We would like to share an update from Yumiko Fujita Imanishi:
I am honoured to have been awarded the CILTER conference fund to attend the doctoral course “Sharpen Your Research Edge: Enhancing Research & Professional Practice”, hosted by Xi’an Jiaotong‑Liverpool University (XJTLU) in collaboration with the University of St Andrews, from 12–16 January 2026 in Suzhou, China.
This funding is particularly meaningful to me as a public‑schoolteacher in Japan. Unlike university lecturers, schoolteachers do not receive financial allowances to support conference participation or conduct research, an issue that often goes unnoticed because we represent a very small minority within the DProf programme. At times, this has made me wonder whether I should transition into academia, although I strongly believe there is great value in carrying out research within the school context. Balancing professional development opportunities with the tuition fees required for the DProf can therefore be challenging. The CILTER conference fund plays a crucial role in enabling teachers like me to participate in international academic activities and advance our research practice.
One of the most valuable aspects of the course was the opportunity to meet my teachers and classmates in person, anywhere on campus, and engage in spontaneous discussions about research topics, questions, and concerns. Studying side‑by‑side with them was a completely different experience from my usual online DProf work. While online study offers flexibility and makes it possible to pursue the DProf while working full‑time, the in‑person environment significantly strengthened the bonds between classmates and teachers. It also allowed me to form new friendships with peers who share similar goals and aspirations.
Learning from lecturers at XJTLU, whose areas of expertise differ from those at the University of St Andrews, was also valuable. Their diverse perspectives enriched the course and broadened my understanding of research and professional practice.
I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, and I hope to maintain the friendships and academic connections that were built during this course. I look forward to continuing to learn, collaborate, and grow together.
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Episode 5 Doctoral Journeys – Beyond the Doctorate: David Little is now available on Spotify. The accompanying SAJILE academic blog posts will also be published soon. Stay tuned for updates!