Staff in the School of Sport and Exercise Science are organising a seminar series to connect postgraduate researchers (PGRSs) at the University of Lincoln with PGRs at institutions across the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Organised by staff specialising in sport and exercise psychology (Twitter: @LincsSpExPsych), the PGR Connect Seminar Series will run on a weekly basis (Tuesday 9-10.15am UK time) from July 7th to September 1st. The purpose of the series is to create a supportive environment that allows PGRs to share their research and develop their network. Each week, 2-3 PGRs will share the latest findings from their research on topics in sport and exercise psychology, as well as related areas. For more information, please contact Trish Jackman (pjackman@lincoln.ac.uk)....

From the perspective of a mature student who has leaped out of a career back into education, the expectation to not waste any educational opportunities provided is central to one’s thoughts. Extra opportunities with the experts are part of that investment. So the invitations to join the Sport and Exercise Psychology (SEP) Journal Club and research seminars in the School of Sport and Exercise Science, although daunting as a new student, filled me with great excitement. For SEP Journal Club meetings, I considered preparedness key to success. Needing to be able to read, discuss and critically analyse the article was required and accepted as the challenge. Before my first meeting, I felt confident and prepared, but I soon realised how much I had yet to learn. I took note of how fellow club members explained psychological theories, identified research designs, and critically reviewed the work, which left me with new skills, knowledge, and insights. Gaining knowledge, insights, and guidance plus new skills, this is what I was there for and the fellow club members were the ones who helped me get there.  When the next meeting came around, although humbled by last time, I felt reassured from words of encouragement and had a different experience. With the assistance of notes, cross reading and understanding of new terms, feelings of confidence and acceptance were my companions. Confusion still occurred, yet with the help of fellow club members, the hard work had paid off and clarity occurred during the discussions. Collaboration and understanding brightened the path. As I continue with my studies, I have seen these skills developed through Journal Club benefit my reading, assignment writing and my own research design within my course modules. Even with the pandemic, I’m thrilled that Journal Club is continuing through the summer through the use of virtual meetings....

Universities in the UK are increasingly adopting corporate governance structures, a consumerist model of teaching and learning, and have the most expensive tuition fees in the world. This research employed collaborative methods that aimed to develop and define an alternative conceptual framework of knowledge production grounded in co-operative values and principles. The main findings were published as a framework for co-operative higher education, including five 'catalytic principles': knowledge, democracy, bureaucracy, livelihood, and solidarity. We worked with academics, students and co-operative members to put these principles into practice. The research has had impact on political policy and institutional practice through the planned creation of a federated co-operative university that goes beyond the distinction of public and private education....