Category Archives: News

News

ReCapture Winners

The Postgraduate Community Experience Awards funded a project called ReCapture. The application was submitted by PhD student Vilius Savickas and Master’s by Research student Hal Dorrington.

ReCapture aimed to promote postgraduate research carried out across the University by providing a platform for students to capture and share their research in a public-friendly photographic format. The competition has been a celebration of student research and has been a great networking opportunity between the academic communities of the Canterbury and Medway campuses. It also provided a platform for students to share their research with non-specialist audiences and to the local public.

A total of 16 outstanding images were shortlisted by a panel back in April 2019. These were then presented at a Medway based exhibition throughout May and early June with a final showcase event hosted on Monday 17th June.

Staff, students and members of the public were able to vote for the three best images based on the following criteria:

  • Subject content and strength of message, in relation to research.
  • Creativity of presentation, visual communication and general appeal of image.
  • Image quality of photograph.

The winners, who were announced on Monday 17th April were:

1st Prize

We used to grow sugar cane

Bhokraj Gurung

2nd Prize

Hope in time of crisis

Chara Theodoraki

 

 

 

 

 

 

3rd Prize

The hidden world within

Jessica Dolding-Smith

Congratulations to all the entrants of the ReCapture competition and a special congratulations to the winners.

To see all images please visit www.kent.ac.uk/graduateschool/news/pgexperience.html.

News

ReCapture Graduate Research Photography Competition

You are invited you to attend the final showcase and awards ceremony of the ReCapture Graduate Research Photography competition, which is supported by the Graduate School Postgraduate Community Experience Award.

The event will take place on Monday 17th June in Pilkington Lecture Theatre (PK011) on the historic Medway campus. It is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the fantastic work undertaken at our University and to network with students, researchers and keen members of the public.

The event will begin with a morning exhibition, which will display the artwork of all finalists and will be open to anyone interested. This session will be followed by the awards ceremony at 2pm, which will include refreshments and will be ticketed event. If you wish to attend the awards ceremony, please complete the form available here. Please note that the number of tickets is limited, therefore ensure you book your place as soon as possible.

You may also wish to view and vote for the best of our artwork at the local exhibition in Medway before the main event:

  • Medway – 3rd -16th June – Drill Hall Library (library café gallery area)

For more information about the Medway campus and travel directions visit the University of Kent website. Those of you who do not have a valid parking permit for Medway campus and choose to travel by car may either wish to purchase daily car park vouchers here, or otherwise, take one of the regular inter-campus University of Kent shuttles. Alternatively, you may wish to park at the Historic Dockyard Mast Pond car park across the road (fees apply).

Last but not least, we have now launched our e-voting page, which enables you to view all images and vote online. Any votes received through this system will count towards the total public vote, and in turn, towards the final vote. Please feel free to share this link with your students and colleagues encouraging them to vote for the best!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MDRK2MQ

In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns about the final, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Vilius at vs261@kent.ac.uk.

News

Congratulations to all 2019 Graduate School Prize winners

In 2018 Graduate School introduced a series of prizes to recognise the excellence of its postgraduate researchers and the outstanding work carried out by academic and administrative staff members in support of postgraduate research and education.

This year the Graduate School are delighted to announce the winners of the 2019 Graduate School Prizes. The winners are invited to celebrate their success during a BBQ and Awards Ceremony at the Kent Researchers’ Showcase on Thursday 30th May in Sibson.

Congratulations to all 2019 Graduate School Prize winners.

