Group photo of attendees- Festival of Doctoral ResearchFOR GRADUATE SCHOOL USE ONLY

Celebrate our postgraduate research

A vibrant event run by and for research students

The Doctoral College and the Super Rep Group is delighted to invite you to our celebration of postgraduate research at the University of Portsmouth on Thursday 10 July 2025.

We are excited to be holding this year’s festival in-person once more, and it will also be live-streamed to those of you wishing to join us online.

The festival will showcase the innovative research of all postgraduate research students including MRes, MPhil, PhD, Professional Doctorate and PhD by Publication.

Please see the opportunities below to enter competitions and apply to present.

What’s happening at this year’s festival?

Our 2025 event takes place in-person and online on Thursday 10 July 2025 from 10.00am-4.00pm in Portland Building.

A full programme (which is coming soon!) includes a keynote talk on the current trends in research and innovation, PGR research presentations from all faculties, Five by Five talks, and competitions inviting you to submit posters, visualise your research and even craft your thesis. All this plus opportunities for friendly networking.

Student presentation and competition opportunities

Research presentations

Current MRes, MPhil, PhD, Professional Doctorate and PhD by Publication students across all faculties are invited to submit abstracts to deliver a 15 minute presentation on the day.

Research competitions

Current MRes, MPhil, PhD, Professional Doctorate and PhD by Publication students across all faculties are encouraged to apply for the competitions and to take part on the day. Prizes will be awarded for the winners.  

You may enter as many competitions as you like once, but please don't use the same images in the Research Poster and the Visualise Your Thesis competitions.

Draft Programme

The programme will be updated as submissions and competition entries come in. Watch this space for contributions from all five faculties!

Time

Main Event

09.45am - 10.00am

REGISTRATION - tea and coffee
Poster, Visualise and Craft Your Thesis viewing

Competition voting opens

10.00am - 10.10am

Welcome from Dr Darren Van Laar
Doctoral College Director

10.10am - 10.30am

Keynote - Current trends in research and innovation
Professor Vikas Kumar, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)

10.30am - 11.30am

Research Presentations and Q&A panel

11.30am - 11.45am

BREAK - Tea, coffee and biscuits

11.45am - 12.30pm

Research Presentations and Q&A panel

12.30pm - 1.30pm

BUFFET LUNCH - Portland Atrium

Poster, Visualise and Craft Your Thesis viewing
Last opportunity for public votes

1.30pm - 2.30pm

Five by Five

2.30pm - 3.15pm

Research Presentations and Q&A panel

3.15pm - 3.45pm

Research Culture Spotlight

3.45pm - 4.15pm

BREAK - Tea, coffee and cake

And 'Networking My Thesis' competition

4.15pm - 4.30pm Competition prizes
4.30pm - 8.00pm

Post Festival Social Event

Enquiries

For more information about the festival, please contact the Doctoral College team at docfest@port.ac.uk.