I’m pleased to begin this month with an important announcement for PGRs who are funded by the University of York (eg through an institutional or departmental scholarship). From September 2026, for these awards we will be matching the terms and conditions currently enjoyed by UKRI-funded PGRs in relation to medical and other kinds of leave, as part of the ‘new deal for postgraduate research’. More below, and further details to follow in due course. 

As this newsletter hits your inbox, eleven of you out there will be practising your 3 Minute Thesis talks ready for the York 3MT Final on Friday 5 June! It’s such a great event, celebrating the wide and wonderful range of postgraduate research taking place at the University. There’s usually something there for everyone, whatever your research tastes. If you don’t like the topic, another one is along in a few minutes…but the speakers are invariably so good that three minutes is never enough. The event somehow manages to combine human drama and jeopardy with a supportive and positive environment. I hope to see many of you there.

We’re freshly underway with two YGRS research projects which were trialed in the previous newsletter. We’ll be looking into the experience of those of you enrolled on a master’s by research degree (as distinct from PhD). There is an invitation to take part below to take part in focus groups - please do consider participating (we are offering a £10 voucher in recognition of participating). We are also going to be interviewing and surveying our PGR community about housing and commuting preferences and constraints. When I speak to PGRs at different events this is usually highlighted as a challenge, but it is something we need to understand more systematically. Your needs and preferences are diverse and we want to understand this better so we can support you as best we can. There will be more about this in our July newsletter.

Finally, some thanks and congratulations following the University of York Students’ Union Excellence Awards in May. Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination for Research Supervisor of the Year. I know my colleagues are always absolutely thrilled to be nominated for this, and while it is even better to win (congratulations Dr Fiona McNab, Psychology!), the appreciation and testimony your nominations represent is reward itself. I also want to doubly underline congratulations to those PGRs nominated for Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) of the Year. GTAs are University staff members, so in that capacity there is no direct connection to YGRS. However, I know that this is an important role which many of our PGRs undertake and which is valued by both the GTAs and their students so it is wonderful to see this acknowledged. Congratulations to all who were nominated, to those shortlisted (Sarah Veale, Health Sciences; and Will Butler, Chemistry), Highly Commended (Grace Cooper, Politics), and the Winner, Megan Woodward (English & Related Literature).

Best wishes,
Paul

Following the implementation of the short-term leave policy for PGRs, we are delighted to announce a significant update to our financial support policy for postgraduate researchers who are funded by a university or departmental funding source.

If you fall into the above category, the university will now match the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) terms and conditions for additional stipend due to medical leave, parental leave, neonatal leave and jury service, as set out in the UKRI terms and conditions. This will become effective from September 2026 and will take into account leave taken from the 2026/27 academic year onwards. If you wish to be assessed for additional stipend payments, please contact your department.

Making journal articles open access is vital to increase the reach and visibility of research, and to meet the policy requirements of funders such as UKRI. The Library has created the Open Access Routefinder tool to inform authors - including PGRs - about open access options with the journal of their choice. Try out the Open Access Routefinder and take a look at the library’s video on Choosing a route to Open Access for your journal article and Open Access Options infographic.

Join us tonight (5 June) for the live final of York’s 2026 Three Minute Thesis competition! Come along to support your fellow researchers, explore a range of fascinating projects, and cast your vote for your favourite presentation. Find out more about our finalists and their topics. 

York Festival of Ideas continues until 12 June, with a packed programme of over 200 mostly free events to explore online and in-person. Step into York’s past with a range of themed walking tours, be part of big conversations with Festival Focus events, and inspire little loved ones with a range of dedicated fun for families events. 

Research Spotlight (previously known as Celebrating Spaces: Connecting Researchers) is a free, University-wide conference for all York researchers (including PGRs) and University staff. Come along to network, celebrate and discover more about our UoY research community. Book your free place.

YGRS is conducting a study exploring the experiences, support needs, and satisfaction levels of Masters by Research (MbR) students at the University of York. We are inviting current MbR students from all departments to participate in a focus group discussion about:

The discussion will take approximately 60–90 minutes and may take place online or in person depending on participant preference and feasibility. As a token of appreciation, participants will receive a £10 voucher. Find out more and register your interest.

Starting today (5 June), the main entrance to the University Library will be closed as the entrance and foyer is upgraded. The Library will still remain open for use throughout this time, and follow normal opening hours (8am - midnight). Find out more about the project.

