The world of academia is often seen as a solitary pursuit, but a growing number of researchers are discovering the benefits of extracurricular activities that bring colleagues together. From choirs to sports teams, these activities are not only fun but also foster a sense of community and improve personal and professional skills. This article explores the diverse ways in which these activities are transforming the academic landscape, with a focus on the personal and professional advantages they offer.
The Power of Music: Choirs and Bands
Music has long been a powerful tool for bringing people together, and its impact in academic settings is no exception. Sarah Jenkinson, an organic chemistry lecturer at the University of Oxford, was inspired by Gareth Malone's TV series 'The Choir: Sing While You Work' to start a departmental choir. The Oxford Chemistry Choir, known as the Keytones, has since become a thriving community, with a diverse repertoire that includes a cappella, jazz, popular music, and Christmas carols. The choir practices once a week at lunchtime and includes a mix of academics, professional staff, postdocs, PhD students, and fourth-year undergraduates.
John Walsby-Tickle, a mass spectrometry services manager who joined the choir in 2016, highlights the social benefits of being part of the choir. It provides an opportunity to connect with colleagues from different research groups, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Ian Craddock, head of the School of Civil, Aerospace, and Design Engineering at the University of Bristol, established a staff choir in 2025 to strengthen community ties between academic and professional staff. The choir, which meets on Wednesday lunchtimes, sings light-hearted pop music and has been described as a 'melting pot' of staff who may not have otherwise interacted.
Richard Corsi, dean of the School of Engineering at the University of California, Davis, took a different approach by forming a faculty and staff band called the Technically Hip. The band plays a mix of alternative and indie rock, funk, Latin, pop, and blues, and has been instrumental in bringing people together, both on and off the stage. The band's performances have helped to create a positive and cohesive work environment, especially after the challenges of the pandemic.
Sports Teams: Building Bridges and Fitness
Sports teams are another popular way to foster community and camaraderie in academic settings. Marc Le Boursicaud, a postdoc in combustion science, set up a postdoc bouldering team at the Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education (Cares). The team meets weekly after work and has helped to create a more welcoming atmosphere in the open-plan lab. Lex Lim, a chemical engineering postdoc and bouldering team member, emphasizes the importance of working on shared objectives with colleagues from different research teams.
Daniel Karadzas, a final-year biochemistry PhD student, established the Gibbet Hill Rovers, a mixed football team comprising PhD students, postdocs, academics, and professional staff at the University of Warwick. The team's goal was to bring people together across the campus, and it has been successful in fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. The team's occasional matches against other departments and the student-versus-staff matches have become a highlight of the academic year, with even PhD supervisors joining in.
Personal and Professional Advantages
The benefits of these extracurricular activities extend far beyond the workplace. Craddock's survey of the Cade choir respondents revealed a significant impact on personal wellbeing, with mentions of reduced stress and increased happiness. The choir's weekly practices provide a much-needed break from the pressures of work, offering a sense of relaxation and enjoyment. Similarly, the sports teams contribute to increased physical fitness, an added bonus for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
These activities also provide opportunities for professional development. The Cade choirmaster's weekly voice training sessions are particularly beneficial for those with jobs that involve public speaking. Singing with the Technically Hip has boosted Marina Radulaski's confidence in her scientific choices, demonstrating the creative synergy between music and science. Organizing the Gibbet Hill Rovers has improved Karadzas' people management and organizational skills, while bouldering has taught Lim the art of approaching problems from multiple angles.
In conclusion, extracurricular activities in academic settings offer a multitude of benefits, from fostering community and collaboration to enhancing personal and professional skills. These activities provide a much-needed break from the solitary nature of research, offering a chance to connect, learn, and grow. As universities continue to embrace these initiatives, the academic landscape is likely to become more vibrant, cohesive, and supportive, ultimately benefiting both the individuals and the institutions they serve.
