On your marks! Second round REAVES

Physical project meetings used to mean large cities, easy travel, and quick getaways—the group scattered across different hotels. People would read their emails while one person presented slides, reporting on work done or research results. Most felt it was a waste of time, but at least due diligence was observed.

Then came Covid, and with it, a new familiarity with online meetings. We began to think twice before boarding a plane and, when we did, we wanted to make it count. The retreat workshop emerged as a popular response. In a remote setting, everyone stays at the same hotel, focusing on the work with enough breaks to check emails, make calls, or take fresh air in nearby woods or by the seaside. The intensity of exchange, the quality of decision-making and collective work, and the social bonding among partners are unparalleled. People leave with a sense of accomplishment: we got things done! And they return home energised for the next steps and online meetings.

End of March, the REAVES consortium gathers for its second physical project workshop. In the spirit of fairness, we’ve chosen to make the long journey to remote Jakobstad, hometown of our partner Novia University and neighbour to Kokkola, where Centria University is located. We’re eager to tackle the upcoming workload and excited to experience this unique part of Finland.