Hi ,

🔥 What’s inside this edition?

🎥 Watch the new Student Life video filmed at King’s Gate

📚 Explore insights from the Open Research Conference

🏞️ Discover opportunities at upcoming Research Retreats

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Connect with fellow researchers via the PGR Community Hub

📖 Find out about summer support from the Library

👉 Scroll down for everything you need to know!

Industrial Action update

As you may be aware, the University is implementing several measures to manage costs amidst the financial challenges currently affecting universities across the UK. An update on the latest developments is available on the PGR Noticeboard which includes full context and background. 

In response to these measures, the University and College Union has announced that its members will take further discontinuous strike action from 6 June to 17 July. 

We want to reassure you that our primary goal is to minimise any disruption to your educational experience and we have procedures in place to achieve this.

We have updated our industrial action webpage and FAQs so please view these resources for further information and support. 

🛎️ Visited King's Gate yet?

Join Estrella for a quick tour of the newly developed King’s Gate Levels 1 and 2 – now open and designed with students in mind! 

From social spaces to purpose-built wellbeing rooms to the main helpdesk and START UP spaces, explore everything the new student-focused King’s Gate has to offer. 

 🎤 Join Newcastle’s first Open Research Conference 

Join us on Friday 13 June for Newcastle University's first Open Research Conference - a day full of talks, workshops, and networking focused on open research practice.  

Be quick though, registration closes tomorrow (Friday 30 May). 

🍃  Research Retreats – new dates, training and resources

New Research Retreat dates are now live for 2025, alongside facilitator training and a resources pack to help you organise your own.

Whether you’re writing, planning, or just need focused time, explore what’s on offer.  

✍️ 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 the website and book a space online. 

🌞 Summer support from the Library 

On campus or working remotely this summer? The Library is here for you! Explore the Academic Skills Kit for support with your thesis or research projects, referencing and finding academic information. Subject Guides can provide you with quality information sources for your research. You can also sign up for a self-enrol course to develop essential skills in finding and managing information. 

Book one-to-one appointments with Librarians and the Academic Skills Team or drop in when it suits you. You’ll also find Library staff around campus, ready to chat and offer guidance wherever you are in your summer studies. 

🏆 'Student Life' Win at the WUSCAs 2025 

Newcastle University has proudly taken home the 'Student Life' Award at the 2025 Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs) – and it’s all thanks to you, our incredible students, for sharing your experiences. 

A huge thank you to every single student who took the time to leave a review. Your voice matters - this win is yours as much as it is ours! 

💬 You may be interested in...

Final SPROUT event

Join the final SPROUT event of the year on Tuesday 10 June, exploring careers, values, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

Find out more and sign up on the PGR Noticeboard.

i-Lab X Social Enterprise - applications now open!

Ready to turn your ideas into impact?

Join i-Lab X Social Enterprise, part of the Rob Wood Enterprising Futures Academy, to tackle real-world challenges and build entrepreneurial skills that drive social impact.

No business experience needed! 

 📅 Apply by 8 June 2025 

Discover Gertrude Bell’s World

Explore over 11,000 items from the Gertrude Bell Archive with the new interactive geo-spatial interface.

Using historic maps, satellite images, and curated journeys, this tool enriches research in history, archaeology, geography, and digital humanities.

🔗 Quick links

• The Student IT Hardship Fund is changing from the 2025/26 academic year. Find out more on the PGR Noticeboard. 
  
  
• PGR student Bushra Shehzad, who is pursuing a PhD in marketing and consumer behaviour, was recently interviewed by The Guardian about their research on the phenomenon of prepping. Read the article. 
  
  
• Celebrate 25 years of the Centre for Life! Listen to the From Newcastle podcast on the website now or wherever you find your podcasts.
  
  
• Clearing out your space? Donate unwanted items like kitchenware, stationery, and home essentials to the ResLife ReHome project. Open to all students – find donation boxes across campus!