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Ekaterina Keyzerova, a Laidlaw Scholar at the University of Leeds, on exploring the distinctiveness and fragility of grassroots poetry in the Leeds City Region.

Research title: 

'Distinctiveness in the Poetry Activity of the Leeds City Region'

Please briefly outline what your research is about, and its potential real world impact 

My research project, Distinctiveness in the Poetry Activity of the Leeds City Region, conducted in partnership with the National Poetry Centre, examines the poetry culture of the Leeds City Region by investigating how verse is created, shared, and experienced across diverse communities. The National Poetry Centre provides a national home for poetry in the UK, connecting people from all backgrounds and cultures to literature. To support the opening of the Centre in 2028, my research project informs strategies to enhance its impact by investigating how different modes of poetry are shared and experienced across different communities in the Leeds City Region. 

The methodology employs a community-focused analysis of the Leeds poetry scene, integrating an investigation of existing quantitative data with interviews, surveys, and event observations. Findings were then analysed thematically based on factors significant for the National Poetry Centre and those derived from interview transcripts. These were then used to create visual representations of the research findings, such as an interactive Leeds poetry map, a brochure, and a reflective blog. The aim was to transform these storytelling methods into a qualitative research tool that would address knowledge gaps in the understanding of poetry's local demography and geography and also contribute to conversations about how we can amplify these voices within the broader poetry landscape. 

The findings identified both the distinctiveness and fragility of this ecosystem, showing how grassroots poetry fosters belonging while also revealing the structural barriers that limit access, visibility, and collaboration, which highlighted a strong need for better coordination and a hub that could connect communities more sustainably across the city. Exploring poetry’s value aligns with the Centre's goal of fostering collaboration and amplifying diverse voices and contributes to sustainable, community-driven development toward a more inclusive literary environment in Leeds and in the country.

Where did your passion for this research originate? How does your personal story feed into it? 

My passion for research originated in my childhood interest in literature and poetry. Reading has always been a central part of my upbringing, both at school and at home. Growing up in the Russian education system until the age of 15 before meant I was primarily exposed to Soviet and Russian literature, with limited access to international perspectives. However, because my mother regularly read novels and stories to me before bed, I developed a strong interest in literature from around the world and a passion for the written word. After moving to Slovenia, I started attending a British International School; the cosmopolitan environment there provided me with an extraordinary experience in interacting with people from different backgrounds and fostered a desire to learn about various cultures through literature. This ultimately inspired me to study English Literature at university, making this research project a natural progression of my academic interests.

The project was highly stimulating for my study of literature and provided a unique opportunity to combine my passion for contemporary poetry with cultural research and community engagement. I was particularly inspired by the chance to collaborate with key stakeholders, including the National Poetry Centre and publishers across the city, to explore the value of poetry in different contexts. This aspect of the project aligned closely with my interest in fostering collaboration and building connections between communities and cultural institutions. I recognised that gaining insight into Leeds's poetry landscape would enable me to identify ways of supporting sustainable, community-driven cultural development and contributing to a more inclusive environment in the city—something I strive to incorporate across all my disciplines.

What is the most memorable moment from your Laidlaw scholarship experience so far? 

The most memorable moment from the Laidlaw scholarship experience so far has been my LiA in New Zealand. I’m currently volunteering for Youth Arts New Zealand (YANZ), a leading charity dedicated to empowering and nurturing the creative talents of the youth. At YANZ, I support youth creative pathways through storytelling projects, community engagement, and the development of accessible creative resources.

Driven by my deep passion about using storytelling to spotlight hidden voices and support creative empowerment, I am thrilled to be in New Zealand working with YANZ to create equitable and accessible pathways for young people into sustainable careers. The type of work I do here combines my academic background, passions, and research, allowing me to make a difference in a field I am incredibly passionate about.

