Hi ,

We hope your 2025 has started well!

Have you connected with the PGR Community Hub yet? Run by PGRs for PGRs, the group is back this semester with even more events for the community. Check out what’s going on in February!

In this edition, we also share an update from Matthew Grenby, PVC Research and Innovation, about Doctoral and MPhil Oral Examinations (vivas) and the Doctoral College Research Enhancement Fund (DCREF) – including the second call and application deadline.

As the days start to get longer, there are many opportunities and events to look forward to. Don’t miss Love Data Week from Newcastle University Library Research Services and our Student Content Creator, Brigita Diva’s top February picks in Newcastle plus more!

👋 Join your PGR Community Hub

The PGR Community Hub is back for the new semester with even more events to help you connect with peers, share insights and make progress on your dissertation or research project!  

We host monthly in-person and online events including:  

• Accountability Groups 
• Practice Sharing Groups 
• Writers’ Groups 
• Discussion Groups 

The PGR Community Hub is a space run by PGRs for PGRs. Our events are open to all PGRs from all faculties and at all stages, so come along and join your PGR Community!  

To find out more, check out our website and book a space online.  

Message from Matthew Grenby, PVC Research and Innovation

If you haven’t already, please ensure you read the recent message from Matthew Grenby, PVC Research and Innovation, posted on the PGR Noticeboard earlier this month.

The update includes information about key PGR activities including Doctoral and MPhil Oral Examinations (vivas) and the Doctoral College Research Enhancement Fund (DCREF).

A second call for applications to the DCREF is now open and will close on 7 February 2025. Please refer to the DCREF eligibility details, guidance and deadlines.

Finance update from the Executive Board

You may have seen news headlines in recent months about the financial challenges that universities across the UK are grappling with at the moment.

Here at Newcastle, our focus is on protecting your student experience while also planning for the future. This includes reducing costs and streamlining how we work, so we can continue offering world-class education and opportunities that prepare you for life beyond university. 

💘 Love Data Week

As we approach Valentine’s Day, it’s time to profess your love for data! Newcastle University Library Research Services are coupling up with Northumbria University to help improve your relationship with data.

​As part of Love Data Week, join us for "Data Access Statements: Building trust through transparency", a 90-minute event on Thursday 13 February, delivered via Teams. This event is suitable for all students and colleagues involved in conducting or supporting research. Find out more and reserve your spot. Treat your data with love this Valentine’s Day!

🎉 Top February Events

Looking for something to do in Newcastle this February? Our Student Content Creator, Brigita Diva, has you covered!

There’s plenty to do this month, including cute Valentine's date/mate night inspiration, Japanese pancake heaven, LGBT History Month, partying all day at a Silent Disco at Newcastle Cathedral, and much more! 

🌱 Student Wellbeing update

In this month’s Student Wellbeing update [accessible version], we share details of Holocaust Memorial Day, how to report hate incidents and setting up your TV Licence.

There are wellbeing tips, scholarship opportunities, as well as some book suggestions from the BeWell scheme, and more!  

💬 You may be interested in...

EMBO information webinar

📅 Wednesday 12 March

🕔 11:00-12:00

Discover funding opportunities, advice and application tips for life science researchers at this EMBO webinar.

START UP Community Social - Retail Stores vs E-Commerce

📅 Thursday 6 February

🕔 17:00-19:00 

Come along to get some tips from entrepreneurs on the theme of selling both online and offline and learn how to position your start-up for success in a hybrid market. 

FREE Red Bull event in the Sports Centre

📅 3 & 4 February

🕔 17:00-19:00 

Don’t miss the FREE Red Bull takeover in the Sport & Fitness Centre! There will be a live DJ, FREE Red Bull products, and an incredible atmosphere. The event is open to ALL students (you don’t need a gym/fitness membership), just register your place via the NCL Sport app.  

🔗 Quick links

• Santander is giving you the chance to win 1 of 10 MacBook Airs! Sign up to Santander Open Academy, a free online learning platform to enter the prize draw. Find out more.
  
  
• Are you a parent? Share your experiences balancing parenting and studies and earn £13.69/hr. Sign up to sessions on 4 Feb (9:30-10:30) and 13 February (13:00-14:00). Discover support, meet other student parents, and influence future initiatives. 
  
  
• Newcastle Legacy is your chance to think bigger, gain new perspectives and be challenged to think differently. Discover the power of unexpected connections with people you might never normally meet, who are playing a role in the big and small changes shaping the future of Newcastle. If you’re under 25, apply now.
  
  
• Join Newcastle University’s Discover events on AI in the music industry and Edge AI. Explore the future of AI with experts and industry leaders. Register now! 
  
  
• Visit the Blue Planet Connect Recruitment and Skills Fair for Marine, Underwater, and Offshore sectors on Tuesday, 25 February, and network with employers and alumni. 
  
  
• Collaborate with real businesses to enhance your data and innovation skills! The Data Innovation Bootcamp at the Catalyst will run from 31 March to 4 April and is open to SAgE students. Application deadline: 9 March. 
  
  
• Newcastle University Business School (NUBS) has updated the hours of access to their facilities. Check the Study Space Finder to find out more.  
  
  
• Discover The Missing Lynx Exhibition at Northern Stage this February! Explore reintroducing lynx to the UK and share your views.
  
  
• Experience how artists address the environmental impact of clay through sustainability and innovation. February 1 to May 3 at Hatton Gallery. Free entry.