University of Birmingham Postgraduate Research Festival 2023

The University Graduate School are working with a committee of PGRs to organise a Postgraduate Research Festival, 1pm-5.15pm on the 27th and 28th June 2023.

This is the biggest celebration of postgraduate research at the University of Birmingham, giving postgraduates from different disciplines the opportunity to share their work with the wider University and beyond.

The Festival includes a packed programme with most events open to all staff, students, and partners of the University interested in postgraduate research (a particular welcome to PGTs and UGs applying for/considering PG studies!).

When registering for the Festival, you can select which events you would like to attend. You can find more about the events on the Festival's Eventbrite page, or read on below for a flavour of what's on offer at the Festival.

DAY ONE - Tuesday 27th June

Welcome Address & Keynote Speaker incl. Q&A

1-1.40pm, Teaching and Learning Building, Lecture Theatre 2 (102)

Join us for the introductory session of the Postgraduate Research Festival 2023, followed by our first Keynote Speaker, Dr Synda Obaji.

Our Keynote Speakers for 2023 are distinguished academics at different stages of their research careers. Each will discuss the journey their research has taken in their careers, the factors influencing and inspiring their innovative projects, and the unexpected paths a life in research can take.

PGR Talks - Part One

1.45-2.45pm, Teaching and Learning Building, Lecture Theatre 2 (102)

PGR Talks celebrates and highlights the work being done by postgraduate researchers at the University of Birmingham.

Research Poster Competition & Images of Research - Public Vote

2.45-3.45pm, Teaching and Learning Building Foyer (Research Poster Competition) and Room 109 (Images of Research)

Drop-in: no need to register!

Not only do we have Research Poster and Image of Research awards decided by our judges, but we also have a public choice award! This is your time to browse the poster and image entries and decide which you think is deserving of the public choice award. 

UGS Discussions - Open to Current Postgraduate Students Only

3.45-5.15pm, Teaching and Learning Building, Room 118 and 119

Are you interested in discussing important topics regarding postgraduate research with fellow postgraduates? Come along to discuss current postgraduate research themes in a friendly, relaxed environment, and for the chance to win some books!

DAY TWO - Wednesday 28th June

Keynote Speaker incl. Q&A

1-1:30pm, Teaching and Learning Building, Lecture Theatre 2 (102)

Join us for our Day Two Keynote Speaker; Prof. Janet Lord CBE.

Our Keynote Speakers for 2023 are distinguished academics at different stages of their research careers. Each will discuss the journey their research has taken in their careers, the factors influencing and inspiring their innovative projects, and the unexpected paths a life in research can take.

Networking & Refreshments

1:30-2pm, Teaching and Learning Building Foyer

Public Exhibition Viewing: Research Poster Competition and Images of Research

2-2:30pm, Teaching and Learning Building Foyer (Research Poster Competition) and Room 109 (Images of Research)

Drop in: no need to register!

This is the perfect opportunity to talk to our researchers about their current projects. All manner of research will be on display from departments across the University.

PGR Talks - Part Two

2:30-3:30pm, Teaching and Learning Building, Lecture Theatre 2 (102)

PGR Talks celebrates and highlights the work being done by postgraduate researchers at the University of Birmingham.

UGS Awards Ceremony and Drinks Reception

3:30-5pm, Teaching and Learning Building, Lecture Theatre 1 (LG18) & Foyer

Join us for our awards ceremony, where we will announce the winners of the Images of Research and Research Poster Competition, The Michael K. O'Rourke Best Publication Awards, Awards for Excellence in Doctoral Research Supervision, and our Three Minute Thesis People's Choice award.