In this interactive workshop we will aim to de-mystify the policies and processes of research funding, exploring how funding is awarded and managed in the UK and the types of funding that might be available to you.

Have you submitted your thesis, or are you close to completion? This online workshop is designed to guide you through the process of preparing for your viva and giving your best possible performance on the day.

By the end of the course, you'll be able to: identify the appropriate alternative funding bodies for you, find them via books and the internet, and apply strongly and correctly.

As part of this course there will be signposting towards modes of collective care and guidance on how to set up groups such as climate cafes that can be spaces of mutual aid and support. The course is also geared towards encouraging action, and participants will have time to discuss what would be helpful for them moving forward as a cohort.

This session intends to raise awareness of the history of academic freedom, the different definitions that are both legal and de facto (rights in practice but not in statue). It will be a chance to participate and consider the current complex debates on academic freedom and the current legislative changes being considered in the UK.

This training builds on a collaborative digital 'carekit' for activists already in development, being written by Dr Audrey Verma and Dr Heather McKnight, and illustrated by Griselda Gabriele. The carekit draws from a workshop presented by at the CHASE Taking Care in the Climate Crisis conference (2021) but was funded by a Leverhulme grant headed by Dr Audrey Verma.