Testimonial Dr Tara B. M. Smith

I was very grateful for the opportunity to spend time at the University of Groningen as part of the Faculty of Arts fellowship programme. My visit allowed me to develop new research while building meaningful connections with colleagues and local communities.

During the fellowship, I conducted fieldwork with local gaming communities in collaboration with Dr Lars De Wildt, focusing on questions of gender and community. Working with Lars was a highlight of my time in Groningen. His generosity as a mentor, his careful engagement with my work, and his openness to genuine collaboration made the research both productive and enjoyable. I felt well supported throughout my stay, which made it easier to undertake fieldwork and to think ambitiously about the project.

Our collaboration has continued beyond the fellowship period, and I am pleased that our co-authored chapter on Warhammer and gaming cultures has been accepted for inclusion in an upcoming monograph. The fellowship provided the time and setting in which this work could properly take shape.

The fellowship also offered opportunities beyond Groningen itself. I was able to attend the Dutch DiGRA conference in Utrecht, which I greatly enjoyed. Participating in that scholarly community was energising and helped me situate my research more confidently within the field.

More broadly, the fellowship helped me build academic confidence. Spending time embedded in the Faculty of Arts, and having space for conversation and reflection, strengthened my sense of direction in my research at an important stage of my career.

I also appreciated the strong relationship between the university and the city of Groningen. The city felt welcoming and easy to live in, which contributed positively to my time there. This also made it easier to connect and work with local hobbyists who provided their time and expertise.

Although the fellowship has ended, I am keen to continue my connection with the University of Groningen and to build on the collaborations and friendships that began during my visit. I am very thankful for the opportunity and for the care shown by the Faculty of Arts throughout my time in Groningen.

Dr Tara B. M. Smith