Last March, I had the pleasure of attending the DRI Retreat in Manchester. As it was my first time at the event, I was really looking forward to meeting new people in the community and taking part in a more interactive, discussion-driven programme.
Something for everyone
Each day of the retreat had a different theme, ranging from more technical topics - such as data management and policy - to more interpersonal areas like career progression, communication, and leadership. This mix made the experience both insightful and refreshing.
My favourite days were Monday, focused on Interconnected DRI, and Tuesday, centred on Human DRI. The first day included several table discussions, which I found to be a great way to start getting to know people. As someone relatively new to this community, I’m still getting my head around the diversity of roles that keep it up and running!
Sorry... what was that?
One thing that really stood out, and that resonates strongly with my role in SHAREing, was the session on effective communication. We were asked to explain one of our recent projects to different audiences – such as a line manager, a funder, or even a 10-year-old. This simple exercise made a huge difference in how we chose our words and analogies.
It really reinforced how important it is to understand who we are communicating with and what message we want to convey. The discussion also touched on the use of acronyms – often a barrier to clear communication. One of the most entertaining moments was hearing examples of the funniest misunderstandings caused by unfamiliar acronyms. It was a great reminder of the importance of using accessible language whenever possible.
So, how do you apply for funding?
Later in the week, one of the standout sessions was the "Answering Funding Calls" exercise on Thursday afternoon. During this session, we had the opportunity to work in groups to draft a response to a real funding call. It was particularly interesting to see the kinds of questions people raised, and where the process became complicated or unclear for applicants. This is something we are keen to take forward and apply in our own future funding rounds.
A great week all round
Overall, it was a fantastic week – a great opportunity to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and reflect on shared challenges and successes. A big thank you to everyone involved in organising such a valuable and engaging event!