I am sorry I had to perform a premature French Exit. I got a call that I had to attend a family emergency. Things turned out not to be quite as bad as they sounded on the phone but it was the right move after all.

@Jasmine, Jayne and Liz: I wanted to reiterate that you absolutely smashed it today! You presented your research to a room packed with 80+ seasoned academics and practitioners and left everyone very impressed. Leo and I were smiling and nodding at each other throughout, and everyone I talked to had very flattering things to say about you. Congratulations!

I also got an e-mail from Oliver Mallett and he had the following to say:

I was very impressed with the PhD lab and explained what I see as great practice to Ines as our PGR Director

Also, apparently Iain Docherty (Director of IAS) was in the room and he ran into Oliver afterwards. Oliver reports:

I spoke to Iain Docherty earlier and he was very happy and impressed by today's session

@Leo: What a great event, congratulations! The room was buzzing (We would have needed those air conditioners even if the weather had been bad, given the positive energy today). I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical that having 20+ flash talks in one day would work, but it did! I am really looking forward to organising more events like these (and being able to be more directly involved and of help next time) and to really harness the energy and momentum you are bringing to Stirling with you. Feeling buzzy!

Best,

Till

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