat is fully-funded for Early Career Researchers. This writing retreat is for you if you:

• have recently completed a PhD or fellowship in a mental health or addiction research topic
• have an outstanding or additional paper to publish from your most recent PhD or fellowship work
• want to make the most of your most recent PhD or fellowship work now that you've moved or are about to move on to a new project or role
• want to build your publication track record as a lead author
• know which journal you want to publish in
• welcome guidance and support to help you get the paper published
• welcome an opportunity for a distraction-free environment to focus on writing.

• 10 hours dedicated to writing time
• peer feedback on your writing
• tips and approaches to getting academic writing done
• structured break times and refreshments - stretching, local walks
• chance to meet other mental health researchers and build your networks in the field
• optional social time in the evenings/ breaktimes
• all meals and refreshment breaks included
• a range of different places to write - in company and separately
• support to prepare well so you make the most of the writing retreat

The retreat starts at 3pm on day 1 and ends at 3pm on day 3.

9-11 September 2024, Charney Manor, Oxfordshire. The retreat will start at 3pm on Monday 9 September and will end at 3pm on Wednesday 11 September.

The nearest station to Charney Manor is Didcot Parkway.

We will ask participants travelling by train to arrive at Didcot Parkway by 3pm. We will arrange transport from the station to Charney Manor on day 1 and drop off back at the station at the end of the retreat.

Photo credit: Charney Manor staff and Laurie Noble Photography.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 18 June, 9am.

On the MHR Incubator ‘Headspace’ writing retreat, you’ll be guided on how to prepare to get the most out of the retreat.  All participants will be supported to set realistic writing goals and have opportunities to gain feedback on your writing, in addition to the majority of the schedule being dedicated to focused writing time. 

Generally we recommend participants will make the most out of the retreat if they:

• have a clear plan for what they want to write up
• know which journal they are aiming to publish the paper in
• come to the retreat knowing the formatting requirements of the journal they are aiming for
• are open to feedback from their peers.

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 writing time there.

How much actual writing time will there be? 

10 hours scheduled writing time is factored into the 2-night retreat.  

What does fully-funded mean?

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. Alcohol is not included. (The retreat centre does not serve alcohol but we are permitted to bring our own if we wish.)

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.

Do I need to have done a PhD in order to be considered for a place?

You do not need to have a PhD although we expect many participants will have PhDs. You need to have recently completed or be nearing the end of a fellowship (it could be a pre-doctoral fellowship and/or involving Masters course) from which you have material to write up in an academic paper for publication.

What are you looking for in a successful applicant? 

We want to make this opportunity available to early career researchers who will make the most of the opportunity. We want to know you have identified a realistic topic you can work on in a write up for a single paper.

Will I have my own room? 

Yes.

What if I need to arrive late or leave early?

We ask all attendees to commit to attending the whole writing 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 writing project 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.

The 2025 MHR Incubator writing retreat will take place in summer 2025 with a focus on writing funding applications.