Catalys Grant Writing Retreat

Finding time to write can be one of the biggest challenges for clinical academics. Whether you're developing a fellowship application, preparing a grant proposal, writing a research paper or drafting a project proposal, competing clinical and professional demands can make it difficult to make meaningful progress.

Join Manchester Catalys for a dedicated Grant Writing Retreat designed to provide protected writing time in a supportive and productive environment.

Using the highly successful "Shut Up & Write" methodology, widely adopted across universities and research organisations, the retreat will help participants focus on writing, minimise distractions and make tangible progress on their work.

The session will follow the Pomodoro technique, combining focused 25-minute writing blocks with short breaks for reflection, peer support and networking. This approach helps maintain momentum, improve productivity and overcome the challenge of getting started.

✅ Dedicated protected writing time

✅ Structured Pomodoro writing sessions

✅ Accountability and peer support

✅ A supportive environment away from everyday distractions

✅ Advice and guidance from the Manchester Catalys team

✅ Opportunities to connect with fellow clinical academics

This event is open to aspiring and established clinical academics at all career stages from the University of Manchester and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, including:

• Pre-doctoral researchers
• Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers
• Fellowship applicants
• Senior clinical academics
• Individuals preparing grant applications, research papers or project proposals

Whether you're working on your first application or your next major funding bid, this retreat is designed to help you make meaningful progress.

📅 29 July 2026

⏰ 1:00pm – 4:00pm

📍 Room 3.332, Jean McFarlane Building

👥 Limited to 12 places | For people at the UoM or MFT

Please bring along a piece of writing you would like to work on, such as:

• Fellowship application
• Grant application
• Research paper
• Project proposal
• Funding application

This is a working session, so come prepared to write.

Manchester Catalys supports nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, healthcare scientists, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to develop clinical academic careers. Through funding opportunities, seminars, mentoring, networking and career development support, Catalys aims to grow research capacity and capability across the healthcare workforce.

Places are limited to 12 participants to ensure a focused and supportive environment. Early booking is recommended.