My Research Interests
Positive Academia
Positive Academia Network
Background
Positive Academia: The History
In January 2022 Anne-Wil Harzing formally launched the #PositiveAcademia initiative on LinkedIn. You can read more about Anne-Wil’s long-standing engagement in crafting and cultivating positive academic cultures here. Inspired by the idea, Christa Sathish has supported Anne-Wil’s initiative, during her three-year PhD at Middlesex University. Christa integrated Positive Academia activities into her teaching practices, and she used every opportunity to support fellow PGRs as well as ECRs. As part of these activities, she developed a Well-Being Activities for Teaching Guide as well as Social Media for Teaching – How to Guide . After her PhD, driven by her aim to make a real difference for others, Christa had the idea to take the #PositiveAcademia initiative further and initiated the foundation of the Positive Academia Network. Our network features the #PositiveAcademia initiative, as well as wider core components associated with research and practice in universities worldwide.
Our Mission and Vision
Drawing on high-quality research that involves our network of researchers and external stakeholders, we craft and cultivate a Positive Academia for Global Universities by creating real-life impact for both junior and senior academics.
Our vision is to be the world’s premier network driving the development of a Positive Academia, and to build a hub where stakeholder knowledge comes together to explore innovative, inclusive and sustainable solutions for universities worldwide.
Meet the Founding Team
- Positive Academia Network Founder: Dr Christa Sathish (mail@christasathish.com), The University of Westminster
- #PositiveAcademia Initiative Founder: Prof Anne-Wil Harzing (anne@harzing.com), Middlesex University
- Founding Member: Prof Charles Chi Cui (c.cui@westminster.ac.uk), The University of Westminster
- Founding Member: Dr Nico Pizzoloato (n.pizzolato@mdx.ac.uk), Middlesex University
- Founding Member: Prof Sarah Fidment (s.fidment@mmu.ac.uk), Manchester Metropolitan University
Left to right: Prof Charles Chi Cui, Prof Sarah Fidment, Dr Christa Sathish, Prof Anne-Wil Harzing
Dr Nico Pizzolato (Associate Professor)
Activities & Resources
Over the next few months, we are launching our network activities through various online and on-site events, including workshops, meetings and discussions. We are also conducting rigorous research, which will inform all our actions and activities and aims to create real-life impact for universities worldwide.
Events
22nd November 2023 - “Creativity, Collaboration and Co-Creation: Building Positive Networks”
We warmly invite you to join other Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) and Early Careers Researchers (ECRs) in this onsite event at the University of Westminster, Marylebone Campus, London.
This event is designed to foster debates and conversations that support your Postgraduate or Early Career Research journeys. The aim is to facilitate creative approaches to research and collaborative learning, helping us understand how to build positive relationships and co-produce knowledge that address challenges in the complex research, teaching, and organisational cultures that we navigate. Additionally, this event will be a great opportunity to find and develop collaborative relationships and micro-support systems within the Positive Academia Network for PGRs and ECRs. By participating, you will pioneer a unique global support network designed to make positive differences to universities worldwide.
Resource Bulletin
We are the provider of the Crafting & Cultivating Positive Academia Resource Bulletin and encourage everyone to subscribe to our Positive Academia JISC List in order to receive the latest news about our activities and high quality information that will help you to make a positive difference in and for your university.
Resource Bulletin: Edition #1
This month’s topic is dedicated to “Happiness is a good flow of life” – Zeno
Resource Bulletin: Edition #2
This month’s topic is dedicated to -We Are All Different-
Supporting PGR and ECR Academics
PGR Support: Completing a PhD as a Neurodivergent Female Academic
At Positive Academia, we understand the importance of taking care of your well-being as a PhD student. Pursuing a doctorate can be challenging, but with our dedicated support program, we are here to help you navigate through the ups and downs of your academic journey. I am often questioned about how I was able manage a young family and complete a full-time PhD at the same time. Quite often people see these as incompatible. While I disagree with such perceptions, I believe it has a lot to do with who we are, our background, life experiences and our personality type and it may not be easy for everyone. I am twice exceptional (namely, autistic and profoundly gifted). In this post, I aim to provide some tips and tricks to navigate the PhD journey based on my own experiences. While I have kids, my advice may also be useful to postgraduate researchers (PGRs) who do not have children.
PGR Support: PhD Wellness
At Positive Academia, we understand the importance of taking care of your well-being as a PhD student. Pursuing a doctorate can be challenging, but with our dedicated support program, we are here to help you navigate through the ups and downs of your academic journey. Our PhD Wellness initiative offers a range of resources and workshops tailored specifically to support your physical and mental well-being. From stress management techniques to strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, we’ve got you covered. Join our network of like-minded researchers and let us empower you to thrive in your PhD studies. Connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay updated with the latest news and events. Together, let’s create a positive and nurturing academic environment for all.
Academics Wellbeing Matters
At Positive Academia, we believe that the wellbeing of academics is of utmost importance. We understand the challenges and pressures that come with pursuing a career in academia, and we are committed to creating a positive and nurturing environment for all. Our mission is to support junior and senior academics by providing resources, workshops, and a supportive community. From our dedicated PGR Support program to our PhD Wellness initiative, we aim to empower researchers to thrive in their academic journey. Join our network and let us help you make a positive difference in and for your university. Connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay updated with the latest news and events. Together, let’s build a positive academia where wellbeing truly matters.
Supporting Positive Teaching and Learning Cultures
Social Media for Teaching Guide
Well-Being Activities For Teaching Guide
At Positive Academia, we understand the importance of taking care of your well-being as an educator. Teaching can be demanding, but we believe that prioritizing your own well-being is essential for creating a positive and nurturing learning environment. Our Well-Being Activities for Teaching offers a range of resources, strategies, and workshops designed to support your physical and mental well-being. From mindfulness exercises to stress management techniques, we provide you with the tools you need to thrive in your teaching journey. Join our network and let us empower you to create a balanced and fulfilling teaching experience. Connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay updated with the latest news and events. Together, let’s build a positive academia where well-being matters.
Interconnected Learning Guide
Are you ready to unlock the power of interconnected learning? At Positive Academia, we believe that learning is more than just acquiring knowledge in isolation. My Interconnected Learning Guide is your roadmap to a vibrant and collaborative learning experience. Discover innovative teaching practices, and engage with diverse perspectives. Join us in shaping the future of education and embrace the endless possibilities of interconnected learning. Connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter to stay updated with the latest trends and insights. Let’s create a positive and inclusive academia together!
Supporting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Academia
The SWAN project
This project created two swans reflecting CYGNA’s equal, inclusive, collective identity and the diversity of the network and its members.
When inclusion becomes exclusion: The problems of the label ‘disability networks’
In this reflective this blog post I aim to start the conversation of how ‘disability networks’ are labelled in universities. I am drawing on Armstrong’s (2010) book ‘the power of Neurodiversity’, which focuses on seven conditions: ADHD, autism, dyslexia, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, intellectual disability, and schizophrenia. Armstrong (2010) defines neurodiversity as a world comprising forms of natural human differences, which were previously referred to as mental disorders of neurological origin.