Hello  ,

In this edition: 

🚝 Booking Travel Update

📣 Update on UKRI's recent funding announcements

📅 Recording your leave

📜 Special Collections and research support

📎 NU Policy Bulletin relaunched

💸 National Student Money Week

📣 Meet your 2026 Elections Candidates

🍊 Dr Juice

📰 Other news 

👉 Scroll down for everything you need to know!

🚝 Booking travel update

Following feedback and a successful procurement process, the University will transition to a new travel management company DGI, with the new system available from 11 May 2026.   

During the transition period, you should continue to book travel with our current provider Selective until 31 March 2026 for travel taking place up to 31 August 2026. 

Please note that no bookings can be made during April 2026. To avoid disruption, please plan in advance and make your bookings now for any trips during April 2026 and early May 2026.

All bookings placed by 31 March 2026, with travel dates beyond that point, will continue to be fully supported by Selective. This includes amendments and repatriation if required, though it excludes any new bookings.  

If this affects you, please contact your Academic Unit to discuss. 

📣 Update on UKRI's recent funding announcements

UKRI has made several announcements recently about their funding and pauses to some grant schemes. Matthew Grenby, PVC Research and Innovation, provides an update.

📅 Recording your leave

It is now a requirement for all UKRI funded students to record their leave. We also recommend that all postgraduate research students take up this best practice to ensure they are taking annual leave and have a record of smaller instances of medical or special leave:

• For leave under four weeks, please use the absence system in the Student Portal: My Requests

• For leave over four weeks, please complete the mitigating circumstances form in the NU Reflect Code of Practice system

Any requests for stipend funding extensions related to medical leave must be considered by your Doctoral Training Grant Management Team in the first instance. 

Further details of the changes: UKRI T&Cs Update October 2025 

PGR Leave Policy: PGR_Leave_Policy_Effective2526.pdf

📜 Special Collections and research support

Looking to strengthen your research with primary sources?

Special Collections & Archives offers access to unique archives and rare books, along with expert guidance on using primary materials effectively.

Explore research tools such as the Cabinet of Curiosities and Research Planner, access tailored training, or collaborate on projects involving archives, exhibitions or digitisation.

📎 NU Policy Bulletin relaunched

We’re delighted to share that the NU Policy Bulletin has been refreshed and relaunched.

​This offers a clear way for postgraduate researchers to stay up to date with policy‑related activity across and beyond the University. 

Published every month, the bulletin brings together news, research, publications, events and opportunities from Newcastle University, our partners, networks and national policy organisations. It’s a great way to explore how your research could inform policy and to stay connected with engagement opportunities as they arise.

💸 National Student Money Week

Ahead of National Student Money Week (2–6 March), we’re highlighting the financial support available to you at Newcastle University.  

Our Student Financial Support Team can provide advice, guidance and support about a range of student finance-related matters such as managing your money. You can book an appointment to meet a Student Finance Adviser or contact the team by email.  

If you're experiencing unexpected financial difficulties, you may be eligible to apply for discretionary university funding to help with essential living costs. 

Our Cost of Living Hub is your go-to space for managing money at university, finding budgeting advice and accessing emergency financial help. 

📣 Meet your 2026 Elections Candidates

Your Candidates and their agendas for Student Elections 2026 are now available to view. 

This is your chance to get to know the people running to represent the student body. Each candidate has outlined their priorities and ambitions but the decision is yours. Everyone is encouraged to read candidate agendas to help inform their voting decisions.  

Voting opens on Tuesday 3 March at 13:00. Student Elections provide students with an important opportunity to have a voice in decisions that shape student life and all students are encouraged to participate in every stage of their studies. Whether you want to leave a legacy or feel represented on campus, voting ensures that your voice is heard and makes a huge difference. Don't miss your chance! 

🍊 Dr Juice was created by PhD researcher Ranjeet Singh and offers 100% natural, cold-pressed juices. 

Working closely with START UP and the University, Dr Juice runs regular pop-ups on campus, providing fresh fruit drinks for staff and students without compromising on nutritional value, flavour, or refreshing taste.