Research Culture for PGRs at Birmingham: A Space for PGRs to Thrive

What is Research Culture?

Research culture refers to the values, behaviours, and environment that shape how research is conducted and supported. It influences everything from collaboration, inclusivity and recognition, to how we engage with uncertainty, feedback, and wellbeing.

As a postgraduate researcher, research culture isn’t just the backdrop to your work. It’s the atmosphere you operate in, the community you belong to, and the standards that shape how your research is valued. A healthy research culture means feeling supported, encouraged, and recognised - not just for your academic contributions, but for your growth as a person and professional. Whether you're based in a lab, an archive, a clinic, or studying remotely, a positive culture empowers you to take risks, ask bold questions, collaborate openly, and thrive.

Supporting a positive and productive research culture is a shared responsibility across the University. One way we do this is through a programme of supervisor development available to all staff who supervise researchers. This includes mandatory training for new supervisors, refresher training that all supervisors are required to complete every two years, and a series of masterclasses exploring different aspects of research supervision, and structured support for supervisors pursuing accreditation for their practice. Together, these opportunities promote open communication, encourage reflective practice, and help supervisors develop and maintain best practice for researcher support, contributing to an environment where postgraduate researchers can thrive.

A thriving research culture for PGRs means that you:

• • • Feel connected to a vibrant, inclusive research community that values researchers from every background
    • Explore your impact through creative, interdisciplinary, and public-facing opportunities
    • Grow your career with support for academic, industry, or alternative pathways
    • Build strong supervisor relationships with clear expectations and mutual respect
    • Think boldly with space to experiment, collaborate, and innovate across disciplines
    • Access funding and networks that support your research and personal development.

Ways to Get Involved

PGRs play a vital role in defining and strengthening our research culture at UoB. You can help to shape our research culture environment by:

• • • Applying for PGR Activity Funding: Design activities that strengthen research culture, from writing groups to wellbeing workshops.
    • Sharing your research at flagship events: Take part in the University’s Three Minute Thesis, PGR Research Poster Competition and PG Research Festival, spotlightinginnovative PGR projects across disciplines.
    • Boosting your research toolkit: Build essential skills in data management, research integrity, and project planning with support from BEAR and the Research Skills Team.
    • Making connections and developing new networks: Find online and on-campus opportunities through Events - University of Birmingham and What's on for PGs
      
    • Celebrating excellence: Nominate inspiring supervisors and peers for the Supervisor, PGR Publication, and PGR Community Awards.
    • Engaging new research audiences: Explore PGR public engagement activities, training, and recognition opportunities with the Public and Cultural Engagement Team.
    • Exploring your career path: Discover tailored support and standout opportunities through the PGR Careers Network.

• • • Prioritising your wellbeing: Join PGR Online Group Coaching to navigate common challenges and build confidence in your research journey.

Research Culture Resources

Want to learn more about research culture? Here are a few practical tools and pages to explore:

• • • Learn more about UoB’s commitment to Research Culture: including current initiatives and ways to get involved.
    • Explore the University Doctoral School: your hub for making the most of your time as a PGR.
    • UoB’s PGR Development Blog: resources and blogs to support your personal and professional development as a PGR.
    • The Thesis Whisperer: a practical blog on navigating your thesis and planning your post-PhD career.
    • Vitae’s Researcher Development Framework: map your skills, goals, and growth as a researcher.

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