Winners of the Postgraduate Research Prize 

Ann Christine Kinzer –  PhD Candidate, School of European Culture and Languages

Chloe Johnson –  PhD Candidate, School of Biosciences

Katja May –  PhD Candidate, School of English

Winner of the Research Degree Supervisor Prize

Dr Edward Morgan-Jones – Senior Lecturer in Comparative Politics, School of Politics and International Relations

Winner of the School Director of Graduate Studies Prize

Dr Catherine Robinson –  Director of Graduate Studies, Kent Business School

Winners of the Postgraduate Administrator Prize

Angela Whiffen – Postgraduate Administrator, School of Arts

Claire Taylor – Centre Manager, Centre for American Studies and Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Studies

Winner of the Postgraduate Teacher Prize

Recep Onursal – PhD Candidate and Assistant Lecturer, School of International Relations and Politics

The Graduate School was delighted to receive such a high volume of exceptional nominations for this year’s Graduate School Prizes competition. The Graduate School recognises the significant contribution made to the University of Kent by Postgraduate Researchers, Research Degree Supervisors, School Directors of Graduate Studies, Postgraduate Administrators and Postgraduate Teachers across the University. We would like to thank everyone for their excellent work in support of postgraduate education and research at Kent.

News

Call all EPSRC students – placement funding available

EPSRC has awarded funding to the University of Kent to support Innovation Placements for existing EPSRC studentships. This funding aims to provide placement opportunities for students working in areas aligned to the Industrial Strategy. You should discuss with your supervisor any new or existing relationships with partner/external organisations that could be compatible with your area of research that could support placements funded by this scheme.

Important Information:

  1. Discuss any proposed placement activity with your supervisor prior to completing the application form.
  2. You will lead on discussing your proposed placement in direct correspondence with the placement provider.
  3. Once you have an agreement in principle with the placement provider, name and contact details of a proposed workplace supervisor you should complete the application form (please contact f.clifford-254@kent.ac.uk for a copy of the form).
  4. Complete the application form and submit it to f.clifford-254@kent.ac.uk. Your application will be considered promptly and you will receive a response within 10 working days.
  5. If your application is successful a three-way contract will be drawn up by the University of Kent to secure the placement and terms. This must be signed by all parties before the placement commences.

If you have any questions about the placement process please do not hesitate to contact me at f.clifford-254@kent.ac.uk.

News

Postgraduate Social Media Assistant (SMA)

An opportunity has arisen for a Postgraduate Social Media Assistant (SMA) working 4-5 hours a week to promote Kent’s postgraduate programmes and experience to new students and applicants. The post holder will be working alongside the University’s central marketing team and five UG SMA’s using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and pro-actively starting conversations and answering questions on The Student Room, Facebook and other websites.

Job Description – Enrolment Management Services 

Social Media Assistant Role Description and Person Specification

Role Description

  • To represent the University of Kent via various social media platforms, including, but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and The Student Room.
  • To answer questions from prospective students about study, life and your experience at the University.
  • To create appropriate and engaging content including videos and images on a variety of themes including study, accommodation, sport, preparing for university, campus life.
  • The role is for 5 hours per week for 26 weeks and the Social Media Assistants will be working remotely.
  • The Social Media Assistants will be managed day-to-day by the Social Media and Digital Marketing Team Leader who will rota hours, approve content, and allocate the social media campaign budget.
  • The role may also include other ad hoc work, which will be allocated by the Marketing Officers.

Key Accountability / Primary Responsibilities

  • Social Media Assistants must be enthusiastic about the benefits of life at the University of Kent and eager to share their learning and experience with others.
  • They are expected to act responsibly and maturely, utilising excellent communication skills to promote the University of Kent to potential students.
  • They much be enthusiastic and be able to inspire and engage potential students.
  • Ambassadors should have the ability to impart knowledge confidently and professionally while taking into account the ages and needs of the target audience.

Person Specification

  • Must be a current student at the University of Kent
  • Able to write succinct and compelling content about their experiences of the University.
  • A positive outlook on their life and study at the University.
  • Flexible and willing to respond throughout the contract period.
  • Responsible, open and honest in their communications.
  • A good role model for prospective students.
  • Independent and with excellent judgement on how to deal with difficult questions and when to refer difficulties to the University.
  • Experienced users of social media platforms.

Salary

  • This is a Band A Ambassador post at a rate of pay of £9.68 per hour

If you are interested in this role please contact:

Fiona Holden, MCIM | Marketing Officer | Enrolment Management Services | University of Kent

News

And the winners are….

