Festival of Postgraduate Research 2026

Panellist TBC

Supporting UG research and provide valuable experiences for PGRs Learning and Personal Growth. This could be mentoring or co-supervising UG research projects to gain a different perspective on the supervisory relationship and supervisory skills, or attending UG conferences to gain experience in engaging in interdisciplinary conversations.

Luana Tavano Garcia, Researcher Developer, Doctoral College

Luana will speak to the help and support that is available to Warwick PGRs to enable each PGRs Learning and Personal Growth. They are able to draw on their wealth of experiences working with diverse PGRs as well as their personal experiences as a Warwick PGR Alumni.

Panellist TBC

Our panellist will be able to speak to the opportunities available in the Post Doc research and valuable Learning and Personal Growth opportunities available to PGRs to prepare them for this early career space.

Panellist TBC

Developing flourishing research careers in Higher Education institutions is often a desirable career pathway. Our panellist will speak to how PGRs can plan and prepare for this focusing on Learning and Personal Growth.

Panellist TBC

Many research career have non-academic pathways. There are possible research careers in the Arts and Social Sciences, as well as STEM areas, with private companies, government and NGOs. Our panellist will speak to how you can shape your Learning and Personal Growth towards professional or industry research careers.

In person, OC1.06

TBC

Youn Affejee, PGR Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG)

In person, OC1.04

This interactive, in-person session invites postgraduate researchers (PGRs) to explore how communication shapes belonging across the doctoral journey. Co-created with PGRs and developed in collaboration with University of Warwick initiatives, including the Building Belonging Project, the workshop focuses on shared experiences and collective insight.

Through guided reflection, small-group discussion, and real-world scenarios, participants will examine how communication practices influence inclusion, connection, and collaboration in academic spaces. The session introduces key ideas such as intercultural communication and linguistic diversity, encouraging participants to view differences as strengths rather than barriers.

Using the Building Belonging Framework Snapshot tool, attendees will co-create practical strategies to foster inclusive communication in seminars, peer networks and group work. The session supports Doctoral Values by strengthening self-awareness, interpersonal skills and community-building capacity thus helping PGRs to navigate and shape more inclusive research environments.

Aishee Bhattacharya, PGR Applied Linguistics and Inca Hide-Wright, WHIEA Belonging Learning Circle

In person, OC0.05

Are you curious about Public Engagement? This session will introduce you to key concepts from public engagement theory that can support with good practice. From understanding your purpose to tailoring for your audience, we will highlight the important questions to consider when designing and developing public engagement activity and the value of this for PhD students, your research and the wider university. We will also discuss the support available from Warwick Institute of Engagement, designed to facilitate Public Engagement, wherever you are on your engagement journey.

Phil Jemmett, Warwick Institute of Engagement (WIE)

In person, OC1.06

How can we design curricula that give students genuine choice, voice, and ownership over their learning?

This interactive 45-minute workshop explores the Empowerment element of the Warwick Building Belonging Framework. Designed for both PGR students and faculty, the session moves beyond theory into practical strategies.

Through reflective activities, small-group discussion, and real case studies from Warwick colleagues, you will identify where students already have agency in their modules and research – and where they could have more. You will leave with actionable ideas to offer meaningful choices, encourage independent learning, and respect students' decisions within your teaching context.

Join us to share your practice, learn from peers, and help build a culture where every student feels trusted to shape their own path.

Dr. Amira Elasra, Economics

In person, OC1.04

The session introduces participants to trauma‑informed research practice, outlining its theoretical foundations and demonstrating how these principles can be embedded across the postgraduate research journey, including research design, fieldwork, analysis, and the production of research outputs. Using a postgraduate research project as a worked example, the session highlights practical strategies for developing trauma‑conscious approaches that minimise the risk of retraumatisation for participants and support researcher wellbeing, particularly when working with sensitive or distressing material. The session also emphasises the importance of positioning trauma‑informed practice as a core element of ethical and reflexive research design. Please note that, because the examples draw on a project centred on trauma‑oriented practice, some content may be sensitive or potentially distressing for participants.

Vicky Panossian, PGR Sociology and Dr Helen Nolan, Warwick Medical School (WMS)

Hybrid session, online & OC1.06 - this session was originally part of Research Culture Week (23-26 MAR 2026)

PATHWAY is Warwick’s pilot Positive Action programme to address the underrepresentation of Black academics at Warwick. This session will provide an overview of the programme, progress to date, and explore plans for its evolution.

Vicky Strudwick, National Centre for Research Culture (NCRC)

Hybrid session, online & OC1.06

This interactive workshop introduces doctoral researchers to the concept of wellbeing literacy—the knowledge, language, and intentional skills that help you understand, communicate, and support your own wellbeing throughout the PhD journey. Drawing on evidence about the wellbeing realities commonly experienced during doctoral study, we will explore the emotional, cognitive, and relational challenges that shape the research experience. Participants will also have the opportunity to identify additional pressures that influence their wellbeing and reflect on how these show up in day‑to‑day research life. The session highlights why wellbeing literacy is a vital research skill, supporting focus, resilience, motivation, and sustainable academic practice. Through a guided reflective activity, you will map key moments in your PhD where wellbeing literacy can make a meaningful difference and consider practical strategies to strengthen these skills moving forward.

Tania Villanueva Cabello, Institute for Advanced Teaching & Learning (IATL) and Virginia Thomas-Pickles, PGR, Global Sustainable Development (GSD)

In person session, OC1.04

Join us to explore what it means to be a Widening Participation (WP) student at the University of Warwick. This interactive session creates space to reflect on your journey into higher education and how your background has shaped your postgraduate experience. You’ll be introduced to the Social Mobility Student Research Hub (SMSRH), including its work on social inclusion, support for WP students, and mentoring opportunities for PhD researchers. Hear directly from current PhD mentors about their experiences and how you can get involved.

If you’re interested in social inclusion, diverse pathways through higher education, interdisciplinary research, or undergraduate mentoring, this session is for you. Expect a mix of short talks, group discussions, and a quick quiz to get ideas flowing.

Daniel Cashmore, Widening Participation (WP) and PGRs TBC

In person session, OC0.05

Are you curious about Public Engagement? This session will introduce you to key concepts from public engagement theory that can support with good practice. From understanding your purpose to tailoring for your audience, we will highlight the important questions to consider when designing and developing public engagement activity and the value of this for PhD students, your research and the wider university. We will also discuss the support available from Warwick Institute of Engagement, designed to facilitate Public Engagement, wherever you are on your engagement journey.

Phil Jemmett, Warwick Institute of Engagement (WIE)