Postgraduate researcher wellbeing programme
Our postgraduate researcher wellbeing programme includes in-person workshops and online webinars about managing your wellbeing as a postgraduate researcher.
In person workshops have 12 places available, and are allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Online webinars are not recorded, and participants do not connect with their own video or audio during the sessions.
You can reserve your place 2 weeks prior to the workshop or webinar you wish to attend. Sign up closes 1 hour before the start of the event.
Upcoming webinars and workshops
Imposter Syndrome
19 October 2026 – 12 to 1pm – online (MS Teams)
Imposter syndrome can impact motivation, productivity, and wellbeing throughout the research journey. Join fellow PGRs in this 1-hour webinar to consider practical strategies for managing this with others who share similar experiences.
Developing your PGR Identity
16 November 2026 – 12 to 1pm – online (MS Teams)
Join fellow PGRs in this one-hour webinar to explore strategies for navigating the transition from learner to scholar in a supportive and encouraging environment
Managing the Stress and Uncertainty of a Research Degree
14 December 2026 – 12 to 1pm – online (MS Teams)
Learning to work productively with uncertainty is an important part of becoming a researcher. Join fellow PGRs in this 1-hour webinar to explore the challenges this brings and explore ways to navigate it.
Wellbeing Winter Boost for PGRs
18 January 2027 – 12 to 1.30pm – in person, 19-21 Clarendon Place
Are you in need of a winter wellbeing boost? Join your PGR peers to find out ways to boost your physical wellbeing and lifestyle because your wellbeing can have a significant impact on your ability to engage effectively with your research.
Perfectionism and the PGR Process
15 February 2027 – 12 to 1pm – online (MS Teams)
The pressure to be perfect can have a significant impact on progress, confidence, and wellbeing during doctoral study. Join fellow PGRs in this 1-hour webinar to discover practical ways to develop kinder, more realistic expectations of yourself and your research.
Tackling Procrastination as a PGR
15 March 2027 – 12 to 1pm – online (MS Teams)
Procrastination is a common challenge for PGRs and can affect productivity, motivation, confidence, and wellbeing. Join fellow PGRs to develop a more compassionate and productive approach to your work.
The Self-Compassionate Researcher
17 May 2027 – 12 to 1pm – online (MS Teams)
Self-compassion is particularly important for PGRs, who often face uncertainty, setbacks and pressure to succeed. Join fellow PGRs to discover practical ways to bring a more compassionate approach to your research experience.
PGR Reflect and Connect
14 June 2027 – 12 to 1.30pm – in person, 19-21 Clarendon Place
If you would value a chance to connect with fellow PGRs, share experiences, and explore the challenges and rewards of research in a supportive and informal setting, this workshop is for you.
Small steps for PHD Success
12 July 2027 – 12 to 1pm – online (MS Teams)
If you want to make progress and maintain momentum throughout the PGR journey it might be easier than you think. Join fellow researchers to explore how small changes can make a big impact.
Emotionally Demanding Research
Some research involves engaging with sensitive, distressing or emotionally challenging topics. Emotionally Demanding Research (EDR) explores how this work can affect wellbeing, and how researchers, postgraduate researchers (PGRs), supervisors, managers and Professional Services colleagues can recognise and manage its potential impact.
Our dedicated Emotionally Demanding Research webpage brings together practical guidance, tools and wellbeing resources to support those undertaking, supervising or enabling emotionally demanding research. It considers the emotional demands that can arise throughout the research process, the importance of recognising their impact, and how individuals and those around them can respond constructively.
PGR Tools for Thriving Through Emotionally Demanding Research
11 November 2026 – 10am to 12pm – in person, 19-21 Clarendon Place
This workshop explores the potential wellbeing impacts of EDR and provides practical tools and approaches to help PGRs understand and respond to the emotional demands of their research. It also considers sources of support, helping researchers recognise when additional support may be helpful and how to access it.