CDT students, alumni and staff came together recently at Breadsall Priory in Derby for the final Horizon CDT Summer Alumni Student Network Retreat, spending three days catching up, having conversations about research and careers and thinking about what comes next for the Horizon community.
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The retreat brought together current PhD students with alumni now working in both academia and industry. It gave students the chance to hear about different career paths, ask questions and learn how the skills they developed during their PhD have supported them in different careers.
The retreat began with a series of one-minute flash talks, where everyone introduced themselves, shared their research or current role, and highlighted topics they wanted to explore during the event. These were followed by small group discussions, giving students and alumni the chance to connect over shared interests, experiences and challenges.
An alumni networking session focused on the future of the Horizon Alumni Network and how it can continue to support graduates beyond their PhDs. Alumni shared their own career journeys, including experiences of moving into non-academic roles, and reflected on the value of the skills, confidence and interdisciplinary approach they developed during their time at Horizon.
One session explored networking in academia and beyond, challenging the idea that networking has to be formal or uncomfortable. Instead, delegates were encouraged to think of networking simply as having conversations with people who share similar interests and finding opportunities to connect through their work.
The retreat also included funding workshops and International Exchange presentations, showcasing opportunities available to Horizon students and celebrating the experiences gained through international collaborations.
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There was plenty of time for informal conversations, shared meals and activities, giving delegates the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet new members of the Horizon community and strengthen the connections that have been built across Horizon over the years.
Reflecting on the event, alumni described it as “an inspiring and restful few days” and valued the opportunity to reconnect with fellow CDT members, share advice with current students and help shape the future of the alumni network. Many commented on the importance of the supportive community that continues well beyond graduation.
 Enjoying watching the World Cup together |  Friendly competition on the lawn |
As Horizon CDT approaches the end of its programme, the retreat was a reminder of one of its lasting legacies: a strong interdisciplinary community that has grown throughout the programme.
