As part of the eFutures Women’s Pilot project, eFutures recently brought together a cohort of researchers for a dedicated Writing Retreat focused on collaboration, proposal development, and community building. The Women’s Pilot project aims to increase the representation of women within the EPSRC funding portfolio nationally, while also contributing at a European level to the shared goals of the European Chips Diversity Alliance.
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The retreat was hosted in Newcastle, Co. Down, a setting where the Mourne Mountains meet the sea. The location provided an ideal environment for focused work, reflection, and meaningful exchange, allowing participants to step away from day-to-day pressures and dedicate time to developing ideas and building connections.
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Over the course of the retreat, participants engaged in structured and informal discussions that enabled conversations to evolve into concrete plans. Research ideas were refined, collaborative relationships strengthened, and proposals actively developed. The workshop created space for openness and creativity, supporting participants to share experiences, challenge assumptions, and explore ambitious collaborative projects in a supportive setting.
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One of the most encouraging aspects of the retreat was the strong sense of generosity and mutual support within the group. Participants brought diverse expertise and perspectives, and the collaborative atmosphere enabled peer learning and constructive feedback throughout the event. For many, the opportunity to work alongside peers facing similar challenges was particularly impactful.
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“As a woman working in engineering, participating in this women’s retreat was transformative. It gave me the opportunity to share my experience with other women facing the same challenges, and gave me the space for focus and concentrated writing.”
Daniela Iacopino, Tyndall National Institute—-
The success of the Writing Retreat highlights the value of creating dedicated spaces for collaboration within the microelectronics research community. Such initiatives not only support individual career progression but also help to build momentum, strengthen networks, and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable research ecosystem for the future of microelectronics in Europe.
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eFutures would like to thank all those who took part in the retreat for their engagement, energy, and contributions. We look forward to building on the outcomes of this event and continuing to support initiatives that foster collaboration, inclusion, and impact across the community.
