The Doctoral College invites our postgraduate researchers (PGR) to apply for a second round of funding of the PGR Research Culture and Community Grant. The grant supports PGR-led activity across researcher development, research culture and research community building initiatives.
This grant is aimed at supporting researcher-led social and/or academic events. It may be used towards a social event, training activity, analysis workshop, digital skills session, writing session or other activity to enhance the PGR student experience. In addition to community building, the purpose of the grant is to enable PGRs to gain transferable skills and experience in planning, organising, promoting and implementing PGR engagement activities.
Applications close on Monday 24 February (midnight) and you can apply for one of the following streams:
Stream 1: PGR Researcher Development
- Supports the organisation of skills focused workshops, events, or initiatives
- Grants of up to £500 per activity are available
- Examples: analysis workshops, guest speakers, digital skills sessions, writing sessions.
Stream 2: PGR Research Culture and Community
- Supports the delivery of PGR research culture and community building, well-being or social activities
- Grants of up to £300 per activity are available
- Examples: cultural events, get togethers, wellbeing enhancing activities.
Full details on how to apply can be found on the Doctoral College Brightspace (accessible to postgraduate researchers only).
Previously the grant has funded activities including:
UK Parliament WeekFaculty of Media & Communication (FMC) UK Parliament Week, November 2023
A thought-provoking conference on the theme of "The role of social media and its impact on education; deciding who regulates. The conference aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the influence of social media, deliberating on aspects of law, and safeguarding for children online, data protection, brand advertising and online influencers. It provided a platform for scholars and experts to exchange insights and share their research findings.
"It has been a rewarding experience and a wonderful opportunity to gain experience, collaborate and share experience working with institutions, organisations and my grant sponsors." - MacDonald Amaran, Faculty of Media & Communication
Winter Holiday PartyWinter Holiday Party, December 2023
This end of year party brought together PGRs from across faculties and research areas. It provided a relaxed environment to network and share experiences to enrich PGR research.
“PGRs were eager to unwind, celebrate, and connect with their peers. The evening was filled with festive cheer, delicious food, and lively conversations. The party kicked off at Dylan's Bar, where students mingled and shared their research experiences and aspirations. This initial networking paved the way for a more cohesive and collaborative PGR community.” – John Christopher, Faculty of Science & Technology
3-Minute Thesis Competition3-Minute Thesis Competition, March 2024
PGRs presented their research topics in three minutes with one presentation slide and received feedback from judges. This event aimed to help enhance PGRs presentation skills and research outcomes.
"Through organising the event, we gained valuable experience in coordinating logistics, managing timelines, and ensuring it ran smoothly. This experience helped us build relationships with others and contribute to the overall enrichment of BU's academic culture." - Aziean Jamin and Bohan Liu, Bournemouth University Business School
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment Paper Reading SeminarNational Council for Curriculum and Assessment Paper Reading Seminar, March 2024
A research seminar focused on the innovative use of diffusion models for image generation. PGRs engaged with others research to enhance their knowledge and research skills. PGRs with various research backgrounds attended which enabled broader conversations on a variety of subjects.
"We developed our understanding of diffusion models and developed essential skills in event planning, leadership, and community building." - Zhiqi Li & Boyuan Cheng, Faculty of Media & Communication
Write Wise: Crafting Scholarly SuccessWrite Wise: Crafting Scholarly Success, March-April 2024
This seminar series aimed to create a supportive and collaborative environment for PGRs to share ideas, insights, and experiences related to scholarly writing and professional development. Through interactive sessions, PGRs have had the opportunity to enhance their academic skills and build networks and connections with peers across disciplines.
"This experience has developed my professional and personal growth. Organising and facilitating these seminars has allowed me to refine my leadership, communication, and organisational skills, all of which are essential for success in academia and beyond." - Tahmeena Javaid Adeel, Aneta Postek-Mioduszewska, Armin Sheibanifard, Abdul Rehman, Faculty of Media & Communication
Generalized Linear Mixed Models Workshop, May-June 2024
A training workshop on Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) for Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) from the Psychology department. This event facilitated an interactive and collaborative learning environment, enhancing the PGR research culture where PGRs shared their research and discussed GLMM application in their projects. The skills they acquired are applicable to their work and have the potential to improve their research outputs.
"The training workshop gave me a deeper understanding of advanced statistical method for analysing complex datasets. This knowledge will be useful in my future research." - Damla Kulelih, Faculty of Science & Technology
Appreciative Inquiry WorkshopAppreciative Inquiry Workshops, June 2024
Workshops discussed what appreciative inquiry is and how it can support PGRs research. Appreciative inquiry is an action research approach that's used to help participants uncover existing strengths, advantages, or opportunities in their communities, organisations, or teams. This approach focuses on what is working, rather than trying to fix a problem, which leads to people sharing ideas and best practices.
"I developed networking and planning skills by arranging these workshops. The workshops included an overview of the model of appreciative inquiry and how the 4D cycle is used in a strengths-based approach." - Sara Stride, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences
BadmintonPGR Badminton Tournament, June 2024
Connecting with PGRs over games of badminton. The games aimed to get together an exercise group for the PGR community. The free badminton games took place during World Wellbeing Week (24 - 30 June 2024).
"Many PGRs neglect the significance of maintaining a regular exercise routine due to their busy research schedules. Thanks to the Doctoral College's support, we can gather and exchange our experiences in exercises like badminton." - Zhiqi Li & Boyuan Cheng, Faculty of Media & Communication
Women's Health Research Symposium Women's Health Research Symposium, July 2024
The symposium took place on Talbot Campus and included keynote speakers from women’s health research in Dorset. Keynote speakers at included, Dr Michael Dooley, Consultant Gynaecologist and Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and Helen Crook, Programme Manager - Transformation Delivery at NHS Dorset and lead for the Dorset Women’s Health Hub. The event showcased the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, PhD researchers and created an opportunity for academics, clinicians, researchers, and those from the charity sector to network, discuss ideas, and outline key priorities in women’s healthcare.
"This experience helped me gain experience in applying for funding and learn about other researchers in my area of expertise." - Kate Rattley, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences
Find out more about postgraduate research opportunities at Bournemouth University.
