Hi ,

As the nights draw in and Halloween arrives, there’s plenty happening to support you through these shorter days!

Our congratulations go to Jo Baker from the School of Education, Communication, and Language Sciences, who recently won the Judges’ Choice award in the UK’s Three Minute Thesis competition! Read about Jo's experience and her inspiring tips for turning complex research into an engaging story.

Looking to shape the future of researcher development? Join us in the Vitae discussion groups to share your insights on the refreshed Researcher Development Framework (RDF). 

Take time to work on your personal and professional development by exploring this year's Faculty Researcher Development Programmes and researcher training from the Library.

Plus don’t miss the chance to win £1000 with the Santander Brighter Futures Grant! 

🏆 Winner of UK 3MT™ competition 

You may remember in last month's edition of the PGR newsletter, we shared the update that Jo Baker, from the School of Education, Communication, and Language Sciences, won the Newcastle University-level Vitae ‘Three Minute Thesis Competition’.

Well, we’re delighted to announce that following the regional heat, Jo has won the Judges' Choice award at the national level!  

With only one slide and three-minutes, we sat down with Jo to find out how she turned her PhD thesis into a memorable story and how you can do the same! Jo’s success highlights our postgraduate research talent. We’d like to extend a massive congratulations to Jo on her fantastic achievement!

🔍 Your Voice Matters: Shape the Future of Researcher Development 

Vitae invite you to take part in discussion groups to refine the refreshed Researcher Development Framework (RDF). This is a valuable opportunity to share your thoughts, offer insights and ensure that the framework reflects the real experiences and challenges of researchers. 

The refreshed RDF will play a key role in shaping policies that directly impact you. Your input is essential and we highly value your perspective to ensure the RDF represents the entire research community. 

Join our upcoming online discussion group for doctoral and early career researchers on Wednesday 6 November, 13:00-15:00.

We will share the draft refreshed framework and your feedback will directly influence the next steps. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your say and help shape an RDF that empowers and supports your future development. 

📅 Faculty Researcher Development Programmes 24/25

We would like to encourage you to spend some time on your personal and professional development this year. It takes more than academic knowledge to succeed as a researcher and achieve your career goals. To reach your potential, it’s essential to develop your personal qualities and transferable skills too. Whether you’re headed for academia or elsewhere, your future employers will want you to show advanced skills beyond an in-depth knowledge of your field. 

As a research student you can access a broad range of personal, professional and career development workshops and other opportunities to help you get started (via your Faculty's postgraduate researcher development programmes).   

Dr Gail de Blaquiere, SAgE PGR Development Programme 

Dr Richy Hetherington, FMS PGR Student Development Programme 

Dr Jen Tarr, HaSS Researcher Education and Development 

📚 Researcher training from the Library

All postgraduate researchers from the three faculties have a wealth of support and training available from the Library.   

For new and early-stage postgraduate researchers, you may be interested in the support offer on literature searching, specialist information, writing a literature review, systematic reviews or creating a data management plan. Late stage and returning postgraduate researchers may benefit from sessions such as open access publishing, “Write Here, Write Now” writing sessions, and disseminating your work.   
   

Visit the University PGR  workshop booking system to find training provided by the Library for your Faculty.

💰 Win £1,000

We’re thrilled to announce the return of the Brighter Futures Grants programme in collaboration with Santander. You have the chance to win one of 10 grants, each worth £1000, to support your academic journey. To enter: 

1. Register for Santander Open Academy, a free online learning platform.  
2. Follow the verification link in your confirmation email. 
3. Log in and choose ‘Get Started’ to complete your entry into the Brighter Futures Grants programme. From the menu, select Newcastle University. 
4. Submit your entry by 5 December 2024 for your chance to win!

🤝 Come with us to Student Services

Whilst King’s Gate Levels 1 and 2 are closed for redevelopment, you can still access Student Services: 

• Book an appointment online 
• Call our usual phone line: +44 (0) 191 208 3333 
• Visit our helpdesk for face-to-face assistance from our friendly Student Engagement Team, temporarily located at Level 1, Great North House on Hancock Street. 

Follow Music student Ollie as he shows you how to find the Student Services helpdesk at Great North House from The Arches 👆 

Student Services will be back in a refurbished King’s Gate to welcome students for the 2025/26 academic year!  

💬 You may be interested in...

NUAcT Welcome Event

Meet your newest NUAcT fellows! Join us for short presentations, networking opportunities, and refreshments! Each fellow will share insights on topics ranging from public health to energy systems to creative economies.  

📅  Thursday 7 November

🕒 13:00-15:00 

📍  Boiler House 

☕️  Refreshments available! 

Sustainability meets research

Whether you're just beginning your doctoral journey or preparing for a major milestone, developing a clear narrative for your research is essential. 

Join the SPROUT session to discuss ways to embed sustainability into your work, with examples and networking opportunities for PGRs across disciplines. 

📅 Monday 25 November 
🕒 13:00 – 14:00 
📍 Zoom 

Robinson Bequest bursaries

The Robinson Bequest bursaries, worth £3,000 per year (paid in three instalments), are now open to postgraduates to support the Library's data analytics work. 

Successful applicants will also gain 100 hours of library work experience across the academic year. Applications close at midnight on Sunday 10 November.  

🔗 Quick links

• Statistics PhD student Congye Wang won First Prize in JPMorganChase’s Data for Good Hackathon for his collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving skills. His work will support AfriKids' mission and community impact. 
  
  
• Taking action against racial inequality: Some of the key individuals helping to drive institutional change at the University share their thoughts on the work so far and plans for the future. 
  
  
• The latest edition of the Student Wellbeing Update (accessible version) explores the 5 Ways to Wellbeing and how you can implement them into your daily life! 
  
  
• Explore our updated Libby titles: Check out the new audiobooks, e-books and magazines added to the Library’s growing Libby collection, available to all students to support your leisure reading. 
  
  
• Join the Newcastle Centre for the Literary Arts on Thursday 7 November, 19:00-20:00 for their Bloodaxe Showcase. Dzifa Benson and Sarah Holland-Batt will be reading from their latest books. 
  
  
• Check out the latest edition of Newcastle University Business School’s research magazine, Reach. 
  
  
• Take part in the Cibyl Survey to have your voice heard, influence how employers are engaging with students and to win prizes like a £500 gift card and a tech gift worth up to £400.  
  
  
• Looking for some new things to do – that don’t involve drinking? Check out our Student Content Creator, Rachel’s list of wholesome activities in Newcastle! 
  
  
• The recent Nurture-U study highlighted that many students struggle with sleep quality. Read tips from Angelina, our Student Content Creator, on how to get a good night’s rest! 
  
  
• We proudly present the reusable cup designed by PGT student Swati Bhat! Available for £6 at university cafés, each cup includes a free drink and offers a 30p discount for reusing it. Join us in promoting sustainability!