The aims of the retreat were twofold – (i) to get to know each other and identify areas of common interest and expertise and (ii) to begin to think about ways we could collaborate in exciting new forms of research by exploiting discipline strengths and interdisciplinary connections.

The retreat began with a keynote presentation from David Bodenhamer (Indiana University) on ‘Connecting Matter, Meaning, and Experience: Data Science, Spatial Humanities, and Deep Maps’. Drawing on his extensive experience as both an academic and leader of a highly influential interdisciplinary research centre, David talked with authority about the ways in which geospatial technologies have influenced, and continue to influence, humanities research. His presentation literally had something for everyone in the room, and many notes were taken!

This was followed by a series of informal ‘getting to know’ activities facilitated by Paul Mahony (Countryscape), leading to the formation of embryonic groups representing different discipline strengths and areas of application. The afternoon session began with a presentation on partnerships and knowledge exchange by Charlotte Stewart (RES) before returning to group work to sketch out initial project ideas. The first day ended with an evening meal and further informal networking as the sun set over the beautiful Low Wood bay.

The second day began with groups ‘walking and talking’ through their project ideas in the grounds of the hotel and along the shores of Windermere. It was liberating to be away from the conference room, flip chart and maker pen, albeit briefly! Mandy Dillon (RES) then gave a presentation on research funding, giving examples of recent and up-and-coming UK and EU calls with an emphasis on geospatial problems or solutions. The remainder of the day was spent working up the detail of the project proposals in readiness for a Dragons’ Den event in which one group member had 2 minutes to pitch the project idea to the assembled dragons – David, Mandy and Charlotte. The tension was palpable, with some groups avoiding the flames whilst others were well and truly singed!

Looking back, there is a lot to be said for getting away from campus, albeit briefly, to get to know colleagues from other departments and research centres and develop new interdisciplinary connections that may ultimately lead to exciting new collaborations. The research retreat has already been a success in this respect.

Over the next 12 months we hope to grow the membership of the group and organize a series of events designed to further stimulate the development of exciting multidisciplinary research and scholarship in geospatial data science. If you would like to be part of this group, please do get in touch!

Duncan Whyatt, Lancaster Environment Centre

Patricia Murrieta-Flores, Digital Humanities

Barry Rowlingson, Health and Medicine (CHICAS)

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