As part of this year’s PGSummer, the GRC is proud to support a cycle of films being screened, centring the experiences of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (shortened to CPLP, for the Portuguese: Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa).

This event is being run by Cláudia Ferreira Fernandes Moreira, who is the recipient of a GRC Community Experience Award, joining the list of previous awardees. Cláudia has programmed three days of films, each one chosen to offer a deep overview of the culture of these countries, as well as their relationships and connections. You can see films such as Um Animal Amarelo (Brazil), Angola – Nos Trilhos da Independência (Angola), Uma Memória em Três Atos (Mozambique) and Mina Kiá (São Tomé and Príncipe). The schedule and full programme can be seen here, with debates and discussions throughout, culminating in a dinner party on the Friday afternoon.

CPLP on Screen : Dialogues on Lusophone Identity runs from 21st and the 23rd of June 2023, held in MLT2 (Marlowe Lecture Theatre 2). Please do register here.

On the 7th of June 2023 the GRC welcomed staff and students alike to our Annual Postgraduate Conference. 

 It was a busy and vibrant day celebrating all of our of postgraduate researchers, thank you to all who attended. If you have any feedback from the event, please do fill out our form here.   

 We kicked off with a fascinating, informative and all too brief discussion on AI in Academia, expertly lead by our host Tommy Pargeter-Grey. Many thanks to the interdisciplinary panel Alhena Saghir, Jerome Jaggi, Zsofia Baruwa and Harrison Grey for their insights. We will undoubtedly be having many more conversations like this, and do look out for our Research Cafes running termly from autumn. These will provide an opportunity for Postgraduate Researchers to present their research and participate in a thematic discussion.   

The Kent Researcher talks featured some our most exciting postgraduate projects explained in just over ten minutes by their researchers. Yeshashwini Kadiri spoke on ‘Informal Urbanism and Gendered Infrastructure in the Global South’, Bamidele Ogunjumelo on ‘3-D Flame Visualisation through Optical Imaging’ Sophia Ppali on ‘Music from anywhere & everywhere: Exploring the design space of remote music performances’ and Antonis Karamalegkos delivered ‘Investigating the effects of Natural compounds on health and lifespan’. We’ll never think about worms in the same way.  

After lunch, the final for our annual 3MT Competition was held, with the Runner Up being Richi Mohanty and winner Maria Alvarez taking first place. Congratulations! This was immediately followed by our special guest speaker Dave Thomas giving an important and fascinating talk on Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonisation in Postgraduate Research.  

Our last panel included speakers from three of Kent’s Research Institutes. Catherine Richardson from the Institute of Creative and Cultural Industries presented with David Sefton, and gave us a tantalising hint and the exciting interdisciplinary creative arts project taking place in Medway at the Docking Station. Shujun Li told us more about the Institute of Cyber Security and Bob Smith told us about the European Bison in Blean as part of an update from the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology. All day attendees were able to view the many incredible research posters, and photographs entered in the conference competitions.      

Awards Ceremony 

We ended with an awards ceremony and drinks reception, which celebrated the winners of the Three Minute Thesis, Research Poster Competition, Research Photograph Competition, and the GRC Prizes. Thanks to our poster and photo judges Dave Thomas, Gordon Lynch, Jim Ang, Jess Day and Shujun Li. We were delighted to announce the winners of all our competitions this year at the event. These were: 

Three Minute Thesis

Runner Up – Richi Mohanty

Winner – Maria Alvarez

Research Poster 

People’s Choice Winner – Yeshashwini Kadiri 

Judges Highly Commended – Katrine Callander 

Judges Winner – Sophia Ppali 

Research Photograph 

Judges’ Winner – Minoya Patkunam 

People’s Choice – Sophia Ppali 

Graduate and Researcher College Prizes 

Director of Graduate Studies/Programme Lead Maria Elisavet Balta 

Postgraduate Professional Service Champion Alexandra Marnerou (Highly Commended: Dave Donaldson, Arts and Hums PGR Admin Team)  

Postgraduate Teacher George Simpson 

Research Degree Supervisor Donna Arnold (Highly commended: Ambrose Gillick)  

Postgraduate Researcher Daniel Marshall (Highly commended: Holly McPhillips)   

All Photos: Nathan Eaton-Baudains

Are you a postgraduate student at the University of Kent looking for a relaxed and friendly environment to meet other students and have a chat over a cup of coffee? Look no further than the PG Coffee Mornings organised by the GRC!

PG coffee morning is a perfect opportunity for postgraduates to take a break from their studies, unwind, and connect with their fellow students. It is a wonderful chance to get to know others in your programme, learn from their experiences, and maybe even make some new friends.

