A heartfelt welcome to our new postgraduate researchers, and everyone in that role returning to York! Your aspirations to contribute outstanding research shape not just your own work and life but that of the people to which it connects – your peers and friends, your advisors and mentors, the broader disciplines of which you are part, the University and the world around us.

To support you in your aspirations and work, the University provides a rich and enriching set of support structures, ranging from health and wellbeing support to professional development opportunities and beyond. The York Graduate Research School creates an umbrella under which those activities take place and, at the helm, is the Dean – a role to which we are currently recruiting. The Dean works closely with Directors of Graduate Research in each of the three faculties and their colleagues in the departments, all supported by outstanding members in the relevant professional services directorates.

In short, while the journey of being a postgraduate researcher may seem daunting at times, you are not alone in finding your way. Be part of the larger University. Read on to take advantage of the services and opportunities we offer. And have fun with it all!

Best wishes,

Matthias Ruth
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research

The York Graduate Research School induction event recording is now available, so whether you want a refresher on the information we provided, or you weren't able to attend the event on 2 October and want to catch up, you can now watch the PGR induction on demand and view the presentation slides.

We invite all PhD students and Postdocs to this research culture lunch tomorrow (8 November) for an informal chat about research culture across disciplines, how we can shape it, whether  ‘Lab Handbooks’ (or ‘Research Team Charters’) could help and how to get involved in developing one.

The Research Integrity Tutorial introduces you to the standards expected by the University for the conduct of research, and the associated procedures that should be followed. You must complete the Research Integrity Tutorial on the VLE before your first TAP (Thesis Advisory Panel) meeting.

The Library is now in ‘eco-mode’, meaning that while the Morrell building remains open until midnight, the Burton closes at 9.30pm and the Fairhurst closes at 10pm.

The dates for summer 2025 graduation ceremonies have been confirmed, beginning Saturday 19 July until Thursday 24 July 2025. More information will be available to those graduating in due course. The next graduation ceremonies are in January 2025.

The White Rose University Consortium has recently relaunched. The Consortium is a partnership between York and the universities of Leeds and Sheffield which supports career development, network building and collaboration. White Rose will continue to facilitate a PhD Careers Fair for all postgraduate researchers across the partner universities.

Develop your public engagement skills and raise your research profile by entering our annual PhD Spotlight Competition - part of YorkTalks, a key University research event in January 2025. All postgraduate researchers at York are invited to apply, for a chance to communicate your research in an interactive display/experience for the public, and maybe even win a prize! Deadline: 18 November 2024.

Returning from 31 May to 13 June 2025, the York Festival of Ideas will explore the theme: 'Making Waves'. The Festival provides an opportunity to showcase your research to a general audience or to engage groups in a dialogue with your research. Submit a programme idea for the York festival of Ideas. Deadline: 11 November 2024

Take part in important research here at York by Health Sciences PhD Candidate, Paul Heron. By completing the SWANS survey into student wellbeing, you’ll contribute to much-needed research so that we can better support students. Check your UoY inbox for your invitation to take part in the SWANS survey. And, don’t forget, there are lots of people at the university who are here to help with your wellbeing. 

We know that the cost of living continues to affect students and our information on cost of living support for students has been updated for the new academic year. 

You can discuss any issues you might be having living in private accommodation at our regular housing advice events. We offer contract checking as well as advice drop-ins with our specialist Student Housing Adviser and volunteer Law students at the Baroness Hale Law School Clinic. 

Find out about a Silent Zoom Writing Group for PhD students and staff from across various universities.

The latest issue of the Open Research newsletter is now available, including new Open Research in Practice case studies, updates from our Advocates network and upcoming training workshops and events. Read all previous issues of the newsletter and subscribe on the Open Research at York wiki.

This self-directed learning resource covers the fundamentals of research impact, and is split into interactive modules looking at planning for impact, engagement with stakeholders, and evaluating impact. The course is available on the VLE until the end of 2024. Please contact impact-and-ke-training@york.ac.uk with any queries.

The Fellowship Launchpad is a series of workshops and support for aspiring Research Fellows, who are thinking of applying for an early career fellowship in the next 12 months. Come to the Research Funding (and Why it Matters to you!) session tomorrow (8 November). You can find details on the full series of workshops on our researcher development web page.

The Library is pleased to share an updated Practical Guide on Copyright for Research. This resource provides general advice for researchers, including PGRs, on key areas including copyright ownership, reusing third-party materials and sharing your work. There is also a new online BRIC workshop, Briefly About: Copyright and Licensing for Research, taking place on 28 November which will introduce the fundamentals of copyright for PGRs.

There are currently two opportunities for PGRs to take on a Research Culture Associate internship in collaboration with the Department of Biology and BRIC Team. Both internships are open to all PGRs, and will build on pre-existing work looking into the concept and creation of Lab Handbooks/Research Team Charters, as a tool to enable mutually agreed guidance for research teams. See full details and apply for Opportunity 1 and Opportunity 2 via Handshake. Deadline: 17 November 2024

Generation Delta is offering a one-day workshop on training for careers for PGRs who identify as women from racially minoritised backgrounds who are registered as home students and in the last stage of their doctoral studies.

Virtual event designed to help you to feel comfortable and confident when applying for jobs. Led by the Employability organisation. Details and registration on Handshake

Find out about post-study visa options in the UK and case studies of graduates who have secured Graduate and/or Skilled Worker visas. Details and registration on Handshake

Hear from professionals working across the creative industries and gain tips on how to be successful. Details and registration on Handshake

Look out for the next Careers newsletter from the Careers and Placements team, due to arrive in November. If you didn’t receive a copy in September and would like to be added to the mailing list email careers@york.ac.uk.

The Writing Centre is looking to employ two Graduate Teaching Assistants as writing tutors. Application deadline: 8 November 2024. Find out more and apply for the role via Handshake. See all Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) teaching opportunities on Handshake.

If you're planning to teach as a GTA at York, you need to complete the 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.

The York SU Virtual PhD Café offers the perfect blend of camaraderie and productivity to kickstart your Mondays. It takes place every Monday at 10am on Zoom. Sign up to be added to the Virtual PhD Café invitation list.

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