The SAFAR Society: Bringing PhD Students Together Across Disciplines
On Friday, 6 November 2026, SAFAR Magazine brought together a group of students in St Andrews for the third edition of The SAFAR Society – an intimate evening designed to connect people across disciplines and perspectives. This time, the gathering was organized specifically for PhD students, marking the Society’s first doctoral edition.
Photo Courtesy of SAFAR
Following two successful SAFAR Society evenings at the University of St Andrews last academic year, I was looking forward to organizing another. While the previous two gatherings were invitation-only and open to students at all academic levels, we decided to dedicate this edition to doctoral students, creating an opportunity for PhD researchers across the University to meet beyond their own faculties. Due to the interest it generated, we later extended the invitation to Master’s students as well.
Unlike our previous events at Space Café on South Street, this evening took place at the newly opened The Social Space. As always, the intention was to create a carefully curated evening shaped by meaningful connections. SAFAR, originally founded in Zurich, has always been rooted in the idea of bridging East and West – not only geographically, but also culturally and intellectually. Through The SAFAR Society, that vision takes on a more immediate form, bringing people into the same room to share perspectives and experiences.
The Inspiration Behind the Evening
I have always loved hosting and bringing people together. Having organized a couple of gatherings in St Andrews over the past academic year, I became increasingly aware of how easily we can remain within our own academic circles. As a PhD student at St Andrews, most of my interactions were with people from my own cohort – in my case, students from the English Department. It was often by chance that I met PhD students from other faculties and academic backgrounds. I wanted to create an evening where doctoral students could intentionally meet one another, exchange experiences and get to know people beyond their own disciplines. Despite St Andrews being a relatively small university town on the coast of Scotland, our paths do not necessarily cross as often as one might expect.
An Evening of Connection and Exchange
As guests arrived, the atmosphere was relaxed and open. Conversation and getting to know new people were at the heart of the evening. One guest was a familiar face – a loyal SAFAR Society attendee who had joined all three gatherings so far. All the other guests were new to the Society, which made the evening particularly interesting. For the first time, I found myself, as a PhD student, surrounded by doctoral researchers from many different academic backgrounds, including International Relations and Art History. It was a pleasure hearing about their research and personal backgrounds, and discovering the experiences that had brought everyone to St Andrews. Among the unexpected connections was the discovery that two guests who had met that evening had also been attending the same church. With guests from Kenya, the United States, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, the evening brought together a range of perspectives and experiences.
Dinner and drinks were served throughout the evening, providing plenty of opportunity for conversation to continue. We also included our traditional activity – if you know, you know – encouraging everyone to get to know one another and learn about each other’s research. At one point, I found myself explaining my own research within a one-minute time limit, only to manage it in half that time. It turned out to be a rather useful exercise, and one I have come to appreciate in communicating my research more clearly. The evening was designed to feel personal rather than formal. Carefully arranged seating and subtle, thoughtful details created a sense of intention. This is what The SAFAR Society is about: creating a space where meaningful exchange can emerge naturally, in an environment that feels both considered and at ease.
PhD and Master’s students at The SAFAR Society
From Magazine to Gathering
“Safar”, meaning journey in Arabic and Persian, speaks to exploration – of places, ideas and different ways of seeing the world. As a publication, SAFAR moves between culture, travel and fashion, guided by a perspective that is intellectual, inspirational and international. The SAFAR Society extends this approach beyond the page. It is not simply an event, but a way of bringing people together and creating space for encounters that feel meaningful.
Editor-in-Chief of SAFAR, Marina S. Haq
SAFAR extends its sincere thanks to The Social Space for its warm hospitality and to everyone who joined the evening. With its third gathering, The SAFAR Society continues to grow as a community defined by curiosity, openness, and genuine connection, with future editions already in development.
Join the Community
To express your interest in future gatherings: info@safarmagazine.com