Academic Marginalia

Normally, when writing this end of year reflection I have focussed on all the successes that I have experienced and not mentioned any of the challenges or failures that always punctuate academic life. From the missed deadlines for research papers or grant applications, to the seemingly inevitable rejections that follow those that do get submitted, and the sense of being overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work - these are common experiences to all of us in academia and indeed versions of these experiences are common to everyone.

It is not a revelation that challenging experiences and failures in life are important learning opportunities - indeed more important than the successes in some respects.  Reflecting on both types of experience to reinforce positive behaviours and identify areas to adapt ones behaviour when needed, but it is not necessarily a given that this learning happens.  My own practice in this regard has been inconsistent, which I now think is a contributory factor to t…

I recently had an opportunity to share my STEM Journey with students who attended the Stemettes Monster Confidence event at CDW in Peterborough.  The slides below are from my talk, which highlights how my interest in computing and electronics, and a sustained curiosity that has led me to a career in academia.


My STEM Journey - Arosha K. Bandarafrom Arosha Bandara

I recently gave a talk to colleagues in the School of Computing & Communications on my experience of developing a cross-disciplinary research agenda, grounded in software engineering but reaching out to build collaborations with colleagues working in artificial intelligence, human computer interaction, social psychology, policing, health and social care.

I discussed some of the differences between multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research together with the opportunities for innovation, impact and inclusion that arise through these activities.  The talk also covered ways of overcoming some of the challenges of cross-disciplinary research at a personal, group and systemic level.  I suggest a credo for this type of research agenda should include openness, competence, courage and curiosity.

The slides from this talk are available below.


Working at the Edge: Developing a Cross-disciplinary Research Agendafrom Arosha Bandara