With the new year rapidly approaching, we tend to take stock of recent developments and plan for what comes next.

While the last few months have seen many challenges for the higher education sector, we have also seen considerable achievements at York. Those include the large number of projects recently funded, the awards bestowed, the papers and books published, and the partnerships fostered to create knowledge and connect our research to those who may ultimately benefit from it.

There have also been a lot of ‘behind-the-scenes’ improvements as well to ensure we continue to thrive in an increasingly resource-constrained and competitive environment – improvements in the ways we work, our processes, as well as extensive preparations for our next Research Excellence Framework submission. It also includes ongoing work to support the development of a culture that recognises the contributions to creativity and research success made by so many in our communities – technicians and grant managers and colleagues at different stages of their careers.

We are a university on the move to new heights, and the new year will bring new opportunities to showcase what it means to be a member of this community, to break new ground, to contribute to public good. I look forward to working with you to make it all happen, and I wish you the very best for what should be a truly exciting time ahead!

Best wishes,

Matthias Ruth
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research

We are pleased to announce that Professor Paul Wakeling has been appointed our new Dean of the York Graduate Research School. Paul takes up his role on 2 January 2025.

Whether you’re leaving York or staying on campus, student support continues over the winter break. We have lots of information about what’s open and what’s happening on campus - including what to do in an emergency, events, building closures and changes to bus services. We also outline how to connect to campus remotely as well as who is available to help, wherever you are.

We are operating a building closure programme this winter. Only certain areas of the campus will remain open between Saturday 14 December and Sunday 5 January. 

YorkTalks, our annual profile event about research at York, is back on 15 January. Researchers from across the University will provide snapshots of their work in 15-minute sessions throughout the day, and there’s also the chance to see what fellow PGRs are doing in the PhD Spotlight competition. We’re also joined by special guest Andy Kerr, incoming Director of Economy for the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority, for a discussion on unlocking the potential of York’s research as a force for innovation and economic growth. Book your YorkTalks tickets.

Sustainability remains central to the University’s vision. Take a look at this year’s Sustainability Annual Report for initiatives we’ve undertaken in the last 12 months and our progress toward our sustainability goals. You can also get involved by signing up for carbon literacy training or submitting an event proposal for Sustainability Week 2025.

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.

If you're a new postgraduate researcher, we want to hear from you! We're exploring the welcome communications that you received - what you found useful and ways to improve. Participants will receive a £20 voucher for their time. Sign up to take part in an online welcome focus group in January.

All student visa holders must now take steps to set up your UKVI account and eVisa - especially if you are leaving the UK over the winter vacation. Having trouble? Contact the International Student Support team.

Due to external building work to the entrance of Sally Baldwin D block, the Student Hub reception will be closed from Monday 16 to Friday 20 December. Open Door, Disability Services and Student Support will still be available via phone, email, Live Chat or scheduled appointments

The BRIC Team’s Researcher Development Programme has recently been updated - with new sessions included and a new section dedicated to the Fellowship Launchpad. We will also be adding a limited number of additional in-person workshops to SkillsForge for Semester 2.

IT Services has recently made the generative AI tool Google Gemini available to all university users. You should read and understand the guidance on using AI in PGR programmes before using GenAI tools.

An online event featuring insightful and critical discussion of the realities and challenges facing open access today, with perspectives from authors, publishers and librarians. See the Open Research at York events wiki for further details.

Do you plan to share some of your research data? Do you know where you are going to deposit your research data to enable future reuse? The Open Research team has produced a video briefing to help you choose a suitable data repository when you plan to share your research data. 

December is the last chance to log on to this self-directed fundamentals of research impact learning resource on the VLE. It contains five 30 minute interactive modules looking at planning for impact, engagement with stakeholders, and evaluating impact. Please contact impact-and-ke-training@york.ac.uk with any queries.

The Library has produced a guide to Bluesky, with advice from York academics already there and a 'starter pack' of active York staff and departments.

The Inclusive Education team is recruiting two student interns with an interest in raising awareness about neurodiversity and promoting a more inclusive educational environment. Find out more and apply by 19 December 2024.

Are you considering a role in the healthcare sector, such as medical writing, health economics, project coordination, marketing, IT or brand management? The Pharmaceutical Marketing Society is hosting a free careers in healthcare conference at the Royal Society of Medicine in London on 26 February. 

Do you receive the Careers newsletter for PGRs? If not, email careers@york.ac.uk and ask to be added to the mailing list.

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.

Are you passionate about building a sustainable future? The York Students' Union Sustainable Development Grant offers an opportunity to turn your ideas into projects that benefit the University community. Funded by the University’s Latte Levy, the grant is open to staff and students.

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

ygrs@york.ac.uk

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