Researching, Writing and Publishing on Gender, Culture and Society: Upskilling Early Career Researchers (ECRs) in Türkiye is a British Academy funded project led by BIAA Assistant Director Dr Peter Cherry, alongside co-applicants Dr Janine Su (BIAA Publications Editor), Dr Çimen Günay-Erkol (Özyeğin University), Dr Selin Akyüz (TED University) and Dr Murat Göç (TED University).
At 9:30 am on a crisp March morning in Ankara, twenty-five early-career researchers from across Türkiye gathered once again at the British Institute at Ankara (BIAA) for the second instalment of a two-part series of intensive, two-day workshops. Designed to ease the anxieties of academic writing while supporting broader career development, the programme, funded by the British Academy through its International Writing Workshops scheme, brings together a diverse cohort of PhD holders with a shared goal: to develop their research into articles suitable for submission to international peer-reviewed journals.
The first set of workshops, held in October 2025, focused on identifying suitable journals, crafting effective abstracts and building professional networks. In March, the emphasis shifted towards the writing process itself: how to begin, how to sustain momentum and how to cultivate healthy, sustainable academic practices. Just as importantly, participants were given time to deepen connections with one another and engage in focused discussions with their mentors.
Framed by Barry Mason’s concept of “safe uncertainty,” which encourages individuals to embrace questioning within a supportive environment, the workshops opened with reflective exercises. Participants assessed their progress, identified challenges, and set concrete commitments for the next stage of their writing, which were then shared directly with their mentors.
A session led by the BIAA’s Director of Development, Communications and Operations, Martyn Weeds, offered a clear and practical guide to the research funding landscape, demystifying opportunities available to ECRs and outlining strategies for successful applications.
The first day concluded with a lively panel, How do I Pitch a monograph?, featuring representatives from I.B. Tauris, Manchester University Press and Edinburgh University Press. Focusing on Ottoman, modern and contemporary Turkish Studies, the discussion was followed by an engaging Q&A session, during which participants put their questions directly to the commissioning and series editors.
Day two turned to some of the most pressing issues in academic publishing. A session led by Peter Cherry and Martyn Weeds explored strategies for promoting research: from selecting the right conferences to making effective use of podcasts and social media. Importantly, it addressed common anxieties around “self-promotion,” reframing it instead as a form of knowledge-sharing and community-building.
Another session, chaired by Janine Su, brought together perspectives from the Open Library of Humanities and Cambridge University Press to examine how artificial intelligence and open access debates are reshaping the publishing landscape. The discussion prompted thoughtful reflections on accessibility. There was a particularly pertinent discussion on why some researchers are turning to AI tools such as Gemini and ChatGPT and the ethical dangers of doing so.
The workshops concluded with a session led by Dr Alan Greaves on overcoming writer’s block and procrastination. Drawing on his experience as both an academic and a psychotherapist, he introduced practical tools to help participants manage the stress, isolation and pressure that so often accompany the writing process, thereby bringing the programme to a thoughtful and empowering close.
Programmes such as this represent the BIAA’s commitment to supporting early-career researchers in Türkiye and the UK. By creating a supportive, collaborative environment in which early-career researchers can develop their writing, build confidence and access international publishing networks, the workshops not only strengthen individual careers but also contribute to a more inclusive and connected scholarly community across the UK and Türkiye.