SICSA Writing Retreat 2026
27-29 April 2026
Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment (SCENE)
Date
Start: 15:00 Monday 27 April 2026
Finish: 14:00 Wednesday 29 April 2026
Location
Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment (SCENE)
About
The 2026 SICSA Writing Retreat will bring together researchers from across Scotland for a two-day intensive writing event.
Programme
The programme will consist of networking and skill sharing activities, in addition to individual and group writing blocks.
Apply
Postdoctoral researchers from any SICSA institution are invited to apply to attend the writing retreat by completing the online form by 1 February 2026.
Spaces are very limited and the SICSA Directorate will be judging applications based on clear and achievable writing plans, quality outputs and benefits to both individual researchers and wider groups. Proposals that involve and benefit multiple SICSA institutions are particularly encouraged.
ApplyOrganisers
The event is being organised by SICSA Director Dr Tim Storer. Please email SICSA if you have any questions.
Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment (SCENE)
Established in 1946, the Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment (SCENE) is University of Glasgow’s pioneering teaching and research facility situated amidst Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
Monday, 27 April 2026
| Time | Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 15:30 – 16:00 | Arrival & Check-in | |
| 16:00 – 17:00 | Welcome & Introductions | |
| 17:30 – 18:30 | Dinner | |
| 18:45 – 19:15 | Pitch Your Writing Project | Individual or Group Writing Block |
| Evening | Social activities (optional) |
Tuesday, 28 April 2026
| Time | Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 – 8:45 | Breakfast | |
| 9:30 – 11:00 | EU Grant Reviewing / Writing Workshop with Stuart Anderson | Individual or Group Writing Block |
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Research-led Education with Debbie Meharg | Individual or Group Writing Block |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch | |
| 13:45 – 15:00 | Writing Project Clinic | Individual or Group Writing Block |
| 15:00 – 16:30 | Career Retrospective with Kate Simpson | Individual or Group Writing Block |
| 16:30 – 17:15 | Writing Project Clinic | Individual or Group Writing Block |
| 17:30 – 18:30 | Dinner | |
| Evening | Social activities (optional) |
Wednesday, 29 April 2026
| Time | Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 – 8:45 | Breakfast | |
| 9:30 – 11:00 | Writing project progress reporting | Individual or Group Writing Block |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | Feedback from participants | Individual or Group Writing Block |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch | |
| 14:00 | Check-out/Departure |
Opportunities for sponsors
SICSA’s 2026 Writing Retreat will welcome academics from across Scotland for a two-day intensive focussed on developing publications and grant proposals. This is a unique opportunity to connect with leading researchers from across the breadth of Computing Science and especially suited to sponsors looking to develop innovation projects and KTPs.
We are committed to making the sponsorship process as seamless and mutually beneficial as possible. By partnering with SICSA, your organisation not only supports the continued success of Scotland’s vibrant computing science community but also gains a unique opportunity to showcase your brand and engage directly with top Scottish computing talent. We understand that sponsorship budgets vary, so we are flexible in ensuring our packages meet your financial capacity while delivering significant value to your organisation.
Whole-event sponsorship
Please contact the SICSA Executive Officer if your organisation is interested in whole-event sponsorship, which provides broader exposure and is tailored to your financial contribution and marketing goals, allowing for customised branding and engagement opportunities. This flexibility ensures that your sponsorship effectively aligns with your organisational priorities while contributing to the success of our event.