Following the success of the first cohort of the Stepping into Research (STiR) Programme, this amazing illustration by Gee Collins captures the cohort.

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This image is a piece of artwork by Grace Collins which captures the final meeting of the first STiR cohort. Entitled, ‘Beyond STiR: reflecting, sharing celebrating’, this piece captures the reflections of the STiR members in attendance. The artwork features stylised people in shades of orange, cream, and blue, surrounded by handwritten reflections and quotes about mentorship, confidence, collaboration, and community in research. Themes include building networks, navigating academia, overcoming imposter syndrome, and supporting future cohorts. The layout is organic and flowing, with swirling blue shapes connecting the quotes.

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Beyond STiR: Reflecting, Sharing, Celebrating

Reconnecting and reflection

• “It’s been a while since we last saw everyone.”
• “Introductions: it’s really nice to see familiar faces.”
• “It’s not a straight road: there are lots of different paths.”
• “It’s not just individuals: it’s a community.”

Building networks and mentorship

• “Mentorship has been invaluable: I’m learning to be a mentor.”
• “It can be intimidating being early in your career and not having a lot on your CV.”
• “There’s a theme of imposter syndrome: it can be scary when writing applications.”
•  “Guidance can change everything.”
• “You have to navigate the language of research and academia.”
• “There’s lots of turnover: I’m used to seeing change happen so fast.”

Looking back

• “Looking back, I wouldn’t have been able to do this without you.”
• “You helped build a bridge.”
• “A culture gap: it’s a shock!”
• “Meeting people helped my ideas grow.”
• “It helped build my confidence.”

Getting started

• “The retreat was so important in getting to know each other.”
• “Projects constantly shift. How can we shape them?”

Communication and sharing

• “We needed a way to keep in touch.”
• “Connection: we have the capacity as a trust to host learning hours.”
• “Help and guidance.”
• “The feedback was invaluable.”
• “Once I’d met people, I could pester and ask for help.”
• “Dinner the night before: an icebreaker!”
• “It was so individual. I could chat and write, felt safe.”

Confidence and growth

• “It’s really hard to fit writing into your day job.”
• “The scene was set without being pushy.”
• “Chatting to people at universities opened up my world.”
• “My focus has shifted.”
• “Skills from this course have helped me elsewhere.”
• “The space felt safe.”
• “Hearing about other people’s work is inspiring.”

Community and looking forward

• “There will be many cohorts, and we will call on you to support future cohorts.”
• “Think forward.”
• “Mental health and social care: we’re figuring out how to unify the field.”
• “We know this doesn’t easily align with everyone’s lives.”
• “Planning for future summits and webinars.”
• “Research isn’t a solitary activity: it’s about a team.”
• “A positive would be the inclusion of lived experience.”
• “I wouldn’t have had the confidence to apply for the internship if it wasn’t for STiR.”

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