PG Research Festival 2026: Our Top 5 Picks for You!

The PG Research Festival is back this June 2026, and it is bigger than ever. This year, the Festival returns in an exciting new format, offering a full month dedicated to celebrating postgraduate researchers across the University. With a wide range of events on offer, the Festival is a chance to explore postgraduate research, connect with other researchers, and build your key skills.

The Festival runs alongside UoBXtra and includes workshops, talks, networking events, and special showcases. Whether you are looking to build your career, share your research, or simply try something new, there is something for everyone.

Here are our top five picks from the PG Research Festival and UoBXtra:

1. PG Research Poster Competition

Come along and support your fellow postgraduate researchers as they present their work and compete to win first prize at the Research Poster Competition. The Competition is part of the University Doctoral School Showcase and features posters from PGRs across all Colleges and disciplines.

Participating PGRs will present their groundbreaking research, with projects ranging from virtual reality and climate change to cancer care and aerospace engineering. The Research Poster Competition is your opportunity to experience firsthand the huge variety of research undertaken across the University – and to help vote for our People’s Choice winner!

The Research Poster Competition is part of the UDS Showcase, so make sure to sign up through the UDS Showcase Eventbrite.

2. Keynote: Translating Research into Impact

This year our Keynote session will highlight how our researchers make a real difference in the world.

Our panel of experts and former postgraduate researchers will share their experience of translating research into real world impact. You will hear from inspiring speakers and award-winning researchers, including Professor Yemisi Takwoingi, Dr Alana Farrell, and Dr Tom Goodman.

Together, the panel will explore how their work has made a difference locally and globally, as well as sharing tips and guidance on how your research can achieve the same impact. This is a great session if you want to think about the future of your research and how to kickstart the process of achieving your goals.

The Keynote will kick off the UDS Showcase. Find out more and register here.

3. PGR Talks

PGR Talks will celebrate innovative research led by Black postgraduate researchers across the University.

Co-organised by the Black PGR Network, the 125th Anniversary Scholars, and the University Doctoral School, this session will explore how our Speakers are working to increase representation in research and thereby enrich the research landscape. You will hear powerful stories and ideas that highlight the importance of diversity in shaping the future.

PGR Talks is one event within our UDS Showcase. Learn more and sign up here.

4. STEM Careers Outside Academia

STEM Careers Outside Academia is a one-day event to explore the career options available to STEM PGRs beyond academia.

You will hear from professionals working in fields such as scientific writing, software development, law, and University services. There will also be sessions on improving your CV and building your confidence when networking.

This event will help you discover new career paths and identify your next steps

Book your place now.

5. Paddle Your Way to 3K

Join the team from the Raymond Priestley Centre for a canoeing adventure along Birmingham’s canals! You will paddle 3 kilometres while seeing the campus from the canal side. It is suitable for beginners, with all equipment provided. Take a breather from your research and enjoy a fun day out on the water!

These are just five highlights from a full month of activity. There are many more events waiting for you, from skills workshops to social meetups. Be sure to check out the events pages for the PG Research Festival and UoBXtra to see the full schedule on offer. Whether you attend one event or several, we hope you have a wonderful time and make the most of everything on offer!