As part of the University’s planning for postgraduate research at the new Mumbai campus, we would like to understand more about existing postgraduate research which focuses on India (in any discipline). If this is you, please drop us an email at ygrs@york.ac.uk to tell us about it. Please use the subject line ‘PG Research in India’ in your subject line.

From Monday 15 June, we're streamlining the way we handle Student Support Plans (SSPs). You’ll be able to apply for - or view - your Student Support Plan online at any time via e:vision.

If you are staying in York to work, study or research over the summer, there are a few things to be aware of, including outlet opening hours, available study spaces, summer bus timetables and car park closures.

A range of social events and activities will also be taking place throughout the summer vacation including walks, quizzes, trips and more. The summer events programme is a great way to meet other postgraduates - both researchers, and taught students - and make the most of summer in York.

Wherever you’ll be enjoying the summer sun, you can still access key resources for your research via our Library postal scheme.

Staying in York over the summer and looking for something to do? Join our Communities team for a range of postgraduate opportunities, including:

Pride Month events continue this week - featuring a range of activities including themed talks, an open mic, and more. 

An online lunchtime event addressing the opportunities, challenges and practicalities of reproducible and replicable research in quantitative Social Sciences disciplines, signposting to further support and skills training. Find out more and register your place.

Join the ECR Collective for their final event of the semester to explore and share tips for best practice when applying to funding and fellowship schemes. Network other Early Career Researchers from across the White Rose University Consortium via challenge activities. Register your interest by 30 June. 

Organised by PGRs and GTAs in the Faculty of Social Sciences, this upcoming one-day conference (17 July) aims to create a collaborative space for PGRs, GTAs and teaching staff to reflect on teaching practice, pedagogical research, and the changing landscape of higher education. Submit your abstract by 5pm, 10 June 2026. 

Join the Centre for Blood Research to discover the range of non-academic career paths available to PGRs. Featuring talks from professionals in industry, the charity sector, science communication and more, come along to network, enjoy some free refreshments and explore where your research degree could take you. Register for your free place.

Organised by the White Rose University Consortium, the fair creates a shared space for networking, career exploration and knowledge exchange, showcasing the breadth of opportunities open to PhD researchers both within and beyond academia. The fair takes place on 17 September, and travel costs up to £30 can be reimbursed. Learn more about the event, including reimbursement rules.

The Careers and Placements building will be closed during the summer semester period as we prepare for our move to the Fairhurst Building. Careers appointments will still be available to book in Handshake, but will be online only. In person appointments may be available on request - contact careers@york.ac.uk.

Careers information for PGRs is available on the YGRS website and Central Careers website and queries can be directed to careers@york.ac.uk. 

Open to PGRs funded by UKRI research councils, these internships offer a three-month paid placement in a UK or devolved government office or agency. Develop your broader skills, apply your knowledge to relevant policy questions and gain experience in the public sector. Find out more and apply by 8 September. 

See all current Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) teaching opportunities on Handshake.

If you're planning to teach as a GTA at York, you need to complete Introduction to Teaching and Learning training first. There are three different workshops; you should complete the one recommended by your department. For any queries, please contact the Academic Practice Team: academic-practice@york.ac.uk.

From Autumn 2026/27, this training will be delivered through a revised structure of online preparation and in-person workshop activity. The current three site versions will also be consolidated into a single integrated site, which will be released in Summer 2026.

Please note: the current VLE sites are intended only for participants enrolled in the 2025/26 workshop cycle. If you are not currently scheduled to attend, please do not begin the online activities.

York SU are interested in hearing about how you’ve found your first year of Postgraduate life here at York! Complete the Lasting Impressions Survey by Saturday 6 June and you could be in with the chance of winning a £50 supermarket voucher. 

Want to work through your marking with other GTA’s? Join York SU at their GTA Marking Retreat on Monday 8 June at 11am in H/G15 [Heslington Hall]. Refreshments will be provided! Find out more about the GTA Marking Retreat.

York SU are looking for postgraduates to showcase any research they’ve done around disability at their upcoming Disability Pride Research Spotlight. If you want to share your work and network with fellow researchers, this is the event for you. Sign up to present at the Spotlight event. 

The Open Research team are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Open Research Awards, celebrating innovation, advocacy and good practice in open research across all disciplines at York. This year’s awardees include PGRs who have explored open and accessible approaches in different ways as part of their PhD research. Read more about this year's Awards on the Open Research at York wiki.

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