Writing Retreat with the Brain Health ARC

​Written by Amelia McGinley-Brown 

As a recent graduate in Psychology with a specialism in Clinical Health from the University of Glasgow, I knew I didn’t want to lose momentum after finishing my degree. Research has always been a passion of mine, so I was eager to continue to build on the skills I had developed throughout my studies. Before graduating, I was fortunate to meet Professor Terry Quinn, who offered me an incredible opportunity to join the Brain Health ARC as a Voluntary Research Intern. ​

A key theme across the four Alliances – and indeed across many sectors – is the importance of interdisciplinary research. My role focuses on exploring researchers’ attitudes toward interdisciplinary collaborations, which gave me the chance to connect with inspiring academics across the UK. This project not only deepened my understanding of the value of interdisciplinary work, but also allowed me to expand and strengthen my quantitative research skills.

​The Brain Health ARC is currently leading efforts to highlight Scotland as a global hub for brain health research and innovation. One way they have done so recently is hosting a writing retreat at the Scottish Centre for Ecology and the National Environment (SCENE), in Loch Lomond – a highlight of my internship (so far). Here I was able to meet and learn from incredible people who are driving forward innovative research. I feel truly grateful for these experiences, which have strengthened my skills, broadened my perspective, and further fuelled my passion for research in brain health and beyond. ​

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The writing retreat at SCENE allowed for time away in a distraction-free zone, which felt like a gift. Being in such a beautiful, calming place surrounded by greenery and water was exactly what I needed to reset and refocus. Not only did I get so much done, but I also had the chance to just breathe, reflect, and soak in the atmosphere.  ​

The first day welcomed us with lovely weather (which obviously did not last long), which made for a refreshing walk along the beach shortly after arriving. It was the perfect icebreaker to get to know everyone and hear about their goals for the retreat.

​The evening that followed was filled with a tasty dinner, plenty of laughter, and a fun quiz (which my team won! – definitely not bragging). 

Day two was more work-focused but just as rewarding. The talks on careers paths, tips and tricks for securing a grant/fellowship and the networking opportunities throughout the retreat were truly invaluable. During Lisa Kidds' talk, she shared how she navigated the uncertainty of early career research, and it was such a reassuring moment – I realised I am not alone in feeling unsure about the future and that there is no single ‘right’ path. It was a reminder that pauses, reflection, and connecting with others are just as important as the work itself. 

Throughout the day (and some late-night work with my new friends) I managed to finish writing my introduction and even squeezed in a few interviews, which felt like a real accomplishment. There is something incredibly motivating about being surrounded by others who are deeply focused on their work – the energy is contagious, and I found myself settling into my writing faster than I ever do at home. 

On the final day, I wrapped up more interviews and faced the bittersweet moment of having to leave. It was hard to say goodbye to such a supportive environment, especially after just starting to feel so connected and motivated.   ​

One of the most valuable parts of the retreat was hearing everyone’s journey of how they got to where they are today. As someone in that strange in-between stage of not quite knowing what the future holds, it was incredibly reassuring to hear to such open and honest stories. It reminded me that even the most established researchers once stood where I am now, figuring things out step-by-step.

​Looking back, the retreat was more than just productive – it was grounding, inspiring, and exactly what I needed at this point in my journey. I left feeling reassured that uncertainty is part of the process. I also felt motivated by the people I met and grateful for the reminder that sometimes stepping away from the noise is the best way to move forward.

​The retreat reminded me of the power of connecting with others, learning from their experiences, and creating the space to focus on my own work. It was an invaluable experience that I'm extremely grateful for.  
 
Photograph credit to Kalliopi Mavromati & Angelina Kirilova Kancheva.