Professor Daniel Gibbs
University of Birmingham

Contact Details

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In three words or phrases how would you describe your supervision style?

Laid back, inclusive, encourages student-led exploration

In one or two sentences please describe your strategies regarding the following.

Provision of training:

Initial training will be carried out by myself and/or a senior postdoc in my lab, leading to later independence.

You are not expected to know what you are doing from the very beginning and I strive to offer support as you learn techniques

Progression monitoring and management:

I like to be kept up to date, and usually will expect to see evidence of project progression at weekly lab meetings

I am here for advice and guidance to help you reach the goals that we set together

Communication:

The team has a WhatsApp group chat with which we regularly communicate during the week. Whilst I expect you to keep up with my/ team communications I will expect you to manage your work/life balance.

I email regularly, including sometimes at weekends, but I do not expect you to respond if I email outside of work hours

How often do your PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting?

At least once per fortnight

In year 1 of PhD study, how often do your PhD students have a scheduled >30 minute 1:1 meeting with you?

At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study, how often do your PhD students have a scheduled >30 minute 1:1 meeting with you?

At least once per week

In year 3 of PhD study, how often do your PhD students have a scheduled >30 minute 1:1 meeting with you?

At least once per week

What form do your 1:1 meetings with PhD students take?

Face to face (if allowed under current health and safety advice)

Open door policy?

Yes, I am usually contactable for an instant response 3 or 4 days per week.

Notice for feedback (e.g. on reports, manuscript drafts, thesis chapters)?

I need at least 1 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.