The PG Coffee Morning is just one of the many opportunities offered by the GRC to help postgraduates thrive academically, professionally, and socially. The atmosphere is always warm and welcoming, and there are plenty of coffee, tea, and delicious treats available for everyone to enjoy. One of the best things about our coffee mornings is a chance for students to network with their peers from different departments and faculties. The event is a great way to break down the barriers between different academic fields and to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. Our upcoming coffee mornings are

PG Coffee Morning with Mark Bass from CES 16 May, 10-11am Woolf Common Room

PG Summer Coffee Morning with director of the GRC Gordon Lynch 14 June, 10-11am, Nexus

So if you’re looking to meet new people and enjoy a warm cup of coffee, mark your calendars for the next coffee morning and come along to join the fun!

There’s still time to be involved in the GRC’s Annual Postgraduate Conference, as both a participant and an audience member and in the many opportunities to share all your hard work with fellow students across the University.

As well as listening to guest speakers, a Kent Research Institute panel and a timely discussion on the impact of AI on academia, there are plenty of ways to present your own work. Can you sum up your research in one image? In one poster? In ten minutes? How about three? If you can sum up your research in one image, why not enter our photo competition? Or display your work in poster form? If you’re looking for an engaged interdisciplinary audience for your work, why not apply for our research talks. And if you can cram your research into just 3 minutes, enter the national competition that does just that here.

This event is for all postgraduate students at Kent and undergraduates interested in postgraduate research are welcome to attend as audience members. Sign up is open now, register to attend here.

Are you a postgraduate researcher feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or struggling to balance your work and personal life? The Graduate and Researcher College understands that pursuing advanced research can be challenging and has organized a series of webinars aimed at improving the wellbeing of postgraduate researchers. The series is designed to provide students with practical tools and strategies to help them manage stress, increase resilience, and improve their overall wellbeing. This can also include learning to recognize the signs of burnout, setting boundaries, and seeking help when needed. The webinars cover a range of topics, including mindfulness, self-care, stress management, and more, all led by experts in the field.

The benefits of these webinars go beyond just academic success. They also help students develop a better understanding of their own mental health and wellbeing, and provide them with tools to take care of themselves not only during their postgraduate studies, but throughout their lives.

The PGR Wellbeing Webinar Series are accessible and flexible. The webinars are delivered online, making it easy for participants to attend from anywhere. Additionally, the sessions are recorded and made available for later viewing, allowing participants to access the content at a time that is convenient for them.

Participating in the GRC Wellbeing Webinar Series is a great way to take care of yourself and learn valuable skills that can benefit you both personally and professionally. Plus, it’s completely free!

Join our experts Gareth Hughes and Dominique Thompson in the upcoming live sessions,

Good Wellbeing and Good Research: Myths, Challenges and Evidence Webinar with Gareth Hughes, Wednesday 31st May, 1pm

Staying Well in Difficult Times- Top Tips for PGRs with Dominique Thompson, Wednesday 14th June, 2pm

So, mark your calendar and register now to join us for the GRC Wellbeing Webinar Series. Your wellbeing is important, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!

Pursuing higher education is an incredible accomplishment, and we believe it’s essential to recognize the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our postgraduate community. We will be sharing stories of students who have overcome challenges, excelled in their academic pursuits, and made significant contributions to their respective fields. We will also explore the importance of recognizing and celebrating academic success, both for the students themselves and for the broader academic community. Let us introduce you to Miguel Santos who kindly shared their story with us.

“My advice for any existing or future PG students is to share your ideas with staff and fellow PhD students; do not feel the need to have all the answers worked out and enjoy the process of discussing ideas, even with academics who have expertise in your field.” 

“I would encourage anyone to get involved with activities, volunteering or representation; be optimistic that every action you take and every discussion you have will inform your personal development.”

Celebrating success not only acknowledges the hard work and accomplishments of postgraduate students but also serves as a source of motivation and inspiration for others who are on the same path. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the journey, recognize the obstacles overcome, and celebrate the milestones achieved.

Meet Subhadip Mukherjee, our first Postgraduate to feature in our Celebrating Postgraduate Success series.

Subhadip is a first year CHASE-funded PhD research scholar from India in the School of English. His research interests include areas Critical Refugee Studies, Theories of Migration, Spatial Studies, Prison Writings and Biopolitics. For his PhD, he is interested in analyzing contemporary refugee narratives emerging from different ‘camp’ spaces and exploring the strategies of resistance and subversion to the existing politics of asylum.

‘My only advice to undergraduate students aiming to study for a postgraduate degree, especially in Humanities, is to explore the diverse range of literatures emerging in response to contemporary issues which are fascinating to say the least. Interdisciplinarity is being valued more than ever in academia, and we have an opportunity to engage meaningfully with other disciplines to enrich our understanding of literature and its relation to the society.’

