An Autumn 2020 message from Dr Beth Breeze, for all our GCDC students, PDRAs, staff, supervisors, and affiliates.
Beth Breeze and Jo Stoner enjoy some winter sunshine on campus
“They say a week is a long time in politics, but from where I’m standing, a term is a very quick time in academia!
It seems no time at all since we selected our new cohort of doctoral students, ten highly talented young people from all over the world, and now they have almost completed their first term and are getting immersed in their research, despite all the challenges that come with beginning a PhD during a global pandemic. I want to particularly congratulate those who had to self-isolate for a fortnight after arriving in Canterbury: that is not the warm welcome we wanted to give you, and we are glad that you have since been able to enjoy and explore our beautiful campus and city.
It was lovely to welcome back our second and third years whose research projects are now in full swing, we are grateful to them for becoming “buddies” to the new intake to show them the ropes on and off campus. Congratulations to those who have achieved important academic milestones this term, including getting journal articles published and presenting their work to fellow scholars.
The tenacity and ability of all our students is inspiring to those of us who work in the Global Challenges Doctoral Centre. Knowing how determined they are to make the most of this funding opportunity, and to undertake research that will help make the world a better place, makes this one of the best jobs on campus. Thank you to my colleagues: Frank, Paul, Grace and Jo who have made this such a great term, despite all the odds.
I hope everyone – staff and students – get a restful break over Christmas and New Year,
All good wishes,
Beth”