The lab meet every Tueday morning for ~2 hours to give lab members the opportunity to present their latest results. Everyone is encouraged to ask questions and offer constructive criticism. It also gives Steve the opportunity to tell everyone about any 'hot' news and provides a forum to discuss and resolve any lab-related issues that may have arisen during the previous week.
In addition to the weekly meetings, the lab goes on retreat once a year. The first retreat took place in Derbyshire in 1998 and since then the lab has visited many parts of the UK including Cornwall, Nottinghamshire, the New Forest, Suffolk, Northamptonshire, Hampshire and West Yorkshire. This year the lab retreat went to the seaside, visiting Hunstanton (knwn as “sunny Hunny”), Norfolk.
During our retreats, each lab member has the opportunity to present a broader overview of their work than is possible in the weekly lab meetings and their plans for the coming year; there are also sessions where lab members have the opportunity to discuss other issues such as lab management, research priorities, new technologies and potential collaborations. It is not all hard work, however. We also make sure there is time for some relaxation as well with group activities ranging from the relatively mild to the positively hair-raising!
The Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute also holds an annual retreat in the autumn at which the group leaders present their labs' progress and ambitions. The Gurdon Institute also has an active post-doctoral association, and all postdocs are assigned a mentor. This, together with weekly internal Institute lectures, provides an excellent opportunity to get to know colleagues from all corners of the Institute.
Kettering 2022
After 2 years, it was great to be on lab retreat once again. This was the first lab retreat for at least half the lab and being all together led to many fruitful discussions, giving everyone renewed enthusiasm for their research. We were able to enjoy the gardens at Kettering Park Hotel as well as taking time out for a bit of ten-pin bowling. This proved to be as competitive as ever. Thanks to Soren Hough for the photos.
Stoke-by-Nayland 2019
This year we headed off to the beautiful Dedham Vale and Constable Country. Unfortunately, the weather prevented us from exploring this lovely part of the world. However, it was another successful retreat with many useful discussions both during our scientific sessions, and over a glass of two of wine!
Stratford-upon-avon 2016
In the year in which we commemorated 400 years since the death of William Shakespeare it seemed appropriate to visit his birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. The retreat was held at Billesley Manore Hotel. As well as the scientific and break-out sessions, there were opportunities to visit some of the sights of Stratford, with lab members taking a Shakespearean themed walking tour.
Hunton Park HoteL 2012
The venue for the retreat this year was Hunton Park Hotel, Leavesden, near Watford.Our lab retreats comprise scientific sessions where each lab member gives a presentation as well as 'breakout' sessions where we discuss what makes a good lab, lab organisation and other issues concerning lab life in general. There were some lively discussions as well as the chance to enjoy the hotel grounds.
There is also the opportunity to take part in at least one organised activity.
This year things got competitive at the local ten-pin bowling alley.
Ashridge Conference Centre 2011
The venue for the retreat this year was Ashridge Conference Centre, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.Our lab retreats comprise scientific sessions where each lab member gives a presentation as well as 'breakout' sessions where we discuss what makes a good lab, lab organisation and other issues concerning lab life in general. There were some lively discussions as well as the chance to enjoy the beautiful gardens and grounds on the edge of the Chilterns.
There is also the opportunity to take part in at least one organised activity. This year things got competitive at the local Go-Karting Centre.
Barnsdale Hall Hotel 2009
The venue for the retreat this year was Barnsdale Hall Hotel, in a beautiful location overlooking Rutland Water. Our lab retreats comprise scientific sessions where each lab member gives a presentation as well as 'breakout' sessions where we discuss what makes a good lab, lab organisation and other issues concerning lab life in general. We were also able to enjoy the lovely setting and warm weather this year.
There is also the opportunity to take part in at least one organised activity. This year there was the opportunity to try out rock climbing and a high ropes course. Some members of the lab preferred to keep both feet on the ground.
Basingstoke Country Hotel 2008
The venue for the retreat this year was Basingstoke Country Hotel near the village of Nately Scures, Hampshire.
Our lab retreats comprise scientific sessions where each lab member gives a presentation as well as 'breakout' sessions where we discuss what makes a good lab, lab organisation and other issues concerning lab life in general. The wonderful weather meant we were able to conduct many of our discussions outside. There is also the opportunity to take part in at least one organised activity. This year paintballing, while not to everyone's taste, allowed some of us to let off a bit of steam!
Scalford Hall 2007
This year we stayed in the plush surroundings of Scalford Hall, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Our lab retreats comprise scientific sessions where each lab member gives a presentation as well as 'breakout' sessions where we discuss what makes a good lab, lab organisation and other issues concerning lab life in general. There is also the opportunity to take part in at least one organised activity. This year the race was on to find the Jackson lab go-karting champions of 2007.
CHevin country park hotel 2006
This year we stayed near Otley, West Yorkshire. Our lab retreats comprise scientific sessions where each lab member gives a presentation as well as 'breakout' sessions where we discuss what makes a good lab, lab organisation and other issues concerning lab life in general. There is also the opportunity to take part in at least one organised activity. This year we opted for water sports on Ponden reservoir in the heart of Bronte country......whilst others enjoyed more leisurely pursuits in the surrounding countryside.
Thoresby Hall 2005
This year we went to Thoresby Hall in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire. Our lab retreats comprise scientific sessions where each lab member gives a presentation as well as 'breakout' sessions where we discuss what makes a good lab, lab organisation and other issues concerning lab life in general. There is also the opportunity to take part in at least one organised activity. This year many of us took to the trees ...
...but there was still time to enjoy more leisurely pursuits.
