For Dr Philippa Holloway, studying for a PhD at Edge Hill University was more than an academic pursuit, it was the foundation for a creative career. Now working as a Researcher Development Fellow within the University’s Graduate School, Philippa has come full circle, supporting postgraduate researchers while continuing to build an internationally recognised writing portfolio of her own.
Philippa’s PhD novel, The Half-life of Snails, is inspired by fieldwork in Chornobyl and Ynys Môn in Anglesey. The novel, which was published in 2022 by Parthian Books, has received widespread acclaim. It was longlisted for the RSL Ondaatje Prize and praised on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row as “powerful, evocative…a terrific book.” The novel shows how creative practice and academic research can form work that resonates globally.
Philippa credits her time at Edge Hill for shaping both her writing and academic career. As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, she balanced teaching, research and professional development, gaining invaluable experience and building a strong academic network.
Philippa said: “Edge Hill has a distinctive culture of collaboration, care and academic excellence. You gain far more than a qualification; you become part of a community that supports you long after graduation.”
Following the completion of her doctorate, Philippa secured a Senior Lecturer role at Staffordshire University before returning to Edge Hill to contribute to the Graduate School. Alongside her academic career, she has continued to publish widely, with her short fiction, non-fiction and creative works available internationally. Her latest book, Untethered, showcases her distinctive voice, while her ongoing collaborations with Ukrainian writers reflect the impact of her doctoral research.
The connection to Chornobyl remains central to her work today. To mark the 40th anniversary of the disaster, Philippa is leading a special event at Writing on the Wall Festival in Liverpool. Cultural Fallout: Writing Chornobyl will bring together writers exploring the legacy of the disaster, offering audiences a powerful reflection on its human and environmental impact. The event also supports an important cause, with proceeds going towards the Clean Futures Fund, aiding those affected by the ongoing consequences of Chornobyl.
Through her journey from doctoral researcher to published author and academic, Philippa represents the possibilities of postgraduate study. Her story highlights how research degrees at Edge Hill can lead to academic careers as well as to creative and cultural contributions with global reach.
For prospective postgraduate researchers, her advice is simple: “Embrace the opportunities, connect with the community and remain open to where your research might lead.”
Book onto the event Cultural Fallout: Writing Chornobyl taking place on Tuesday 12 May, 2026.
Find out more about Research at Edge Hill or our postgraduate courses.
April 29, 2026
