Postgraduate Research Festival

125 Years of Postgraduate Research: Past, Present, Future.

A celebration of postgraduate research at the University of Birmingham.

The University Graduate School and the UGS Scholars, current postgraduate research students, work together every year to bring the Postgraduate Research Festival to life. This year the Postgraduate Research Festival will take place on Tuesday 24 June, 13:00-17:00.

As the University of Birmingham celebrates its 125th anniversary, the Postgraduate Research Festival invites all University staff, students, and external partners to join us in exploring the legacy of innovation, collaboration, and discovery that has shaped postgraduate research at our institution. Our Keynote event will reflect on the remarkable achievements of postgraduate researchers from the past, sharing personal stories and milestones that highlight their enduring contributions to both the University and the wider world.

The present comes to life through our Research Poster Exhibition and Awards Ceremony, where we celebrate the achievements of our postgraduate researchers and their impact across a wide range of disciplines.

Looking to the future, PGR Talks will showcase the pioneering work of today’s researchers, aligned with three of the University’s key research challenge themes—Life-Changing Technologies, Thriving Planet, and Fairer World—addressing some of the most pressing global challenges in areas like sustainability, technology, and social justice. Join us in celebrating the excellence of postgraduate research and gain insight into the exciting developments yet to come.

How to Get Involved: Postgraduate Researchers

Postgraduate researchers can get involved with the Research Festival in a number of ways. You can enter a poster in the annual Research Poster Competition, make an entry for our PGR Talks slots, and nominate or be nominated for one of the UGS Awards.

Be a part of the PG Research Festival by applying to PGR Talks, where selected researchers will present their work on key themes: Life-Changing Technologies, Thriving Planet, and Fairer World. This event celebrates the innovative research of our PGRs and offers a valuable platform for researchers to showcase their work and engage with the academic community, applications close 18 May 2025. Apply for PGR Talks now!

Of course, you can also just attend as an audience member to network with other postgraduate researchers, learn about their work at the Research Poster Exhibition, gain insights into the groundbreaking achievements of past researchers and discover the exciting future of research in areas like sustainability, technology, and social justice.

How to Get Involved: Other Students

If you're an undergraduate or postgraduate taught student, the Postgraduate Research Festival is a great opportunity to explore how you can take your academic journey further. You’ll have the chance to speak with current postgraduate researchers about their work at the Research Poster Exhibition. Plus, you’ll gain insights into the groundbreaking achievements of past researchers and discover the exciting future of research in areas like sustainability, technology, and social justice.

How to Get Involved: Staff

Staff are warmly invited to attend the Festival to support our postgraduate community and learn more about their exciting work. Booking details coming soon!

We are also recruiting staff judges for the Research Poster Competition, where postgraduate researchers present engaging posters about their research to non-specialists. Judging will take place before the Festival on Tuesday 24 June 2025, in the Teaching and Learning Building between 09:30-12:15, followed by a complimentary lunch. All staff, regardless of grade or current postgraduate involvement, are welcome. This is a great chance to engage with innovative research and learn more about our PGR community. Find out more and sign up for judging here.

Any help you can give us in sharing news and information about the Festival with students would also be greatly appreciated!

How to Get Involved: Alumni, Friends and Partners

Alumni, friends and partners are warmly invited to attend the Festival to support our postgraduate community and learn more about their exciting work.