Group photo of PGR students talking inside building.

Research culture and community

Network with fellow researchers across disciplines

As a postgraduate research (PGR) student at the University of Portsmouth, you are part of a vibrant and supportive research community which is led by the Graduate School.

Networking with fellow researchers across disciplines is invaluable for sharing ideas, insights, and experiences. We encourage you to attend Graduate School events and participate in Graduate School Development Programme (GSDP) workshops to build connections and enhance your research journey.

The Graduate School

How the Graduate School supports you

The Graduate School is dedicated to supporting you throughout your research degree. From training and development to social and academic events, we’re here to guide and assist you every step of the way. Explore our events and find out how we keep you connected.

Research Culture Drop-Ins

Our regular drop-in events provide a relaxed space for PGR students to connect, share experiences, and discuss their research with peers from across the University. Each month, we offer one in-person and one online session, ensuring accessibility and flexibility. These gatherings encourage collaboration, build supportive relationships and create opportunities for academic and personal growth. Find all event details on our Eventbrite page.

Festival of Doctoral Research

Our annual Festival of Doctoral Research showcases the innovative work of our PGR students, including MD, MRes, MPhil, PhD, Professional Doctorate, and PhD by Publication researchers. Whether presenting your research, joining exciting competitions, or crafting a visual thesis representation, there’s something for everyone - plus prizes to be won!

Highlights from past festivals:

  • 2024 Keynote Speaker: Dr Ed Stoddard ‘From Centaurs to Cyborgs: AI and your Future’.
  • 2023 Keynote Speaker: Professor Mark Reed on the impact of postgraduate research. Watch the recording and access resources.
  • 2021 Celebration: Marking 10 years of the Graduate School with a focus on research culture and doctoral innovation.

Sharpen your skills with PGR Snapshots

The PGR Snapshot series offers concise, one-hour online sessions designed to fit busy schedules. Each session, led by expert University of Portsmouth staff, explores topics tailored to PGR needs, such as:

  • Structuring a literature review;
  • Life after your PhD;
  • Using AI for job applications.

Discover practical insights and connect with other researchers in these relaxed, informative sessions. Access details and recordings through Eventbrite and Moodle (UoP login required).

Stay Informed and Connected

Graduate School Emails and Bulletins

Stay updated with event news and announcements through our monthly Graduate School Bulletin, sent to your MyPort email. Ensure you check it regularly or set up auto-forwarding to another email address.

Graduate School Eventbrite Page

Explore and register for upcoming Research Culture events on our Eventbrite page.

Share your ideas

We welcome your suggestions for academic, networking, and social events. Let us know how we can help facilitate new opportunities for you!

Contact the Graduate School

For general enquiries, reach out to us at:

For GSDP or Skills Forge queries contact: gsdp@port.ac.uk.

Follow us on social media @GradSchoolUoP.

Postgraduate Research Society

The Postgraduate Research Society (PGR Society) invites you to connect with students across the University and enhance cross-faculty research culture. This vibrant group, comprising over 120 students from all five faculties, represents a global community at various stages of their research journeys. What unites them is the shared experience of navigating the research process together.

Neurodiversity support group

The PGR Society also hosts a PGR Neurodiversity Group, a supportive space for neurodiverse PGR students to share experiences, celebrate successes, and collaborate in a peer-led environment. This active group fosters inclusivity and provides a virtual platform where members can truly be themselves.

If you have ASD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Tourette’s, OCD, or any other neurodiverse condition (or are awaiting assessment), this group welcomes you. For an invite, email joanna.ashcroft@port.ac.uk.

Join the PGR Society - membership is free

ReproducibiliTea Journal Club

The ReproducibiliTea Journal Club promotes a culture of Open Science at the University of Portsmouth. The club meets monthly to discuss topics related to research reproducibility and replication in a relaxed setting - over a cup of tea!

Meetings are hybrid, offering both in-person and Zoom options. Access the latest updates and meeting details on the ReproducibiliTea page.

For additional resources, explore:

Building Global Connections

The University of Portsmouth promotes an inclusive and diverse Global Community, uniting international, EU, and UK students.

Global Week

Every year, Global Week celebrates worldwide culture and friendship through a series of free events, guest lectures, and activities designed to promote understanding and connection.

Stay connected by joining the official Global Community Facebook Group.

Explore Research and Innovation

Dive into the latest developments and impactful projects from across the University:

University Events and Research Seminars

The University Research Seminars webpage showcases seminars from departments across all five faculties. These events are open to all postgraduate students and provide a platform to engage with cutting-edge research.

For the latest updates on events:

Enhance your research journey by joining these communities and engaging in the University’s wide-ranging events and initiatives!