These last few weeks have showcased the range of excellence and achievement in postgraduate research at York. I have attended PGR conferences in the Departments of Biology, Environment & Geography, and Chemistry, with the School of Physics, Engineering & Technology to come. At every event it has been a joy to see the wide range of topics and approaches on display (literally!), and to meet PGRs at different stages, from research master’s to on the cusp of PhD thesis submission. 

Although I haven’t always understood every detail of all the projects, I’ve really appreciated people’s skill (and patience…) in explaining often very complex studies in more straightforward ways. Such skills were abundantly clear in the 3MT Three Minute Thesis competition which took place as part of the Festival of Ideas on 7 June. An exceptionally strong set of entries meant there were a bumper crop of 12 finalists this year and they did not disappoint. Judging was tough - I think this could have been the most competitive and closest-scored event in the history of 3MT at York! Read on to find out who won.

It hasn’t only been PGR excellence which has been recognised this month. The University of York Students’ Union Excellence Awards included a Research Supervisor of the Year category, with 40 nominations. I know that supervisors are always thrilled when they receive a nomination, thank you to those of you who nominated and congratulations to this year’s winner, Prof Elva Robinson (Biology) and Highly Commended Dr Sally Hancock (Education).

Finally, another big thank you to everyone who completed the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey this year. We achieved a response rate of 40%, which is higher than last time out. We’ll be processing and analysing the results of your feedback over the summer. We’re also looking forward to hosting the PGR Forum meetings soon where there is more opportunity to meet other PGRs, hear about forthcoming developments and let us know how things are going. Read on for further details.

Best wishes,
Paul

The PGR Forum is a chance for you to find out more about University work to support PGRs and give your feedback on things that are important to you. The next meeting is tomorrow (24 June) between 12.30-2pm in person at the Vanbrugh Arms. Agenda items include proposed changes to TAPs and progression, PGR accommodation, and how the University can ensure that PGRs are protected from harassment. Alternatively, if you are unable to attend, there is an equivalent online PGR Forum on Tuesday 8 July, 12.00pm - 1.30pm. Please email ygrs-pa@york.ac.uk if you would like to attend either event. 

Celebrating Spaces: Connecting Researchers is an all-day open event on 3 July to celebrate and bring together the research community at York. There will be lightning talks, a research exhibition and showcase and the chance to visit some of the research spaces around campus. PGRs are welcome to attend, and it's free. Just book a spot.

We recognise that international conflict can affect students in many different ways and we offer a range of support for those affected by global crises. Please let us know if you need support - speak to your supervisor or the Student Support and Advice Team in the Student Hub.

The Enhancing the Postgraduate Researcher Journey project aims to amplify the best support practices for our PGR community and we need your input! Complete the short 10 minute PGR survey by Monday 30 June to let us know what types of support you value most. You can also sign up for a paid PGR focus group for under-represented PGR voices over the upcoming weeks. Your responses will directly shape a new University toolkit, helping to refine existing support and foster a stronger research culture. 

EDICa has launched a survey of the lived experience of bullying and sexual harassment in the UK’s research and innovation sector. If you have experienced or witnessed instances of bullying or sexual harassment, please see the range of support and guidance available to you, from both within the University and external organisations.

This online discussion event on 10 July presents work undertaken in Open Educational Resource (OER) creation and reuse at the University. It will outline ways in which practitioners have adopted and adapted OER in different teaching contexts, highlighting the various challenges and opportunities involved in their use across a broad range of disciplines. 

Research Bites is a regular lunch get-together for PGRs that are involved with Digital Creativities. It’s a chance to show and discuss a small aspect of your research in order to grow and support the community. Contact: craig.m.robertson@york.ac.uk for more information.

YCEDE has launched an online Toolkit for Equity in Doctoral Education with resources, guidance and articles aimed at PGR applicants, current PGRs and staff. 

Do you have an idea for a creative project but don't know where to start? Our Creativity Lab summer workshops are open to all. From 3D modelling to essential podcasting or audio editing, see how the Creativity Lab team can help you.

This workshop will help you understand how IP and commercialisation processes can be used to increase your research impact, develop new funding opportunities, and strengthen your grant applications. Book your place.

Join the IT Training Team to explore the different tools and features available in Microsoft Word to help you format and structure complex documents like theses and dissertations. Book your place.

The BRIC Team’s programme of researcher development workshops is now coming to a close for the 2024/25 academic year. We will be planning our 2025/26 programme over the summer, with sessions starting again in Semester 1.

Calling all STEMM postgraduate students and research staff! Join us for the 2025 STEMM Postgraduate Career Fair to explore career paths beyond academia with workshops and talks given by professionals working in industry, government, communication and more.

Check the Careers job sector pages for a summary of key points from the Working in Research panel event and view the recording of the policy panel event

Careers and Placements are pleased to launch a new careers resource for Arts and Humanities PGRs. It includes a summary of key research findings, a practical guide to skills developed during the PhD and why they are valued outside academia, and three case studies. An edited brochure of the resource is also available - collect a copy from Careers and Placements or the top floor of the Berrick Saul building.

The annual PGR Careers Fair, supported by White Rose Consortium, will take place on 10 September at the University of Leeds. The event is open to PGRs from York, Leeds and Sheffield and travel expenses will be refunded. This year there will be a workshop specifically for Arts and Humanities researchers - more details will be available closer to the event. 

Just a reminder that Careers and Placements remains open during the vacation period. Careers appointments can be booked via Handshake throughout summer and we will aim to respond to any queries within five working days.

The York SU Excellence Awards give students the opportunity to show their appreciation to staff across the University. It is a student-led celebration and one which allows students to recognise those who have had a particularly positive impact on them over the past academic year, whether they are academic or non-academic staff members. See the recent winners, including the PhD Supervisor of the Year.

Congratulations to all who took part in the York 3 Minute Thesis final and especially to our winners:

Find out more about our 3MT winners’ research.

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

ygrs@york.ac.uk

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