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Doctoral College Newsletter - 3 February 2026
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The Doctoral College Newsletter provides you with fortnightly updates for events, opportunities and news specifically relevant to postgraduate researchers.
Here are just some of the highlights this week:
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The mandatory Annual Monitoring Review (AMR) has launched; read more about AMR in the News section along with other important changes to student procedures.
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Our News section also introduces a new resource for academic writing skills- The Writing Brain.
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Connect and influence change by becoming a PGR Rep- head to the Opportunities section for more information.
To find out more about these, and everything else at the University for PGRs, jump to the relevant sections using our linked contents list:
News
Opportunities
Events
External Opportunities
Reminders
Community
Careers Support
Wellbeing Support and Sessions
Enquiries
The next newsletter will go out on Tuesday 17 February 2026. Please submit items for the next newsletter by Wednesday 11 February 2026. Please refer to our style guide before submitting your item.
You can also share your news and events on PGR Community Hub on Viva Engage, or on our Bluesky account.
The place to look for training and development opportunities at the University and beyond is our Postgraduate Researcher Training and Development Bulletin.
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Annual Monitoring Review (AMR) 2025/26
AMR was launched last week (Monday 26/Tuesday 27 January) so please check your emails. The deadline for the report to be completed is Tuesday 24 February 2026. The report should take 5-10 minutes, and it is a requirement for registered PGR students and their supervisors to complete. For further information please check the dedicated AMR webpage or contact your PGR support team.
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Introduction of Turnitin at Upgrade
For students starting in the 2025/6 academic year, Turnitin will be introduced as part of the upgrade submission. Turnitin is a formative tool to identify poor research practice and to facilitate discussion between students, upgrade committees, and supervisors. Students will need to enrol on an ELE module to upload their work to Turnitin and will be required to share the similarity report with their upgrade portfolio.
Full details are available under the upgrade tab in the DC Handbook.
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You Asked, We Did! PGR Fieldwork Resources
Some of you indicated in your PRES survey and Researcher Development workshop feedback that you wanted more guidance on preparing for your fieldwork, whether you are literally digging in a field in the UK, or travelling overseas for interviews, archives or nature reserves. So we have developed some new training and resources to help you prepare for your fieldwork.
This includes a new 'one-stop' handbook that contains key information and advice, timelines and flowcharts, and new online and in-person training workshops. The resources cover everything from planning and selecting fieldsites at the start of your programme, to ethics and risk assessments, budgeting, packing and travel advice, to tips on lone working when you are in the field, and what to do when you get back to your desk at the end.
We hope that you will find these resources really useful, and that they will make preparing for your fieldwork (and trying to navigate all the related university websites) easier and more straightforward. Happy planning and safe travels!
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Check out The Writing Brain: a new online academic writing resource
The PGR Researcher Development & Research Culture team are excited to announce the launch of The Writing Brain, a one-stop website to help support your academic writing development. It contains a wealth of resources from the basics, through clarity and style to structure and includes mini video lectures and practical worksheets on a wide variety of topics.
A big thank you to Dr Emily Bernhard Jackson for curating all content and to Research England for funding this resource.
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Want to become a PGR Rep?
Being a Postgraduate Research student is a unique experience. Becoming a PGR Rep is a chance to connect, influence change, and build skills that go beyond your research.
As a rep, you’ll:
• Raise issues that matter to you and your peers – from supervision and facilities to wellbeing and funding
• Build your network across departments and disciplines
• Gain experience in academic representation, negotiation and leadership – great for your CV and research career
• Make sure the PGR community has a strong voice in shaping the future of the University
Whether you’re on an MPhil, PhD, Professional Doctorate, or Masters by Research, we want to hear from you. Full training is provided – no experience needed.
Find your people. Use your voice. Shape your research experience.
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Feedback on Doctoral College's use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)
The Doctoral College is reviewing and developing guidance on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in postgraduate research. This anonymous survey invites you to share your experiences, perceptions and any areas of uncertainty about GenAI use in PGR research.
The survey takes 8-10 minutes. Your feedback will help shape future guidance and support. If you would like to contribute further, you can add your details at the end of the form.
Please access the survey via the button below or scan the QR Code to the right.
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Getting published – an in-person workshop with The Royal Society Publishing
Date: Wednesday 11 February 2026
Time: 14.30-16.00
Location: Building:One - Kolade Teaching Room, ONE/TR02, Streatham Campus
Are you a PhD student or postdoc looking to improve your chances of having a smooth and successful publication experience? In this interactive workshop, we will cover a variety of topics designed to help you navigate and demystify the publishing process, including:
• Choosing the right journal for your work
• Understanding the publishing process from submission to production
• Discussion of key journal policies, such as open science and the use of AI in manuscript preparation
• Preparing your paper for submission
• Enhancing the visibility of your work.
