The Postgraduate Research Almanac
The exhibition entrance at Westmere House
From Tuesday 28 November until Monday 4 December 2023, Westmere House was home to The Postgraduate Research Almanac – a new exhibition from the University Graduate School celebrating postgraduate research across the University of Birmingham's five Colleges.
The exhibition was inspired by the concept of an almanac, an annual table that lists significant dates in the calendar year. PGRs were invited to link their research with a relevant date or occasion (such as Road Safety Week or International Archaeology Day). This theme meant that exhibition visitors could explore a timeline of postgraduate research, discovering details of PGR projects about metallurgy, art history, education, animal conservation, astronomy, sport, and more.
As part of The Postgraduate Research Almanac’s development process, PGRs attended a workshop with Dr Felicity McWilliams, Curator of Science and Industry at Birmingham Museums Trust. Dr McWilliams introduced PGRs to the art of writing exhibition labels for different audiences and helped attendees to craft text about their own research.
The exhibition was launched with a special evening event at Westmere House on Tuesday 28 November that brought together PGR contributors, University of Birmingham staff and students, and special guests from local organisations. Dr McWilliams and PGR Exhibitions Officer Dr Ella Hawkins gave a welcome address at the event, outlining the exhibition concept and highlighting the training that exhibitors received, and PGRs gave lightning talks about their research.
The Postgraduate Research Almanac continues to exist online in its virtual form. You can visit the exhibition here, and add your comments to our virtual Visitor’s Book.
And if you feel inspired to share your own research with the University community and beyond, keep an eye out on our Twitter page and website for news of our next PGR exhibition, with a full announcement coming in the new year!