…to quote the title of a very old Simon and Garfunkle song! You will understand why I have chosen the title to this blog as you read on.

I have been working on the resilience strand of the Courage Project and I would like to thank the 18 PGRs that have come forward to be interviewed from both the UEA and the University of Suffolk. We have discussed what it is like being a PGR, how the UEA/UoS as institutions can help stop their resilience being tested, and the various training and activities offered by the Courage Project. I will be writing my report shortly.

I have noticed that some of the blogs written for the Lakeside View recently have been written anonymously, and when conducting interviews participants often double-checked that they would not be able to be identified. It is clear that while PGRs want to share some of the distressing experiences they have had while researching, they are fearful that speaking out will have a negative effect on either their PhD or future job prospects should their identity become known. It is also clear that these experiences, in many cases, have had severe negative consequences for their mental well-being.

While this fear persists and PGRs are only willing to speak out when studies such as the Honesty Project (which took place in 2015) or the current Courage Project are being conducted, many researchers will be suffering in silence. What would make you less fearful of making your voice heard? For example, does there need to be some kind of written and signed undertaking that should a complaint be made the complainant will not be discriminated against? I would be interested to hear your thoughts and suggestions (see my contact details below). This is a problem that needs solving and I cannot claim to know the answer, but it would be good to have your ideas towards a possible solution.

As you will see from various newsletters, we are holding a Courage Festival on 11th September. I look forward to seeing many of you there and will be happy to discuss my research with you.

This article is written by Linda Horsnell, Part-Time PhD candidate (LDC), Associate Tutor and Courage Project Intern.