Spring is, well, springing all around on campus as I write this, with the local flora and fauna doing its best to look like a picture postcard. It’s a time for new beginnings and here in YGRS one of our newest initiatives is the PGR Expert Panel, who we have recently appointed. This group of articulate and thoughtful PGRs are drawn from across the University and bring a wide diversity of experience. They will provide reflection and input into different aspects of YGRS work and that of the wider University where it touches PGR life. I’m looking forward to working with them.

Alongside daffodils, bunnies and seasonal chocolate, another highlight of the changing seasons is the re-appearance of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. This is a great opportunity to showcase your research, develop your skills and meet other PGRs and even the public! Read on for more details of how to apply.

It feels jarring to switch tone to more serious subjects now. I think, though, that my newsletter message should highlight the most important matters. Globally, these are very difficult times and our thoughts are with anyone impacted by current conflicts. The University is offering support for anyone in our community affected by the events in the Middle East and elsewhere. See below for how to access this. 

A range of work is also going on in the University to prevent sexual harassment and misconduct. Your school or department will be arranging - or already has - a workshop on appropriate professional boundaries for safe and successful working. There are also some excellent short, self-paced training courses to support this work more generally, but student completion rates are currently very low. I strongly encourage you to complete Respect at York: Understanding Consent and Being an Active Bystander – 2025/26, not least so that you can support any peers affected.

We are very keen to support you in your post-graduation journey. I am always interested to learn of the work our PGR graduates do. Our alumni include Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (Chris Johnson, PhD Computer Science); best selling author (Jung Chang, PhD Linguistics); UK Ambassador to the USA (Christian Turner, PhD Medieval Studies); Prime Minister and President of Portugal (Aníbal Cavaco Silva, PhD Economics); and [checks CV] Dean of YGRS (MA by Research, Education)!

Speaking of Masters by Research, if you would like to work more closely with us at YGRS, please look out below for a current internship opportunity.

Best wishes, 
Paul

A range of practical and emotional support is available for anyone affected by current events in the Middle East. We continue to offer advice and support to anyone impacted by crises or conflict around the world, and are working with colleagues to reach out to staff and student groups most affected by the recent events.

At the University of York, sexual violence and harassment of any form is never, ever acceptable - and the more widely resources, information and support options are known and shared, the more effective we can be at protecting our community. 

We ask all members of our community to join us in upholding these values by completing our online training modules - covering topics including how to develop your active bystander skills, understanding of consent, and awareness of how we all play a part in prevention.

If you have experienced harassment or sexual misconduct there is always support available.

If you receive doctoral loan payments and are continuing your studies next academic year, please note that the September payment date will be 21 September 2026, not 15 September.

Self-funded PGRs can apply for funding to attend UK and international conferences when other funding options have been exhausted. The next application deadline is 1 May 2026.

Many thanks, once again, to all of you who completed the 2025 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES). York’s response rate (40%) was well above the sector average, and in terms of overall experience and supervision, York was in the top quarter of all participating HEIs and Russell Group members. PRES also provides insight as to where the PGR student experience can be improved. YGRS has now considered the data, and you can read more about the PRES 2025 report and our associated action plan on the PGR voice pages.

Could you explain your research in just three minutes?! Develop your research communication skills and apply to the 2026 University of York 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition!

To support increased PGR participation, representation, and research culture across the institution, YGRS are piloting the first PGR Expert Panel. After a very competitive recruitment process, we are pleased to welcome 12 PGRs from across all three faculties. We will share their objectives, progress and updates as their work continues.

Join the Postgraduate Communities team for their fortnightly York Research Exchange sessions - a welcoming space for all postgraduates to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another! The next session explores ways to communicate your research.

By completing the Graduate Outcomes survey, our alumni help us to provide accurate information about career options. If you are finishing your research soon, please make sure to update your contact details so your voice is heard. If you have received an invitation to complete the Graduate Outcomes Survey, please help support the next generation of students.

We’re exploring this year's University Mental Health Day theme - the importance of connection  - with food, freebies and fun activities next week! Come to the University Mental Health Day Fair on Thursday (12 March) or join us for free drinks, snacks and chat at the College Community Cafes every Monday and Wednesday. We’ll also be taking part in Touch Grass Bingo - can you get a full house?

Neurodiversity Celebration Week provides opportunities to recognise and celebrate the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals. We’ll be holding an event on neurodivergent joy in higher education and an information stand.

The EDI Research Centre is curating a paid focus group to help better understand the supervision experiences of PGRs from marginalised backgrounds. Register your interest by 15 March 2026.

The IT Support drop-in service is moving to permanently extended hours. Starting from Monday 9 March there will be drop-in support available daily in the morning and afternoon (except Tuesday afternoon) at the Library Helpdesk.

Ready to trade the library for the rolling hills of the Dales or the windswept Yorkshire coast? Our postgraduate community trips are an easy way to explore the wonderful sights, sounds and tastes of Yorkshire. Whether you're a solo explorer or looking to find your new travel crew, just hop on and soak in the best of what the North has to offer!

Join the ECR Collective on 1 April for the launch of their new online hub - offering a virtual space to bring together Early Career Researchers from across York, Leeds and Sheffield. Come along to hear more about the goals of the collective, and how you can be involved.

Join the Enhancing Research Culture team on Wednesday 18 March (12-3pm) for an interactive workshop exploring how to create your own lab handbook.

If you're looking for events that focus on training you to plan and deliver equitable and responsible research, sign up to the monthly Valuing Voices newsletter.

Interested in one day pursuing a career in teaching or working with children? Sign up to YSIS Plus workshops delivered by the PGCE team. 

A series of short webinars giving an insight into the labour market, employers and career opportunities: Day 1: China;  Day 2: South East Asia; Day 3: Hong Kong

Led by an HR specialist, this event will cover a range of visas, including the Graduate Visa and Skilled Worker Visa, plus practical guidance on maximising your chances of finding work in the UK. 

Join Careers for three panel events in one evening, featuring alumni and employers discussing working in the following: 

Take a break from your research and join fellow PhD and MRes students for a relaxed coffee morning every Thursday during semester time. Drop in anytime to the Vanbrugh Arms between 10 and 11am. All researchers are welcome! Or is online more useful? Join our Virtual PhD Café for the perfect blend of camaraderie and productivity to kickstart your Mondays.

Join fellow bookworms to explore the city's hidden literary gems, led by York SU staff and ending at one of Micklegate's cosy cafés.

Unwind with our Social Sport programme: no commitment, no pressure, no experience needed. The weekly turn-up-and-play sessions offer a range of sports to explore - join solo or with friends, and even explore postgraduate-only sessions for a chance to meet other PGs.

University of York
YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
www.york.ac.uk

ygrs@york.ac.uk

Privacy notice