The Royal Society has been publishing scientific articles for over 360 years. We are a not-for-profit society publisher, offering high-quality, open and ethical publishing across the full breadth of science, engineering and maths.
This is an in person workshop with 40 spaces available.
Any questions about the event beforehand, please contact openaccess@exeter.ac.uk.
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Join the Students' Guild next PGR Let’s Talk session
Theme: Getting the Most out of Supervision
Date: Wednesday 18 February
Time: 11.00–12.00
Location: Greenhouse, Devonshire House & Hybrid on Teams (Join online)
Supervision plays a crucial role in our doctoral journey — but how can we make the most of it? This session will be a relaxed and supportive space to share experiences, exchange tips, and reflect on how to build productive and healthy supervisory relationships.
Whether you’re just starting your PhD or already well into it, this is a great opportunity to hear different perspectives, pick up practical strategies, and connect with other PGRs.
☕ Coffee and biscuits will be provided!
We look forward to seeing you there!
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The Wellbeing Network is pleased to offer a monthly Journaling Club meeting for anyone who is looking to start or rejuvenate a journaling practice — an evidence-based method of promoting wellbeing. No preparation is necessary; just bring something (digital or analogue) that you can use to capture your thoughts. You will be provided with unique prompts at each meeting, and occasionally some visuals, readings, or other supplementary materials to help inspire you. Don’t worry — you won’t be asked to share anything you’ve written! If you have any questions, please email c.r.kight@exeter.ac.uk
for more information.
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The Harding Prize for Trustworthy Communication
The Harding Prize for Trustworthy Communication is now open, and accepting applications to celebrate effective evidence communicators. The award is hosted in conjunction with Sense About Science, the Science Media Centre, and the University of Cambridge Statistical Laboratory, and awardees can win £3141.59 in honour of their contribution to communicating research.
You can find out more about the prize at The Harding Prize for Trustworthy Communication.
Deadline: Sunday 15 February
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Expressions of Interest: Presenters for Exeter Postgraduate Researcher Podcast
Have you ever thought about having your own podcast? What questions would you ask staff about topics relevant to postgraduate researchers?
After a successful series last year, Exeter Postgraduate Researcher Podcast is back and we are looking for a new batch of presenters: PGRs who would like to gain some valuable presentation skills practice and be the voice of the PGR community through our new Exeter Researcher Podcast. This is your chance to ask any questions you have, explore topics you don’t know so much about or highlight information you think other PGRs would find useful.
We are looking for up to six postgraduate researchers, each of whom would undertake one interview on MS Teams with individual members of staff or a fellow PGR on a topic around support or development of PGRs or their research. Episodes will be around 25-30 minutes. We’re happy to be flexible in terms of topic and questions to meet the interests of our presenters and our audience.
This is a voluntary role but a great chance to develop skills vital to any career path, as well as an enjoyable new experience that will benefit both you and the PGR community.
If your submission goes forward to the next selection round, you will be able to show your presenting skills in a micro-episode with one of our Researcher Development and Research Culture team members, so we encourage you to submit expressions of interest, regardless of whether you have previous podcast/interviewing experience or not.
Expressions of interest form will close at 12.00 (12 noon) on Monday 9 February 2026. If you have any questions or would like to know more, please contact researcherdevelopment@exeter.ac.uk.
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Help Shape A New PGR Careers Resource
A new, online, self-access careers resource specifically designed for Postgraduate Researchers is currently being developed, to be released this summer. We would like to hear your thoughts and preferences to ensure the site is as helpful and relevant as possible. If you would like to be involved in a focus group, please contact Katie at k.hoare2@exeter.ac.uk.
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Welcome to the Doctoral College Induction Portal!
Our Doctoral College Induction Portal contains all the key information you need to know in your first few weeks in one easy place. Whether you are just beginning your course, or looking to refresh your knowledge, please check out this handy SharePoint resource that covers topics such as PGR Support, wellbeing, student voice, researcher development and peer mentoring, plus many more! You will also find the recording from the online induction held on Tuesday 13 January in the Welcome to the University section.
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Welcome from Exeter Wellbeing Network!
