Resilience & Personal Development on the Research Journey
This BIP is uniquely tailored for postgraduate research students who wish to strengthen their resilience and foster personal growth throughout their research journey. It explores the factors and techniques that enable researchers to adapt and thrive in the face of challenges. By focusing on resilience, reflective practices, self-awareness, coping strategies and practical skills, this BIP combines theoretical perspectives with interactive, hands-on activities. The emphasis is placed on active engagement and personal development to support researchers both academically and personally.
A positive mindset can transform the research journey. By cultivating resilience and reflective practices—such as boosting motivation, managing stress, and embracing openness and creativity—researchers can strengthen relationships, expand their networks, and reframe challenges as opportunities. This interactive, practice-based BIP examines the key factors that shape resilience and well-being in research and seeks to equip students with skills in developing resilience and reflection which are essential for sustaining both personal and academic progress. Students will draw on their own experiences while exploring the role of supervision, peer support, expectation management, and tailored interventions. As part of this BIP, participants will create a personalized reflective action plan to address challenges and build self-resilience. Through an ongoing cycle of learning, application, reflection, and refinement, they will embed reflective practices within their research journey—promoting personal growth, enriching scholarly dialogue with peers, and strengthening their capacity to achieve the successful completion of their research studies. As part of the site visits, participants will engage with local wellness professionals for breathwork, relaxation, and mindfulness experiences. Participants will need a basic level of fitness to enjoy a gentle nature walk and light yoga session. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots and raincoat are required for the outdoor activity. This programme is jointly coordinated by the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Universidad de Burgos (UBU) and Politécnico de Leiria (Ipleiria)
This BIP will be delivered through interactive and engaging online sessions, starting on May 4th, followed by a one-week intensive in-person workshop series at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Moylish Campus, Limerick between May 25th - 29th 2026.
Image source: Catríona Murphy (2025)
4th of May 2026 to 5th of June 2026
English
To be defined by each home institution. Students may have an E+BIP certificate on approval of successful completion
Applicants must be enrolled in a postgraduate study at EQF Level 7/8 or NFQ Level 9/10 (Master's/PhD degree or equivalent).
Programme at a glance
Week 2: Stress management and resilience
Week 3: Reflection and resilience in research
May 25th 2026 9am –5pm: Introduction, team building and networking as well as reflection, stress management and creative writing workshops and evening networking dinner event (12 hrs).
May 26th 2026 9am -5pm: Keynote speakers and workshops will include breath work, reflective practice, personal development, resilience and advanced communication skills and group learning activities (8hrs).
May 27th 2026 8am - 6pm: Site visits to regional wellness operators to include breath work, yoga and nature based mindfulness walk as well as self reflective practice, peer learning and networking lunch (10 hrs + 2 hrs reflection). To take part in activities a basic level of fitness, comfortable clothing and walking shoes/boots required.
May 28th 2026 9am -5pm: Mentored group work presentation preparation followed by self-guided individual tool kit development and submission session. (8 hrs + 2 hrs self reflection activities).
May 29th 2026 9am -3pm: Active participation required by each participant in group presentation delivery and reflection activities, discussion, networking lunch, peer learning and feedback session (6 hrs).
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme, learners will be able to:
Evaluate the benefits of a positive mind set
Drawing on researchers' own experiences apply appropriate theories to conceptualize the meaning and role of resilience and refection in the research journey.
Deepen understanding of oneself and awareness of others in the research context.
Create an individual tool kit for resilience with practical tools and techniques.
Develop advanced skills and understanding in navigating complex situations, managing stress, and communicating effectively in various contexts
Selection criteria
Applicants must be currently enrolled in a postgraduate study (NFQ Level 7 or 8 or NFQ Level 9 or 10) e.g. Masters, Master's tracking PhD degree, PhD/Doctorate, Post Doctoral or equivalent.
Applicants must demonstrate active engagement in their current research journey.
Ability to articulate current or anticipated challenges within their research process.
Openness to contributing to peer discussions, sharing experiences, and supporting collective learning.
Involved organisations and persons
Polytechnic University of Leiria
Partner Organisation- Ana Luísa de Oliveira Gonçalves Pires (Instructor)
- Ana Sofia da Costa Viana (Instructor)
Technological University of the Shannon
Lead Organisation- Catriona Murphy (Lead Instructor)
- Helga Himmelsbach (Regional Stakeholder)
- Noëlle O Connor (Instructor)
University of Burgos
Partner Organisation- Clara Perez Cornejo (Instructor)
- Paula Rodríguez Torrico (Instructor)
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Grant Agreement Number: 101124674