The InSpire Group is excited to announce the expansion of our monthly networking days for Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) at Kent. These non-compulsory, PGR-led full-day events are led by doctoral researchers and designed to foster collaboration, engagement and a sense of community among PGRs. Originally initiated within the School of Social Sciences, we are expanding the outreach to incorporate PGRs across the university. The next upcoming event will take place on Thursday 7th November 2024 (see programme below) in the Cornwallis East Boardroom on the first floor and online.
A New Initiative for PGRs
Scheduled for the first Thursday of every month during the academic year, InSpire Group days offer PGRs a chance to connect through writing sessions, discussion groups, seminars, research panels and social activities. Each event is planned in advance, enabling participants to manage their commitments related to work, childcare and travel.
Background
The InSpire Group was born from discussions at a recent LSSJ Writing Workshop, where the need for stronger collaborative connections within our PGR community was highlighted. Fostering these ties and encouraging networking is essential as we navigate the often isolating journey of research. A key proposal was to establish a designated day each month for on-campus PGR activities, leading to the official formation of the InSpire Group (Integration and Networking of Scholarly PhDs in Research and Engagement).
Why a Pre-Arranged Day?
The underlying principle of our monthly meetings is to provide a predictable schedule that facilitates planning to arrange childcare, take time off from part-time jobs and book travel in advance, thus making participation more feasible. While attendance is not mandatory, our goal is to create an environment that is supportive and easier to join on campus or online. Where possible, all sessions will be hybrid, accommodating those who may not be able to attend in person.
Topics of Interest
Our monthly events will cover topics relevant to the PGR experience, including but not limited to methods, supervisory relationships, ethics, academic expectations, wellbeing and self-care, individual working groups and writing sessions. These discussions will include contributions from faculty, GRC representatives and our community of doctoral researchers.
Get Involved
All PGRs are automatically part of the InSpire Group, but we encourage you to join the organisational team, which currently includes 15 doctoral researchers from the School of Social Science. Your participation will enrich our collective experience. If you’re interested in contributing, please fill out our Organisational Team sign-up form: https://forms.gle/7anXFcCfNXyiYnNf7. This doesn’t require a monthly commitment; it signals your interest in engaging in discussions about topics, event formats and logistical support.
Upcoming InSpire Days
Mark your calendars for the following InSpire days this academic year:
7th Nov, 5th Dec, 9th Jan, 6th Feb, 6th Mar, 3rd Apr, 1st May and 5th Jun.
Please see below the Programme for the upcoming 7th November InSpire day. We look forward to seeing many of you there.
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 312 162 837 306
Passcode: bJfDyx
For any comments or questions, please contact organiser Katrine Callander at kac45@kent.ac.uk.
Katrine Callander