The four week long IWL summer programme invites research scholars, postdoctoral candidates and faculties from around the world to engage in seminars, colloquia and panel discussions. Two of the seminars, offered by Professor B. Venkat Mani (University of Wisconsin-Madison) and Professor Mariano Siskind (Harvard University), focusing on Refugee Literature(s) are of particular interest to him as they would enrich his PhD thesis and also, provide ideas for future projects.

When CHASE advertised two sponsored places for this programme, his supervisor Professor David Herd strongly encouraged him to make an application.

‘I am absolutely delighted to be able to join such a prestigious summer school as it would allow me to not only learn from world-renowned professors but also provides the opportunity to share my research with
other research scholars from around the world paving the way to build networks for future collaborations. I am very excited to make the most of this excellent opportunity!’

If you wish to know more about Subhadip’s studies, you can get in touch via Twitter: @ViewsofSubhadip and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/subhadip.mukherjee.1694

As a student, it can be difficult to make ends meet, especially if you are on a tight budget. Thankfully, there are resources available to help those who may be struggling to put food on the table. One such resource is food banks. Food banks are non-profit organizations that provide free or low-cost food to individuals and families in need.

If you are a student at Canterbury Campus and are in need of assistance, here are some resources to help you find a food bank near you:

1. University of Kent Campus Pantry (Canterbury)

Campus Pantry is a scheme that provides short-term support to students who find themselves in need of supplemental food. It is located in Mandela Student Centre and the distribution times are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday between 12:00 – 16:00. To use the service for the first time simply go to the Mandela Student Centre Reception during the distribution times, you do not need to answer any questions or show any proof of financial hardship, just your Student ID. You will then be able to select up to 10 food items to ensure your food parcel meets your dietary needs.

2. The Canterbury Food Bank

The Canterbury Food Bank is run by the Canterbury Food Bank Trust and is located on Military Road. They provide food parcels to individuals and families who are experiencing financial difficulties. To receive a food parcel, you must be referred by a professional such as a doctor, social worker, or a Citizens Advice Bureau.

3. The Salvation Army Canterbury

The Salvation Army in Canterbury runs a food bank which provides food parcels to individuals and families in need. To receive a food parcel, you will need to be referred by a professional such as a doctor, social worker, or a Citizens Advice Bureau.

If you are a student at our Medway Campus, these are the useful resources to find a food bank nearby:

1. The Hub

The Hub at Medway offers an emergency food package of 5 items. You can use this service by completing this online form.

2. Medway Foodbank

Medway Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. They provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people.

3. Family Food Bank

Through the support of the community and FareShare Kent The Family Food Bank offer a Family Food Box for about £8.50. This will feed a family of four, two meals a day for five days. You are required to collect a voucher from a professional partner or distribution centre and exchange this for a food box.

It’s important to remember that food banks are there to provide assistance to those in need. If you’re experiencing financial difficulties, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You can also consider reaching out to the Wellbeing services within Kent Union and the University for support and advice.

The Postgraduate Research student Experience Survey (PRES)  and Postgraduate Taught Student Experience Survey (PTES) are an opportunity for you to provide us with feedback on many aspects of your postgraduate student experience including supervision, progress and assessment, resources, research skills and professional development.

You have all been sent an email with the unique link to the survey. Alternatively, you can use the links below where you will be asked to sign in. To access the survey please enter your Respondent ID as your University of Kent login and your Password is your student ID number. Kent login is the first part of your Kent email address, before the @ and all letters should be lowercase. University of Kent ID number should be 8 digits long. It can be found on your KentOne card.

• PTES UK Campus
• PTES Brussels and Paris
• PRES UK Campus
• PRES Brussels and Paris

All students who fully complete the survey will be entitled to claim a free £3 meal deal at Rutherford Dining Hall on the Canterbury campus or a £3 discount in the Pilkington Café on the Medway campus, on behalf of the Graduate Researcher College (valid until the end of July 2023). For Paris and Brussels students an incentive of an equivalent amount will be offered after the survey closes.

We very much hope that you will take this chance to have your say and make your views heard for the benefit of current and future postgraduate students. We appreciate any feedback you may have and we will use it to shape our future policies and student experiences.

Please note the deadline for completing PTES is 16 June and PRES is 15 May.

Thank you for your participation.

Dear Postgraduates,

We are looking for Sub editor Style+Design to join our GradPost Team.
The GradPost is a magazine created by Kent Postgraduates, for Postgraduates! It is a celebratory publication that aims to bring together the Kent Postgraduate community. This role is voluntary – being part of the GradPost is just for fun! Visa requirements on work etc will not be impacted. Please see the description of the role here.

To apply email KentGRC@kent.ac.uk with the following:
1.    Subject line: GradPost Application
2.    100-300 words on why you would be suitable for this role.

Deadline: 22 February
Previous GradPost Issue

Looking forward to your applications,

GradPost Team