Offsite Research Writing Event: Winter 2025

The Graduate Research Academy’s Winter 2025 Offsite Research Writing Event (ORWE) will run Wednesday 11 – Friday 13 June 2025, on the tranquil grounds of Peter Canisius House, Pymble. PCH is owned by Jesuit and Ignatian Spirituality Australia (with religious iconography on the grounds), but the the content and structure of the retreat of the ORWE is designed and  run by Macquarie University's Graduate Research Development team.

This 3-day/2-night residential will provide you with a unique opportunity to progress your thesis writing and hone your writing skills away from everyday distractions. Places are strictly limited and will be allocated to research candidates on a first-come-first-served basis providing the conditions below are satisfied. Priority will also be given to those who have not participated in a GRA offsite event before.

Please ensure that you read all the information before applying.

Details about the Offsite Research Writing Event

Accommodation and all meals will be covered by the GRA. Each participant will have their own room; bathrooms are shared facilities. Please note that transport is not included; successful applicants will need to arrange their own transport. Ample parking is available on site and there is a bus stop in front of the venue. Participants need to BYO laptop, power cords and other peripherals such as external monitor, keyboard, headphones. Wi-Fi will be available.

Arrival is 8am - 8:30am, Wednesday 11 June. The retreat program will start promptly at 8:45am and end at 4pm, Friday 13 June. Each day timetables large chunks of writing time so you can get on with your own thesis writing, but we’ll also provide facilitated writing-focused activities and access to 1:1 consultations with a Graduate Research Development Advisor. 

Criteria for Attendance

To be considered for the Offsite Research Writing Event candidates need to:

·     commit to the whole 3-day program* and agree to the terms and conditions,

·     present a convincing outline of what they will be working on over the three days that demonstrates they are in a writing intensive stage of candidature, and

·     have the support of their supervisor in attending the event.

*Given that the limited number of places are being sponsored by the GRA, successful applicants who do not attend all three days or comply with the outlined terms and conditions will be penalised.

How to Apply

1) Register your interest via myRDC before Friday 16 May.

2) Complete the Attendee Application Form (see attachment below).

3) Have one of your supervisors review and sign the Application Form.

4) Email the completed Application Form to gr.development@mq.edu.au within 2 weeks of registering on the myRDC.

If your Application Form is not received within 2 weeks of your myRDC registration, you may be removed from the registration list to allow other candidates the opportunity to apply.

Graduate Research Students