PGR Community Newsletter: February 2025
Welcome to the first PGR newsletter of 2025 from the University Graduate School (UGS)! Whether you’re new this term or have been with us a while, we have plenty of exciting events, workshops, and opportunities to help you develop academically, socially, and professionally.
Three Minute Thesis (3MT) – Apply Now!
Present your doctoral research in just three minutes to a non-specialist audience in this exciting competition. You can develop your public engagement, communication, and public speaking skills, with cash prizes up for grabs. Join our 3MT Info drop-in 5 Feb (online) to find out more.
Enter 3MT by 16 Feb
Research Poster Competition
Showcase your research at the Research Poster Competition! Enhance your skills, connect with peers, win cash prizes and gain recognition at the Postgraduate Research Festival on 24 June 2025. Find out more and join our online info drop-in on 11 Feb.
UGS Awards – Nominations Open
Celebrate excellence by nominating PGR publications, community champions, and supervisors for the UGS Awards! Submit your applications before the 28 Apr deadline. Read more
PGR Online Group Coaching
Balance your research and wellbeing with our online coaching sessions. Feb-Apr will be focused on ‘structure to manage our time and tasks’ and will include online self-paced learning and co-working alongside coaching. Find out more.
PGR Shut Up and Work
Join our monthly co-working sessions to stay focused, beat procrastination, and make progress on your research. It’s a supportive way to work alongside others and take breaks together. Upcoming dates: all day 27 Feb, 27 Mar, 24 Apr, 22 May. Book now!
Public Engagement for PGRs
Learn how to share your research with the public and expand its impact in this hands-on workshop specifically designed for PGRs new to Public Engagement.
In-person: 20 Feb, Westmere House
Online: 27 Feb, Zoom.
PGR Experience Survey (PRES)
Have your say about your PGR experience! PRES opens on 3 Mar, so look out for emails letting you know how you can share your feedback. The more responses we can get, the more it will help us to improve the experience of current and future PGRs.
PGR Community Events
Looking for ways to take a break? Join monthly social events led by UGS Scholars, and stay updated on upcoming workshops and seminars by following us on EventBrite.
PGR Conciliation
Facing challenges with your supervisor? PGR Conciliation offers confidential, voluntary support to help resolve issues and get you back on track.
Postgraduate Work Experience Bursary
If you have limited UK work experience, apply for the Postgraduate Work Experience Bursary to get up to £1500 for professional development activities like internships or conferences. Learn more.
125th Anniversary Event: Thriving Planet
Join leading academics on 12 Feb for talks on climate change, the power of trees, and weather patterns, part of the University’s 125th Anniversary celebrations. Book here.
Research Skills Team – Coffee Mornings & Workshops
Join the Research Skills Team for coffee mornings in the Researcher Suite on Thursday 6 Feb and 6 Mar. Workshops coming up in February include AI tools, literature searching, literature review and writing concisely and clearly, available in a mix of online and in-person formats.
Save the Date
Mark your calendars for our events in 2025. Booking details coming soon:
- 12 March: Celebrate International Women’s Day with an inspiring online webinar featuring Prof Donna Chambers (Northumbria University) and one of our 125th Anniversary Scholars.
- 2 April: Watch UoB PGRs compete in the Three Minute Thesis final, showcasing groundbreaking postgraduate research at UoB.
- 24 June: Join us for the Postgraduate Research Festival, celebrating 125 years of UoB postgraduate research with engaging talks, displays, and events for everyone.