It has been incredibly rewarding flying across half of the world to work in an unfamiliar environment and seeing all the heavenly places New Zealand has to offer. I also feel incredibly grateful and fortunate to be able to dedicate an extra week to travelling across New Zealand after my volunteer  placement, and I am sure it will become one of the most memorable experiences of my year.

What is the biggest challenge you came across in your research and leadership journeys so far, and what did you learn from it? 

The Laidlaw Programme consistently encourages me to step out of my comfort zone and forces me to confront challenges that support my personal and professional development.  Being a Laidlaw Scholar, I began to appreciate the wisdom in something my mother had always said to me: Closed mouths don't get fed. This inspired me to be more proactive and to take advantage of every opportunity that came my way.

The biggest challenge I have faced throughout my research and leadership journey has been developing the confidence to take initiative. This has included stepping outside my comfort zone by approaching people first and speaking up when offered the opportunity.

The residentials organised by the University of Leeds played an important role in helping me develop this confidence, particularly the Yorkshire Dales residential, which involved challenging activities such as caving and ghyll scrambling. These experiences prompted me to think about how I respond under pressure and work in teams.  I also learnt to accept that not everything will always unfold as planned; flexibility in the face of inconsistencies and change is a vital quality of effective leadership. 

What does it mean for you to be a Laidlaw Scholar? 

For me, being a Laidlaw Scholar means fostering meaningful connections with others and always seeking the good in others while working to become the best version of myself. It means being part of a global and pluralistic community of people who share the same values and strive to be better every day. In a world where ethical leadership is often lacking, the opportunity to learn how to lead with integrity is an irreplaceable one.

The Laidlaw Programme has changed my life in ways I never expected, from connecting me with inspiring people from around the world to providing me with the opportunity to travel across the globe and volunteer for a cause I am deeply passionate about. The programme has defined my undergraduate experience at the University of Leeds and continues to motivate me to strive for more every day. Being unsuccessful in my first application and then receiving an offer on my second attempt the year after strengthened my belief in myself and serves as a reminder that anything is possible with the right perseverance and determination.

Being a Laidlaw Scholar is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity unlike any other.

Which particular leaders inspire you the most and why? 

I am particularly inspired by leaders who are not afraid to do what they believe is right for their communities. For me, this is exemplified by opposition figures such as Alexei Navalny—a prominent Russian political leader and the most well-known domestic critic of President Vladimir Putin who gained international recognition for his anti-corruption campaigns and advocacy for democratic reform. I greatly admire the causes he championed during his lifetime and his efforts to address corruption and political stagnation in Russia.

I am even more inspired by Yulia Navalnaya, Alexei's wife. After Alexei survived a near-fatal poisoning, was sentenced to decades in prison on politically motivated charges, and ultimately died in custody, she continued his work with remarkable resilience, and continues to advocate for democratic change in Russia to this day, even with no hope left.

From the very beginning of the full-scale Russia-Ukraine war, as a Russian, I have felt that it was important for me not to remain silent. As a Laidlaw Scholar, I feel a responsibility to use the opportunities and my platform to speak up about the issues that many Russians cannot discuss freely. Being part of the Laidlaw Scholars community has reinforced for me what a privilege it is to live, learn, and connect in an open and safe environment. 

Briefly describe a scene from the future you are striving to create.

The future in my ideal world is one where everyone can be their honest self without the fear of external judgement or discrimination. In this safe and open world, dialogue is encouraged, creativity is celebrated, and individuals feel free to express themselves authentically. Differences are not barriers but rather, opportunities to learn from one another. I picture myself working alongside diverse communities internationally and collaborating on projects that improve people’s lives.

Most importantly, the leaders of this ideal future are just, fair and socially responsible, striving to create a more peaceful and inclusive global society that benefits our communities.

Quick-fire Questions

📺 Currently Binging: 

Ted Lasso

📚 My top book recommendation: 

Norwegian Wood – Haruki Murakami

🎶 My anthem:

Standing On The Shore – Empire Of The Sun

🌈 Something that made me feel joy recently: