PGR exclusive Events

View this month's events

Wed 6th May

A student sits at a laptop, in conversation Getting your thesis ready
10am - noon
Online
For postgraduate researchers (PGRs) approaching the final stages of preparing their thesis (4-6 months from submission), this workshop covers thesis presentation, the submission process and copyright considerations.

Thu 7th May

A student sat on a sofa working on a laptop, seen from above Data management plans for PGRs
11am - noon
Online
All postgraduate researchers are required to have a Data Management Plan in place before completing their first annual review (GRS3). This workshop will help you to achieve this by covering the basics of research data management.

Wed 13th May

a student working on a tablet in a coffee shop Building your academic profile during your PhD: Training & Development showcase
11am - 12:30pm
Online
Discover key things that you can do during your PhD to develop your academic profile, all based around free training and development initiatives run by the University of Birmingham.
A staff member sits working at a laptop in a café space Literature searching: hints and tips for researchers
11am - 1pm
Online
This practical introduction to effective literature searching provides guidance on search strategy planning, the use of keywords and subject headings, and tips on managing search results.
A student wearing headphones stands at a PC in the library Reading and note-making
11am - 12:30pm
Online
A huge quantity of reading is required for postgraduate research. This workshop helps you develop strategies to read effectively and efficiently, extracting the key information into your notes. Bring your own reading material to practise with!

Thu 14th May

A student speaks to a staff member at a stand in the Great Hall Making the most of conferences
9am - 10:30am
Online
This workshop introduces practical tips for postgraduate researchers (PGRs) preparing to attend a conference, helping you get the maximum value from your conference, including getting the most out of networking opportunities.

Fri 15th May

A person sits at a table Preparing for your viva
10am - 11am
Online
The viva is an important part of the assessment for your programme. Attend this workshop in the months approaching your viva to do some practical activities to help you prepare.

Mon 18th May

A student on their phone in a social space Planning for success
11am - 12:30pm
Online
Designed primarily for postgraduate researchers (PGRs) in the very early stages of their research programme (approximately during the first three months), this workshop covers research project management techniques.

Tue 19th May

Image of a student smiling looking at a laptop Writing academic job applications: tips tutorial
2pm - 3:30pm
Online
Learn more about how to write effective academic job applications and understand what academic hiring panels look for at this online seminar.

Thu 21st May

A student leans over a laptop in concentration EndNote Desktop Q&A session
10am - 11am
Online
Completed the Introduction to EndNote 2025 Canvas course and still have questions? Drop-in for an online Q&A with the Research Skills team.
A student smiles sitting at a desk Increasing your productivity
11am - 12:30pm
Online
As postgraduate researchers (PGRs), we cannot change the number of hours in a day, but we can use them as effectively as possible. This workshop encourages you to understand your own working preferences to be as productive as possible.

Fri 22nd May

A student smiles whilst working on a laptop Writing clearly and concisely
11am - 12:30pm
Online
Sharpen up your writing to communicate your research and ideas more effectively. This will be most useful for those who have already drafted some texts.
A student in conversation with someone out of view Introduction to presentation skills
1:30pm - 3pm
Online
Are you a postgraduate researcher who wants to build your confidence in delivering presentations? This workshop covers the basics of a good presentation, including structure and visual aids. Get peer feedback on an informal presentation of your own.

Wed 27th May

Four people sat behind a long table as if on an interview panel Preparing for academic interviews: tips and techniques
1pm - 2:30pm
Online
Understand what to expect in a typical interview for an early-career academic job in the UK, plus how to prepare and perform effectively.
Three people look at a computer screen together Structuring your thesis
1pm - 2:30pm
Online
Already have some draft texts but unsure how these might fit together in a logical thesis structure? This highly interactive workshop will cover common thesis structures and strategies for creating your own.

Tue 2nd June

Two students look at a phone showing a scientific diagram Introduction to AI tools for researchers
11am - noon
Online
Develop an understanding of the opportunities and risks of using AI tools in the research process, explore how AI Tools might be used to augment research processes to create efficiencies, and critically evaluate potential ethical risks.
Image of a student looking thoughtful using a laptop Preparing postdoc funding and fellowship applications: practical tips for PGRs
noon - 1:30pm
Online
Get practical tips on how to write a strong research funding or fellowship application, identify fellowships, and ask questions to current academics who hold various postdoctoral fellowships.

Wed 3rd June

Students sit around circular tables chatting Starting to write for PGRs
9am - 10:30am
Online
An introduction to the writing process, your knowledge of yourself as a writer, and strategies for planning and creating text, suitable for those at the beginning of their development as postgraduate research level academic writers.

Thu 4th June

A student looks up at another student, whilst sat studying What is Citation Justice?
10am - 11am
Online
Explore the role of influence and power in who we cite, how bias in this area can occur and be addressed, and discover tools for finding literature that is more representative of the global majority.

Mon 8th June

A student sits at a table with a laptop, chatting to a staff member Reviewing the literature
1:30pm - 3pm
Online
Understand the nature of a quality literature review and how to effectively synthesise the literature you have read in your thesis.

Tue 9th June

A student working on a laptop AI for academic writing for PGRs
10am - 11:30am
Online
Explore effective and appropriate use of generative AI tools in the context of academic writing and the University's regulations and guidelines for the assessment of research degree theses.

Thu 11th June

Three students sit chatting in front of a poster display board Designing and presenting your poster at conferences
2pm - 4pm
Fourth Floor Training Room, Main Library
Learn how to maximise the opportunity to communicate your research in a highly visual way using a poster. Understand the nature of a poster session, how to create visual impact, and how to use PowerPoint in this context.

Fri 12th June

The Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room Shut Up and Work for early career researchers
9:30am - 4:30pm
Fourth Floor Training Room, Main Library
Work on your own writing, planning or literature discovery in a quiet but supportive environment. There will be time to set targets at the beginning of the day and there will be regular planned breaks to enable you to network or take a walk.

Mon 15th June

A person sits at a table Preparing for your viva
2pm - 3pm
Fourth Floor Training Room, Main Library
The viva is an important part of the assessment for your programme as a Postgraduate Researcher. Attend this workshop in the months approaching your viva to do some practical activities to help you prepare.

Wed 17th June

The dome on the Aston Webb building seen through foliage UK and Ireland Health Ethics and Law Association Conference
9:30am - 5:30pm
Law building
Birmingham Law School is delighted to host the first Conference of the new UK and Ireland Health Ethics and Law Association, with themes including End of Life, Reproduction, Consent and Capacity, Mental Health. Registration is free for PGR students.
A student looking at a PC in the library Organising your research notes
10am - noon
Fourth Floor Training Room, Main Library
For Postgraduate Researchers who have begun gathering sources - develop a more structured approach to managing notes, explore different approaches to organising research notes and practical guidance on developing a clear and searchable system.

Thu 18th June

The Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room Shut Up and Work for early career researchers
9:30am - 4:30pm
Fourth Floor Training Room, Main Library
Work on your own writing, planning or literature discovery in a quiet but supportive environment. There will be time to set targets at the beginning of the day and there will be regular planned breaks to enable you to network or take a walk.

Fri 19th June

A staff member sits working at a laptop in a café space Literature searching: hints and tips for researchers
10am - noon
Fourth Floor Training Room, Main Library
This practical introduction to effective literature searching provides guidance on search strategy planning, the use of keywords and subject headings, and tips on managing search results.
Two people having a conversation Working effectively with your supervisor
2pm - 3:30pm
Online
Understand what to expect from the supervisor-PGR relationship, how to get the most from your supervisory team, and the support available to complement your supervision.

Tue 23rd June

Image of a room of people listening to a speaker. Explore careers outside academia for STEM PGRs & ECRs
9:45am - 3pm
Lloyd Suite, Edgbaston Park Hotel
Hear a variety of presentations from guests in different industries, take part in direct discussions with speakers, meet fellow researchers, and enjoy lunch at this session for Postgraduate Researchers and Early Career Researchers in STEM fields.
Three people looking at a PC screen Researcher visibility essentials: ORCID and Pure
10am - 11am
Online
Learn how to create an ORCID profile for yourself that is recognised in academia and grows in value as your career progresses. Link it to your University of Birmingham Research Portal webpage to increase your discoverability.

Thu 25th June

A student in conversation with someone out of view Introduction to presentation skills
2pm - 4pm
Fourth Floor Training Room, Main Library
Are you a postgraduate researcher who wants to build your confidence in delivering presentations? This workshop covers the basics of a good presentation, including structure and visual aids. Get peer feedback on an informal presentation of your own.

Fri 10th July

The Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room Shut Up and Work for early career researchers
9:30am - 4:30pm
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
Work on your own writing, planning or literature discovery in a quiet but supportive environment. There will be time to set targets at the beginning of the day and there will be regular planned breaks to enable you to network or take a walk.

Thu 16th July

A student sits at a laptop, in conversation Getting your thesis ready
2pm - 4pm
Room 112, Muirhead Tower
For postgraduate researchers (PGRs) approaching the final stages of preparing their thesis (4-6 months from submission), this workshop covers thesis presentation, the submission process and copyright considerations.

Fri 17th July

A person sits at a table Preparing for your viva
11am - noon
Online
The viva is an important part of the assessment for your programme. Attend this workshop in the months approaching your viva to do some practical activities to help you prepare.

Mon 10th August

A student sits at a laptop, in conversation Getting your thesis ready
10am - noon
Online
For postgraduate researchers (PGRs) approaching the final stages of preparing their thesis (4-6 months from submission), this workshop covers thesis presentation, the submission process and copyright considerations.

Wed 12th August

A person sits at a table Preparing for your viva
3pm - 4pm
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
The viva is an important part of the assessment for your programme. Attend this workshop in the months approaching your viva to do some practical activities to help you prepare.

Fri 14th August

The Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room Shut Up and Work for early career researchers
9:30am - 4:30pm
Main Library Fourth Floor Training Room
Work on your own writing, planning or literature discovery in a quiet but supportive environment. There will be time to set targets at the beginning of the day and there will be regular planned breaks to enable you to network or take a walk.

Thu 10th September

A person sits at a table Preparing for your viva
4pm - 5pm
Online
The viva is an important part of the assessment for your programme. Attend this workshop in the months approaching your viva to do some practical activities to help you prepare.

Tue 15th September

A student sits at a laptop, in conversation Getting your thesis ready
2pm - 4pm
Online
For postgraduate researchers (PGRs) approaching the final stages of preparing their thesis (4-6 months from submission), this workshop covers thesis presentation, the submission process and copyright considerations.
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