Get ready for Researcher Renew 2026

It’s back! #ResearcherRenew celebrates its eighth year in 2026 with activities designed to ease you gently into January and ensure you end the month feeling better about yourself and ready to take on the rest of the year.

How does it work? Starting on the 2nd of January I’ll post an activity here (on the Research Companion blog) every other day. Topics covered during the month will include:

• recognising your skills and talents
• identifying your support network
• managing anxiety
• prioritising your health and welfare
• self-care strategies and selecting treats
• cultivating hope
• plus more practical jobs like data cleaning, creating a cosy work space, time management and creating backups of your work

Do I have to pay to join?

No! It’s absolutely free. There’s no commitment, or sign up. You just do the tasks you’d like to try – as many or as few as you prefer. All activities described during #ResearcherRenew are designed for you to adapt to your situation, energy levels and abilities and are either free or low cost to carry out.

How hard is it – will it take a lot of time?

Sometimes activities will be quick, fun and easy. Others may require a bit of planning or be something you decide to tackle later in 2026.  All the activities are designed for you to opt in or out of and to try at your pace. It’s not a competition but does encourage companionship and celebrating your progress.

How can I join in?

You can do the tasks by yourself or share with friends or colleagues in your work and study spaces. If you want to feel part of the #ResearcherRenew community you can:

• add comments to each blog post
• if you’re on Bluesky you can keep track of tasks and discuss your progress using the hashtag #ResearcherRenew
• or chat through each task over on LinkedIn for even more connectivity and comfort

Can I share #ResearcherRenew with students, colleagues, family and friends?

Yes! Please let others know about it. Some people do the tasks in small groups, even setting up their own WhatsApp discussions to talk about what they’ve done. Others have used #ResearcherRenew more formally (and with credit) as part of pastoral care or wider teaching and supervision.

I don’t work in a university – can I still take part?

Yes! While it’s primarily aimed at those working in any job or studying in academia, anyone who feels in need of some comfort and wants to feel a bit connected, organised and supported can take part. You can skip any of the tasks that don’t directly relate to your experience.

Why should I join in?

You may be looking forward to a new start in 2026, or leaving things behind from the old year. You may be hoping to begin or end your studies, get a new job, take time off, or simply feel better if things have been challenging for you. Whatever your reason, hopefully #ResearcherRenew 2026 will be just the thing you need to build your confidence and boost your mood.

Do I have to start on January 2nd?

Not if you don’t want to. Some people like the routine of doing the tasks throughout the month (particularly if they’ve done #ResearcherRenew before) but there is no reason why you have to begin on the 2nd. You might prefer to consider and digest all the tasks first and attempt them at a later point in 2026. Alternatively, if the New Year brings pressure that you find challenging, upsetting, or overwhelming you may want to use the time between now and when #ResearcherRenew starts to adjust to the idea of it and see how you feel when it begins. (This applies for any suggestion for New Year resolutions, improvements, or overhauls, you don’t have to do anything, but if you feel like trying you don’t have to be dictated by the start of January, you could reject the idea completely, or begin making small changes now if it eases the demand).

Will you check I’ve completed the tasks?

No. Anything you want to do is entirely up to you. You may want to share on social media for some of the tasks, but there’s no obligation and no proof required. However, if it motivates you to be accountable you may want to share the activities with a friend, family member, or colleague to ensure you get things done.

What have people said about #ResearcherRenew in previous years?

“The tasks helped me through the year”
“I liked knowing every couple of days there would be a new thing to try and someone to check in with”
“During lockdown Researcher Renew was a lifesaver”“
“I struggle with managing my time (poor executive functioning) and with low energy, so I needed practical advice I could apply on my own timescale that didn’t feel overwhelming and threatening”
“I liked it when we discussed the ideas on social media with more tips on how to do them in practice – and the cat photos!”
“I did the first Researcher Renew and have come back each year. It wouldn’t be the start of January without it. And now my students agree!”
“I’m skeptical about New Year wellbeing messages so initially thought I would hate this. But it made me feel so much happier”
“I didn’t sign up to build my confidence but at the end of the month I felt more positive”
“A lot of these skills should be taught to all students. They’re essential!”
“Being in the company of friends from all over the world I knew were doing Researcher Renew made me feel less alone”
“I always find the start of the New Year challenging, this was exactly what I needed”
“It’s lonely being an independent researcher but this helped me make new friends and I felt part of a community by the end of January”
“I really missed it when it was over!”

What do I do now?

All you need to do is remember to check this blog throughout January 2026 and follow the tasks set. Put a reminder in your phone or diary to come back on 2 January 2026 when the first activity begins. Looking forward to seeing you then!