Used to working with academic audiences, telling the story of your PhD

1) How to actually write/structure your PhD (e.g. The PhD People)

2) Using AI as your research - assistant potentially ask Sara Mursic (s.mursic@ljmu.ac.uk) OR Joe Moran - AI in humanities

3) Getting grants/funding AND How to get your work published? e.g. publishing/impact factors

4) What's next? Postdoc/Industry options/internal impact officer, research and innovation officers wellbeing and academic burnout

5) EARLY STAGES PANEL SESSION

Something specifically for newly started PhDs (first 6ish months) a panel session? panel session of PhDs sharing experiences ) one on general challenges)

6) LATER STAGES PANEL STAGES e.g. getting over the line/vivas one on vivas,

7) Christopher Matthews on academic skills, critical thinking, getting shit done etc - backup keynote?

A podcast stand at some point in the day, some of them possibly in the panel sessions

Gareth Hughes, University of Derby and Ann Kirkman, University of Derby?

Student Minds charity?

Doctor Who? Making Your Mark in the Academic Multiverse

Press Play: The Soundscape of Your Doctoral Journey

Play, Pause, Rewind: The Rhythm of Academia

Artificial Irrelevance? Our Human Stories and Our Postgrad Journey

Food For Thought: A Recipe for Academic Success

The PGR Playlist: Music and Your Postgraduate Journey

A pinch of wisdom, a heap of perseverance: ingredients for academic success

Mixing it up: ingredients for academic success

Tracks to success: composing your academic journey

Seems to be based in Canada, but is from the UK and does talks in the UK too.

Dr Kelly Jakubowski - Durham University

ABOUT — Nwando Ebizie

• A PhD begins like opening a new puzzle or board game.

• At first, the pieces (ideas, theories, literature) seem confusing.

• You start by defining the edges (research boundaries) and looking for patterns (key areas of study).

• Some pieces may seem to fit but later turn out to be wrong (false starts or misleading paths).

Strategy and Decision-Making (Choosing Methods and Experiments)

• Like in a game, you need a plan to solve your research problem.

• Strategies include test and error, theoretical approaches, or experimental tests.

• Sometimes experiments go smoothly (luck), but other times you hit obstacles and need to rethink.

• Collaborating with peers is like teaming up in a game, it helps everyone succeed.

Unexpected Twists (Challenges and Rejections)

• Just like in games, surprises happen during a PhD.

• Setbacks include rejected papers, failed experiments, or shifting research questions.

• These challenges may force you to backtrack, rethink, or start over on a new part of your project.

Leveling Up (Gaining Skills and Confidence)

• As you progress, you get better at handling the "game."

• You learn to anticipate challenges, recognize useful ideas, and develop better strategies.

• Early setbacks feel hard, but over time, you become more resilient and confident.

The Final Move (Thesis Completion and Defense)

• By the end, the pieces of your research come together, forming a clear picture.

• The final challenge is defending your thesis, like making the last move in a game.

• If you’ve prepared well, you can confidently explain your work, answer questions, and "win" by earning your PhD.

How to 'get shit done', critical thinking, creating your 5 year plan,

Eleanor contact Clare Murphy prospectively, The PhD People and Sara Mursic (AI)

Louise and Pouria work on draft 'save the date' email to go out

ALL send headshot and bio (look at last years for an example)

It’s time to celebrate! Join us on 21 May, 2025, at the LJMU Student Life Building for this year’s Postgraduate Research Festival.

This year’s festival theme: Play, Pause, Rewind: The Rhythm of Research ▶️⏯️⏪

On the 2025 Festival 'Playlist':

• Three-Minute Thesis Final Competition: Present your research in just 180 seconds!

• Poster Presentations: Get creative and showcase your research.

• Interactive Workshops: Play with ideas, and participate in sessions on Research Skills, Artificial Intelligence, PGR Creativity, Thesis Writing, Grants & Funding, and more.

• Keynote Speaker: Be inspired by our visiting speaker.

• Prizes: 3MT and poster prizes up for grabs, plus a raffle open to all!

• Closing Reception: Network with your research community.

• Wellbeing Activities: Hit life's pause button and take time to reflect and renew.

Save the date, 21st May, for a chance to share, celebrate, and embrace the rhythm of your research! More details will follow soon.

Best wishes,

2025 Postgraduate Research Festival Organising Committee

If your PhD journey had a rhythm, would it be a smooth symphony, an unpredictable jazz solo, or a dramatic crescendo?

🎶 This year, we invite you to step into Play, Pause, Rewind: The Rhythm of Academia at the 2025 Postgraduate Research Festival on 21 May at the LJMU Student Life Building.

🔹 Festival Highlights:

· Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition – Present your research in just 180 seconds.

· Poster Presentations – Showcase your work and engage in insightful discussions.

· Interactive Workshops – Develop key skills, boost creativity, and enhance well-being.

· Keynote Speaker – Gain inspiration from a leading academic expert.

· Prizes & Raffles – Win awards for 3MT and poster presentations, plus a chance to enter the festival raffle.

· Closing Reception – Network, reflect, and celebrate with your research community.

Whether you're pressing play on new ideas, pausing to reflect, or rewinding through past lessons, this festival is your space to explore, share, and celebrate your research journey!

More details coming soon—save the date!

Best wishes,
2025 Postgraduate Research Festival Organising Committee