“Language, culture and sustainable community development”: Taking the conversation further

In 2021-22 capacity-building workshops were held at Mahidol University, Thailand, to develop writing skills for ECRs. The convenors and key journal editors led discussions on writing academic papers and grant applications, and provided feedback on drafts. The workshops had to be held virtually due to Covid restrictions, which restricted the range of interactions possible. The proposed extension will add in-depth coverage of aspects of academic writing identified in feedback and reviews. We will broaden the content to include: skills development, including research methods and soft skills; reporting on specific research methodologies; maximising impact; career development (including structural inequalities); mentorship; and developing interdisciplinary and international collaboration. The longer timeframe and in-person workshops will facilitate networking, follow-up, and interactive approaches such as process writing and co-authorship. Alumni of the original workshops will be invited to participate, plus ECRs from Mahidol, other universities in Thailand, and other ODA-eligible countries

Workshop Team: Professor Julia Sallabank, School of Oriental and African Studies; Dr Sumittra Suraratdecha, Mahidol University, Thailand.