Happy belated new year from the Wellbeing Network! If you are looking to start a new hobby or make some new connections, why not join the Network? We have over 400 members in our community and are always looking to welcome new colleagues. Our current schedule includes craft, singing, fika, meditation, gardening, walking and pub trips. We also organise additional events through our WhatsApp Community. To join, please fill in our members form.
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PGR Community Hub on Viva Engage
The PGR Community Hub is a collaborative online space for Postgraduate Researchers at the University of Exeter. Posts can be uploaded by PGRs, The Exeter Students' Guild or The Falmouth and Exeter Students' Union, alongside teams that support PGRs such as the Researcher Development and Research Culture Team. Please use this space to discuss ideas, share best practice, ask questions and keep up to date with the latest activities, events and opportunities. Here you can have your voice heard and shape our community and research culture.
Please do not use this channel to advertise/search for rooms to rent; the University has its own Viva Engage channel where you can do this.
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Join fellow PGRs in this online space, led by PGRs for PGRs to focus individually on whatever tasks you would like to work on. You can join the PGR Study Space Microsoft Teams Group here.
The PGR Study Space facilitated hours are as and when facilitators are available.
There are unfacilitated sessions outside of these hours so you can fit it around your working patterns.
If you have any queries, please contact PGRStudySpace@exeter.ac.uk.
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Doctoral College Networks and Student Societies
There are a wide range of societies and/or groups that you may like to join, such as the Mature Students Society and the PG Society (Exeter).
Check out the Doctoral College Networks webpage for full information. Don't forget to also take a look at the societies on offer at Exeter Students' Guild and Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union websites, which include a society for international students as well as various sports and interests.
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All Staff Choir at Penryn Campus, Tuesdays 13.10-13.55
A relaxed, informal singing group to promote positive wellbeing and a sense of community and connection across our lovely campus. No experience necessary! Open to all staff and postgraduate students from Exeter, Falmouth, FX Plus, the SU, and any other organisation that is based on Penryn campus. If you know someone who might like to join, please encourage them to fill out this interest form.
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Career Support Resources at University of Exeter
The University has some excellent resources to help with careers. Whether you plan to work in industry, set up your own business, join the third sector, stay in academia, or are not yet sure and want to explore your options, you can find guidance and helpful pointers using these resources:
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Wellbeing Support and Sessions
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Every Mind Matters
Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. The NHS have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing. See their website here.
Spectrum.Life
Spectrum.Life provides a confidential telephone, video, and live chat counselling service to help with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, bereavement and more (sign up using your University of Exeter email address).. The Spectrum Life web portal offers wellbeing courses, mindfulness, healthy eating resources and online fitness classes to help you to stay well.
Wellbeing Centre
If you would like to speak to PGR Education Welfare Team for Welfare, they can be contacted at welfare.pgr@exeter.ac.uk or tel: 01392 726207. Further wellbeing information, tools and support can be found on our wellbeing webpages.
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Free Mindfulness Sessions for Wellbeing
Mindfulness is a powerful practice of training our attention and an evidence-based way to tackle anxiety, stress and low mood. If you’re interested in exploring more, there is a variety of free internal options available for all colleagues.
Sessions from the internal Mood Disorders Centre mindfulness team include: an eight-week MBCT-L course (2hrs weekly), an eight-week ‘deeper mindfulness’ course for those who’ve completed the MBCT-L course and bespoke ‘healthy mind’ sessions for whole teams, which can be delivered in-person or online.
You may also be interested in trying mindful meditation in 30 min online sessions each Thursday lunchtime. This is a secular practice run by the Chaplaincy.
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Details on how you can contact the PGR support team, either via email, telephone or face to face via our hubs (located on all campuses) is available on our contact us webpage.
Remember you can come along and meet the team or to ask any enquiries you might have at either of our helpdesk hubs below at any of our campuses:
The Streatham PGR Hub is open from 10.00 – 15.00 Monday to Friday. The Streatham Hub is situated in the Old Library Ground Floor next to the Quiet Study Space and Bill Douglas Centre.
The St Luke’s PGR Hub is open from 10.00 – 15.00 on a Monday and a Thursday. Students wishing to access the hub should go to the Info at St Luke’s desk and request PGR support, the PGR team will then be called to see you.
The Penryn PGR Support Office is open from 10.00 – 14.00 Monday to Friday. It is based in the Postgraduate Suite in Daphne Du Maurier building 3 (next to the SU and opposite the Stannary).
For enquiries surrounding training and development, please contact the team on: ResearcherDevelopment@exeter.ac.uk
You can view previous versions of the newsletter here.
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