As we approach the 20th anniversary of the IAS, I find myself reflecting on my more than fourteen years at the Institute. My IAS journey began in January 2012, following four wonderful and rewarding years at the university’s Wolfson Research Institute. During that time, I had the privilege of working under the leadership and guidance of Professor Tim Blackman, whose support made my role both enjoyable and professionally enriching. I had arrived at Durham University in 2008
after almost fifteen years working in industry and in particular within the semiconductor field (with the German multi-national Siemens and then the US company, Atmel). When Tim left Durham to take up a Pro-Vice-Chancellor role at the Open University, I felt it was the right moment for me to broaden my experience and engage with a wider range of disciplines and people here in Durham, and beyond. That decision led me to the IAS—and here I remain as we look ahead to 2027!
Over the years, it has been a real pleasure to work with colleagues from across Durham, all its faculties and especially with our Durham Colleges. From the get-go, the Institute’s collaborative ethos has allowed me to connect with an extraordinary variety of people, colleagues and Fellows from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their own perspectives and expertise to their fields and roles.
The highlights of my position at the IAS remain our Fellowship programmes and our Project framework. Both programmes embody—to me— everything that makes the IAS distinctive: bringing people together, exchanging ideas, and creating connections that might not otherwise have formed.
Under the inspirational leadership of Professor Alex Easton, supported by an outstanding group of Co-Directors (past and present), the IAS has continued to grow and goes from strength to strength. What makes the IAS unique, however, is not only our programmes but our research culture. Our open-door, supportive and inclusive ethos means the IAS is truly a place and space for everyone. Egos are firmly left outside the door. We are a place of encouragement and support: from early career scholars, non-academics, professional support staff, and those at the very top of their careers – we all come together, learn from one another, share ideas and experience, and we have fun. And it works, and for me this makes it a very special place.
Linda Crowe, IAS Manager
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