PGR May Newsletter 2026
If you missed the latest edition of the University Doctoral School (UDS) Postgraduate Researcher (PGR) newsletter, you can catch up here.
Whether you are just beginning or continuing your research journey with us, the UDS is here to support you and the wider PGR community. The newsletter includes key updates, links to important resources, and highlights of upcoming events and opportunities available to PGRs.
To find out more about the UDS and how to get involved, visit the UDS intranet pages and follow the UDS on LinkedIn for the latest updates.
Updates and Reminders
New: Guidance on the use of GenAI for thesis writing
The University has recently developed new guidance on the use of Generative AI (GenAI) for thesis writing by postgraduate researchers. The guidance outlines how to use GenAI appropriately and within the University’s Code of Practice. This includes an overview of the University regulations, addressing copyright implications, and advice on referencing and acknowledging the use of GenAI within your thesis.
New: PGR Training Pathways - how to shape your development
Your time as a postgraduate researcher is your opportunity to build your skills and confidence in research. To help you plan your development, the UDS has launched a new PGR Training Pathways guide. The guide outlines each stage of the PGR journey and signposts a wide range of training and resources to support your work, including project design, data collection, and research analysis.
Spotlight on PGR success: 3MT, Research and Impact Awards
Each year, postgraduate researchers across the University lead the way in delivering outstanding research. From original research projects to presenting at international conferences, your work as a community continues to make a huge impact. In this section, we are delighted to spotlight examples of exceptional PGR success. Congratulations to the 3MT 2026 Judges Winner Zhenyan Yin and Judges Runners-up Princess Jemima Nambo and Helen Trinder. We also congratulate the winners of the Exceptional Contribution of Doctoral Researchers Award at the University of Birmingham Research and Impact Awards 2026: Anna Harrington (CAL), Mia Hyun (CoSS), Octavia Brayley (LES), Princess Jemima Nambo (CMH), and Weijian Zhang (EPS).
Westmere House
Westmere House is our dedicated hub for postgraduate researchers, offering a welcoming environment to study, connect, and unwind. Facilities include a lounge, seminar room, study room, kitchen, and a large garden with picnic tables. These spaces can also be booked for PGR events and activities. More information about Westmere and the booking process is available on the UDS intranet.
Events and Opportunities
PG Research Festival 2026: University Doctoral School Showcase
We are excited to announce the 2026 relaunch of the PG Research Festival, now including an expanded events programme specially designed to celebrate and support postgraduate researchers! Running throughout June, the Festival offers a wide range of PGR-exclusive events, including careers workshops, networking sessions, and panel discussions.
At the heart of the PG Research Festival is our University Doctoral School Showcase on Tuesday 16 June. With a focus on Impact and Innovation, the Showcase brings together PGR Talks, the Research Poster Competition, UDS Awards, and a Keynote exploring the impact of PGR research both locally and global. The Showcase is open to all postgraduate researchers, staff, alumni, and friends of the University. Register for the UDS Showcase on Eventbrite- and keep an eye PGR What’s On page for the latest updates on other PG Research Festival events as they go live!
3MT People’s Choice Award
The 3 Minute Thesis People’s Choice Award is open! Our 3MT Finals saw 10 doctoral researchers from across all five Colleges take on the challenge of explaining their research in just three minutes. Watch the finalist videos on YouTube, vote for your favourite, and help decide who takes home the People’s Choice prize at the UDS Showcase on 16 June 2026.
PGR Writing Summer School
This year's Postgraduate Researcher Writing Summer School will be held in person, in the Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room on Tuesday 14-Thursday 16 July 2026. This event will give you the opportunity to consider your writing from a range of perspectives and network with other PGRs to discuss your writing. Keep an eye on the PGR Writing Summer School webpage for more information.
Introduction to Public Engagement and Involvement
Tuesday 9 June 1-3pm
This workshop will introduce public engagement and involvement with research. It will also provide you with the knowledge to develop engagement activity with diverse audiences, as well as the time to reflect on how you may apply this to your individual research. This will be an in-person session and will be delivered at a location on the Edgbaston Campus. Register at https://forms.office.com/e/49P0JdeVCi.
Midlands Innovation: Parliamentary POST Fellowships
Interested in undertaking research in the UK Parliament? The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) and Midlands Innovation are offering two 13-week fellowships to PhD students who are undertaking or have recently completed their PhD study in a topic related to biological sciences and health, and/or social sciences. Successful applicants will be based in the UK Parliament. Find more information and apply via the POST website: https://post.parliament.uk/midlands-innovation-fellowship/
PGR Stories
Whether you’re studying full-time or balancing research with work or family commitments, we want to hear your story. The UDS PGR Stories Page is a dedicated resource to showcase the diversity of experience within our PGR community – and we are currently looking for new entries! Share your story and help inspire other PGRs through submitting a written or video testimonial.
Community and Wellbeing
Postgraduate Coaching with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Service
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Service is delighted to introduce new one to one Postgraduate Coaching. This programme offers tailored support for your postgraduate experience, with up to six individual sessions available to eligible students. Coaching can support issues such as imposter syndrome, building confidence, managing working relationships, and maintaining a healthy work and life balance. Registrations open on Friday 1 May.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
We recognise that postgraduate research can be isolating, and at time you may struggle with feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or lonely. This is your reminder that as a postgraduate researcher there are a range of different services and support networks at the University to help you. This includes your local College Wellbeing Officers, who can offer 1-to-1 advice and guidance, the Pause drop-ins on campus, the UBHeard 24/7 helpline, and the University Mental Health and Wellbeing service.
Online Group Coaching for PGRs
Are you feeling unmotivated or confused about how to progress your research? Would you like some practical tips and tools to help you move forward? Online Group Coaching sessions, led by Dr Vikki Wright (The PhD Life Coach), offer practical strategies and support to help you progress your research with confidence.
PGR Conciliation
A positive working relationship with your supervisor is central to your PGR experience. If issues arise, we recommend contacting your PGR academic lead to explore solutions. If challenges persist, PGR Conciliation provides a confidential process with a trained conciliator to help identify practical ways forward.