PhD student, Ellen Martin was givin Overseas Institutional Visit funding to trave to New Zealand for nine weeks.
Purpose of the trip
View of Rangitoto Island from Devonport, Auckland
The purpose of my overseas institutional visit, hosted by Dr Tom Gregory at the University of Auckland, was to develop my thesis, enhance my PhD experience, and gain some of the experiences and skills necessary to forge a successful academic career. I chose New Zealand not only to work with Tom but also because it is a fascinating place to conduct research on militarism. As such, it’s also an exciting place to be a critical researcher and peace activist, given the country’s history of anti-militarism and resistance (e.g. the anti-nuclear movement and Māori people’s connections with the peace movement). It is therefore no wonder that there are so many important academics working in conflict and peace research in New Zealand. It thus seemed a fitting place for me to develop my networks and research.
The process was smooth and simple, with Joanna providing invaluable advice and support throughout (as well as when I had questions during my time in New Zealand). The initial application gave me structure when I got to New Zealand as well, helping to ensure I stayed on track whilst abroad and met my objectives.
The experience
Another benefit of my time in New Zealand was the connections I made with the Aotearoa peace movement, which included presenting a talk on International Women’s Day, and the development of my knowledge of militarism in a different context. I believe wholeheartedly in the mutually beneficial relationship between critical researchers and the activist community, and it was extremely rewarding to make lasting connections with notable individuals in New Zealand’s peace movement, both in terms of developing my own research and in contributing to the broader critique and action against the power structures my work contests. My engagements have provided exciting opportunities for conducting comparative research.
Weona Reserve, Auckland
Presenting some of my findings to the Politics and International Relations and Critical War networks at the University of Auckland, as well as at the University of Otago, was also an extremely important experience for me. It allowed me to engage with other academics and students from a variety of academic backgrounds, further strengthening my research networks, as well as receiving feedback from them. Most importantly, these opportunities have made me a much more confident researcher and aspiring academic, who feels more assured in the direction of my research and its contribution.
Another benefit of my time in New Zealand was the connections I made with the Aotearoa peace movement, which included presenting a talk on International Women’s Day, and the development of my knowledge of militarism in a different context. I believe wholeheartedly in the mutually beneficial relationship between critical researchers and the activist community, and it was extremely rewarding to make lasting connections with notable individuals in New Zealand’s peace movement, both in terms of developing my own research and in contributing to the broader critique and action against the power structures my work contests. My engagements have provided exciting opportunities for conducting comparative research.
Thoughts on the trip
University of Otago, Dunedin
Presenting my research in Dunedin and to Peace Movement Aotearoa were both originally unexpected by fantastic opportunities for me. I found that many additional opportunities opened up when I got to New Zealand.
Another additional benefit was the time and space that going to New Zealand gave me in developing my research (the vitamin D also helped!!). I was able to write an article and work on my thesis, which I am now a conclusion away from a full draft. I’ve come back to the UK with a fresh perspective and with an endless amount of feedback and insight to build on.
Conclusion
Maungawhau / Mount Eden, Auckland
Overly, I couldn’t recommend the OIV scheme enough, it’s the best thing I have done during my PhD!
The scheme has been life-changing for both my personal and professional development! I loved every minute of my time in New Zealand, forming invaluable connections, experiencing a research culture different to my own, growing in confidence and developing my work. It’s a fantastic scheme, the benefits of which I know will continue to show as I complete my PhD and pursue my future career. The skills I have developed will also be transferable to other careers outside of academia, so would benefit any PhD student.