Why Research Roundtables: Solving research isolation

By Qual Academy partner Elly Phillips

July 9, 2026

The reality is that independent research projects at undergraduate, masters or doctoral level are assessed, requiring the most caring supervisor to be less involved than they might be in a research collaboration. Conducting your independent research project can be isolating for many other reasons:

❇ Unavailable or unsupportive supervisors

❇ Gaps between supervision meetings

❇ Supervisors without expertise in your research approach

I've said before (on LinkedIn, I believe) how much I've benefitted from collaborative research over the years. I value collaboration so much that I co-authored a book chapter on the topic. I always learn something from the people I collaborate with; it's more motivating than working alone, and I've often found a fantastic synergy from the knowledge we co-create.

I was lucky because I had highly supportive, involved and knowledgeable supervisors during my PhD. Even so, there was a marked difference between how we worked together on my thesis and when we co-authored the papers I created from that work. Like many doctoral students, I struggled to cross the finish line of my PhD, and I don't think I would have published anything without their motivation, support and input. 

Why is there a fee?

Over the years, I've seen how students wish for and pounce on chances for community.  Some individuals generously give their time to create these kinds of opportunities. Typically, they work for an institution that is paying for their time and can carve out some of that for these groups. It's not always possible for individuals in those situations to provide consistent support over a longer timeframe, as they are carving out time in their already busy schedules.

I wanted to provide something with more certainty, regularity and with smaller numbers, guaranteeing participants time and space for their voices to be heard.  Our Research Roundtables offer:

❇ Regular and repeated meetings with the same participants to build familiarity with each other's work

❇ Focused discussion (similar methodologies and stage of research)

❇ A chance to discuss issues of concern with access to a variety of perspectives and experiences to create answers

❇ Sharing similar and different experiences in a small setting

❇ Access to facilitation and recommendations

❇ Building cross-institutional relationships

If you're interested

I hope I've convinced you about the value and contribution of these events to your research. It's more than just 'getting your questions answered', although that's part of it. It's about supporting your motivation, progress, meeting people, creating new ideas and encouraging each other.

Check out more details on this page and fill in the form to let me know you're interested. I'm always looking for enough 'critical mass' (people at a similar stage of research with aligned schedules) to set up one of these groups. 

I'm looking forward to working with you!