Networks Archive

Research networks are typically started by post-graduate research students, and because of this, networks tend to follow the lifecycle of a research degree. When a research network has run its course and there is no longer a CHASE-affiliated researcher to steer the ship, we move the network from the active Networks page to the Networks Archive.

Here, you’ll find networks that had previously been a part of CHASE Networks. These networks had run successful events and workshops, put together projects and fostered community. But for networks to be archived doesn’t mean they have to stay archived. If there’s an archived network that you believe you can breathe new life into, you are warmly invited to inquire about restarting the network,

If you are a research student or researcher at a CHASE-affiliated institution and you would like to restart a network, please get in touch at networks@chase.ac.uk.


Diversity Network

The Diversity group was formed from a conversation during Encounters, Autumn 2018. The idea was to propose a space within the conference as a retreat, but with the specific intention of supporting those with mental health.
Diversity has undergone some revision over the last two years, as a group for those with, but not limited to, hidden disabilities, it has become an active member of the family of CHASE networks.In recent months, as a reaction to the Covid pandemic, it has functioned as a zoom retreat for a chat and a coffee in a (virtual) confidential space.

Whilst inclusion at a virtual Encounters, goes against the grain of the group, it’s important to extend this network to the new cohort.

You are welcome you as part of the CHASE family and to come along and discuss the parameters of the group further.

In the meantime or to find out more about the coffee mornings, please feel free to email me (Jack) with any queries: jr18977@essex.ac.uk.

CHASE Decolonising Network

The CHASE Decolonising Network has been set up to counter the colonial realities of the university and to collectively imagine other possibilities.

We will be officially launching the network along with our Decolonising CHASE campaign and our new reading and writing group. Expect discussion, campaigning, poetry and more!

For more information, please contact: chase.decolonise@gmail.com
Website: www.chasedecolonise.com
Twitter: @ChaseDecolonise


The CHASE Education Network

The CHASE Education Network aims to unite researchers across disciplines who are interested in developing research skills and understanding relating to schooling, children, young people and society. It connects researchers across disciplines interested in conducting cutting edge research on the educational process in various cross-cultural settings. The Network will enable us to share innovative methodologies appropriate for working with children and young people, discuss evolving policies and regulations relating to ethics and safeguarding when conducting research with children, and to share findings and theoretical insights from various forms of research with children and young people in educational settings. The aim of the network is to share practical as well as theoretical developments related to research with children and young people both in UK and internationally.

Run by Ayisha Ahmed, doctoral researcher at SOAS.


CHASE Meditation and Mindfulness Network

For over fifty years scientists have been illustrating the health potential of meditation; over 30,000 studies, and reports in the scholarly databases. Thousands of preliminary experiments have led to mindfulness’s integration with health and social policy. UK social policy has identified that mindfulness could support the UK’s ‘mental capital’ linking it to improved mental health and a competitive economy in the future. However, mindfulness is a complex and fragmented area for researchers to navigate as many different forms exist. A paradox has also emerged where the results of individual studies are not being confirmed through replication or systematic reviews. Since the 1970s scientists have been evidencing problems in the theoretical and methodological engagement with meditation. A lack of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary engagement has led to significant gaps in our knowledge. Meditation technologies look set to continue to play a major role in health and wellbeing.

New approaches to understand, study and apply meditation, particularly mindfulness are needed. Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary investigations are rare but have much to tell us about how to harness the potential of mindfulness. For example, to what extent is mindfulness scientific or spiritual? The CHASE Meditation and Mindfulness Network aims to bring together the stakeholders of meditation and meditation research, including practitioners, researchers and clinicians, to share experiences, knowledge and best practices. We will provide a platform to stimulate disciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary discussion in the field of mindfulness and meditation research. We also hope to develop conversations able to encourage new approaches and projects. 

Email: chasemmn@gmail.com | Twitter@CHASEMeditation


The Walter Benjamin Research Collective

The Walter Benjamin Research Collective aims to promote critical debate amongst doctoral candidates and post-doctoral researchers engaging with different aspects of Benjamin’s extensive body of work. Conscious of the far-reaching influence of Benjamin’s writings within a variety of disciplines, the WBRC encourages intellectual exchange across international networks, bringing together early career researchers from different strands of scholarship and facilitating interdisciplinary discussion.

The proposed format for these gatherings is a monthly virtual meeting centred on suggested readings of specific passages from selected writings, as well as recent angles in Benjamin studies. Each session will be led and curated by a different researcher, giving participants the chance to tailor sessions to their specific academic interests as well as open up any difficulties they have encountered to the rest of the group.

While being centred on Benjamin’s corpus, the WBRC is also open to researchers whose primary object of study may not be Benjamin’s writings, but whose research still engages with a particular strand or aspect of his work. Researchers at an early stage of their career, i.e. doctoral and postdoctoral, are especially encouraged to join.

If you would like to become involved in the activities of the WBRC and appear on our email list, please register your interest by contacting WBResearchCollective@gmail.com with a few lines on your current project(s).

Find out more about the Walter Benjamin Research Collective here.



CHASE Practice as Research Network (PaR)

The Practice as Research Network addresses a gap in provision with regards to training, dissemination and promotion of Practice as Research (PaR) PhDs specifically. The network aims to create a home for PaR students and academics. Relevant subject areas span across the Arts and Humanities and include disciplines such as acting, music, live art, literature, dance, film-making and directing. More broadly the network will address a growing and diverse research methodology, with the aim of celebrating, promoting and engaging critically with its role within the academy. The network is committed to supporting and promoting the development of the methodology and in creating a home for PaR at CHASE that supports and enhances the research undertaken.

See the Practice as Research Network 2022/2023 programme here.

For more information, please contact: chaseparnetwork@gmail.com


Feminist and Queer Archives Research Network

The Feminist and Queer Archives network was founded by Hatty Nestor and Lily Evans-Hill in 2019. We established the network with the view to connect researchers using innovative methodologies informed by feminist and queer knowledges and politics. As part of the activities of the network, we organised and undertook archival training, oral history training and held reading and discussion groups. In 2021, we wrote a reading list inspired by our collaborations:

https://sites.gold.ac.uk/animatingarchives/a-queer-feminist-archive-reader/

We are looking for CHASE researchers to take over the network now that we are approaching submission. There is budget left for training and study trips, and the network is open to adapting to the particulars of the new members of the network. Please let me know if you would like to lead the network by emailing: networks@chase.ac.uk.


SAVAnT (Scholars of American Visual Arts and Text)

SAVAnT is the CHASE doctoral school in American art and visual culture, exploring how Art History intersects with American Studies and other relevant disciplines. SAVAnT seeks to map the lines that lie across and between Art History, Visual Culture, and American Studies in all historical periods, and across the Americas broadly defined.

The school aims to support research and dialogue both between these fields and between CHASE institutions. If your PhD includes aspects of American visual material, SAVAnT warmly invites your participation.


CHASE Medical Humanities Network

The Medical Humanities Network aims to bring researchers working within the disparate field of medical humanities together, with the purpose of facilitating a knowledge exchange between members. With an interdisciplinary focus, the network will take the form of reading groups, exhibition visits, and informal discussion.

Please email chasemedhums@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list.

Twitter: @CHASEMedHums

Find out more about the CHASE Medical Humanities Network, including past events, here.

Not finding what you’re looking for and want to start a research network from scratch? Here’s how.

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