In recent weeks the UK Government has published a White Paper on education with a strong focus on higher education policy. Somewhat unusually (and very happily) postgraduate research gets more than a passing mention. As well as confirming the improvements to the terms and conditions of studentships for those of you funded by UKRI, there was a commitment to support the UK’s research pipeline through postgraduate research. 

The document promised to extend, for the first time, the reach of the Office for Students to cover postgraduate provision and to explore the financial barriers in particular which can affect postgraduate research.

Here at the University of York and in YGRS we are already engaged in relevant initiatives, especially through the Generation Research project, and through the Yorkshire Consortium for Equity in Doctoral Education (YCEDE). As the YCEDE project draws to an end, a final showcase event held in York highlighted what progress has been made, but also the many challenges remaining. As ever, it was very illuminating to hear from our own postgraduate researchers at the event about what YCEDE has given them, and what they have given to YCEDE.

You may have seen that the University has recently published a ‘community declaration’: Together York. For me, this very much captures the spirit of the postgraduate research community at York: a community of scholarship; of respect; and of purpose. Just one example of that is Language & Linguistic Science PhD student Awais Hussain who has been shortlisted in the arts and creative industries category at the forthcoming Yorkshire Asian Young Achievers Awards (the ‘YAYAs’). Congratulations to Awais - read more about this below.

Finally from me, a big thank you to all of you who came along to the most recent meetings of the PGR Forum. The Forum is run jointly by YGRS and York SU and is your opportunity to discuss PGR issues with us and each other. Look out for announcements about the next meeting in 2026.

Best wishes,
Paul

In response to race crime in the city and on campus, the University continues to work with local partners (City of York Council and North Yorkshire Police), including conducting joint patrols. The police have recently made arrests and, along with our Campus Safety team, have jointly delivered banning letters to a number of youths as a result of anti-social behaviour including, but not exclusively, hate-related incidents. If you are concerned about an incident, please use our Report + Support tool or contact the police.

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 30 January 2026.

YGRS has agreed that the continuation fee should be pro-rated for part-time PGRs.

If you are funded by UKRI, see the guide to help you understand your entitlements and responsibilities under the new terms and conditions. This guidance outlines what students need to know if they are funded by UKRI, including:

In response to a question raised in the recent PGR Forum, it is possible for PGRs to request a name-based email address - just contact IT Services.

Are you a 2nd or 3rd/final year postgraduate researcher? Join the PGR mentor scheme to be matched with a postdoc/Early Career Researcher, providing an opportunity for PGRs to discuss and develop their skills, behaviours and approaches to the research experience with a more experienced postdoctoral researcher. Deadline Friday 28 November 2025. Learn more and apply.

Get one-to-one support with academic writing, maths skills, data skills, or study coaching.

Our online Writing Retreats give you time, peace, and space to fend off procrastination and beat writer's block. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges and work in a focused way using the established Pomodoro technique.

As the nights draw in, please be aware of your safety and security on campus. You can get 24/7 access to the Campus Safety team on campus through the SafeZone app. Download Safezone today.

As winter approaches, we’re seeing an increased number of cases of flu, covid and other respiratory viruses appear across our community. To help keep one another safe, and limit the spread of any sickness, be sure to follow the latest advice to help reduce the spread of infections.

If English isn't your first language, we support your English language development in a range of ways.

Looking for help and support? Come to our regular housing advice drop-in every Friday with Jess, our student housing adviser or see Lucy, our student money adviser, in her money advice drop-in every Tuesday.

You can now find and book quiet and sensory spaces on campus. Designed not only for quiet study but for self-regulation and decompressing, and ranging from Sensory Retreat Rooms and Wellbeing rooms to Zoom pods and Outdoor Sensory Spaces, find the perfect spot for you.

Sign up to attend the next Enhancing Research Culture workshop featuring guest speaker Dr Eleonora Moratto, a scientist, professional ballet dancer and founder of The SciBallet Project. Whether you’re working on a paper, project, public outreach or thinking about impact, this session offers fresh inspiration and practical tools for bringing your research to life through art.

The Club returns offering training and support for people developing research software at York. If you’re having issues with some code you’re working on, book a 35 min Code Clinic Session for 1:1 support. The Club also runs a series of Research Coding Courses, if you’re looking to get hands-on experience in specific areas.

The Open Research team has published a short series of blog posts to mark International Open Access Week 2025. This year's theme was 'Who Owns Our Knowledge?', asking how, in a time of disruption, communities can reassert control over the knowledge they produce. Read more on the Library Blog.

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Research Centre in collaboration with the University of York’s ESRC Impact Accelerator Account (IAA) is looking for a PGR Research Assistant to help undertake a research project. The aim is to develop a manual outlining the nuances of what inclusive practice involves when considering maximising research impact. Application deadline: Friday 5 December 2025.

The Bank of England is offering paid PhD Internships for 2026, aimed at PGRs who would like to gain experience of policy-relevant research in a policy institution.

To apply, you must be working towards a PhD in a subject relevant to central bank policymaking. Places are available in London or Leeds. Apply by 19 January 2025. 

See any 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.

Social media can be a useful tool for reaching people, but it's also an unpredictable landscape which can take up a lot of your time. In this session, we'll be working through how best to approach social media content creation, enabling you to make the best choices to suit your needs, goals, and workload. Book your place.

Are you a PhD researcher seeking a supportive community and a productive start to your week? Look no further! Our Virtual PhD Café offers the perfect blend of camaraderie and productivity to kickstart your Mondays.

York SU are bringing the festive spirit to campus and are looking for stall holders. If you have something to sell, showcase or share, get more information and fill out the expression of interest form.

Good luck to Awais Hussain (Linguistics) who has been nominated in the Arts and Creative Industries category of the Yorkshire Asian Young Achiever (YAYA) Awards.

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

ygrs@york.ac.uk

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