The University of Limerick has launched an initiative which it hopes will make writing easier and more pleasant for academics and scientists, while helping them improve both their style and clarity.

Borrowing the idea from the Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig, Co Monaghan, where creative space is provided for artists and writers, Dr Sarah Moore and Maura Murphy of UL's Centre for Teaching and Learning have organised what they hope will be the first annual writers' retreat for academics from February 4th to 9th. Convinced that teaching and scholarship across third-level disciplines would be enhanced if academics could write more and enjoy it more, they will be providing "writing space for faculties to get more immersed in the writing process."

Participants will range from those struggling to produce their first paper for publication to those widely published. "Writing," the organisers say, "can often be stressful and lonely, particularly when career progression is at stake."

The retreat will bring members from a wide range of faculties to Coolbawn Quay, Co Tipperary, to give them "a supportive, reflective environment to aid their writing projects".

There will be structured sessions with experienced writers as well as unstructured writing time. The programme will include insights and reflections on the general process of writing. Yoga and massage will be available too.

Details of this, and other teaching and learning initiatives at UL, are on www.ul.ie/tandl.