We are thrilled to announce the winners of this Spring’s Postgraduate Community Experience Awards:

Kasia Senyszyn (PhD) – Games library and book/puzzle swop
Kristen Bristow (PT Master’s) – Marlowe Garden

Kasia has been awarded funding for her games library and book/ puzzle swap, which would see a library of books and jigsaw puzzles in Woolf Common Room for students to borrow and swap. The project will include the purchase of table-top and card games which would be loaned to students. Kasia is creating a new social program to enable postgraduate students to socialise, relax and support each other as well as enhance the postgraduate community.

Kristen won an award for the Marlowe Garden project which aims to make use of the unused space outside of the Marlowe Building looking towards Giles lane. The project aims to design and create a deep flower bed full of native species. This project will see an open space and hideaways for students to use as a place to distress as well as socialise.

Congratulations to our winners this year. Keep an eye out for updates on the weekly email bulletin and on our twitter feed.

News

Kent’s PhD Quilt

Laura Thomas-Walters, PhD Candidate from the School of Anthropology and Conservation was awarded funding from the Postgraduates Community Experience Awards to support her PhD quilt project.

The project goal was to provide Kent PhD students an opportunity to explore alternative ways of communicating their research, while enhancing their own well-being through mindful creativity. This visual and tactile representation of the breadth of research undertaken at Kent will provide a unique form of public engagement.

PhD students and the Graduate School participated in workshops led by Laura. During these workshops, Laura encouraged students to distil their research into its core essence, and to think about how that could be represented visually. Laura then introduced them to the concept of fabric applique, and gave tips for creating an appealing piece of artwork. Each student was given a 15” square block to create a fabric collage that symbolises their PhD. These blocks were then sewn together by Laura, with the help and support of the Canterbury Quilters Society to create a stunning research quilt.

The Kent’s PhD Quilt was formally unveiled at a small reception on Tuesday 30th April in the Colyer-Fergusson Foyer. It will now go on tour around the country to be exhibited at a number of quilting competitions and events.

Visit the Graduate School website to see the final quilt and the level of detail that has gone into making each block, you can also learn about the research behind the artwork.

 

“I wanted to provide an opportunity for Kent PhD students to explore alternative ways of communicating their research, while enhancing their own well-being through mindful creativity. I’ve been quilting for a few years, and create textile portraits of endangered species to help raise awareness and funds for them. Quilting is both a really fun pastime, and a fun way of engaging people in my work.

I thought a visual and tactile representation of the breadth of research undertaken at Kent would be a unique form of public engagement. Kent’s PhD Quilt is the first of its kind. Each quilt block was created by a different PhD student, representing the core concept of their PhD. Quilting was done in collaboration with the Canterbury Quilters Society.”  Laura Thomas-Walters, www.tigerlilytidbits.com/

Events, News

ReCapture

Unleash your creativity with an eye-catching snapshot and be in for a chance to win £250!

Are you a Master’s or a PhD student? Have you been thinking about innovative ways of presenting your research to colleagues or to the general public?

Tell a story about your research by sharing a photograph and win up to £250!

What is ReCapture?

ReCapture is a competition funded by the University of Kent’s Postgraduate Community Experience Award. It aims to promote postgraduate research carried out across the University by providing a platform for students to capture and share their research in a public-friendly photographic format. The competition will be a celebration of student research and will encourage networking between the academic communities of the Canterbury and Medway campuses. It also provides a novel and exciting platform for students to share their research with non-specialist audiences and to the local public.

How do I take part?

If you are a student undertaking a Master’s or PhD research* at either Canterbury or Medway campus, this is your chance to shine! In order to enter the competition, submit the following to graduateschool@kent.ac.uk by midnight on the 7th of April 2019:

  • An image, which reflects or captures your research or your experience as a researcher.
  • Your name, department/school and a title of image of maximum 12 words.
  • A short description explaining why you have chosen that particular image (max. 250 words)

You may only submit one image and it must relate to your own research or your experience as a researcher. The description of your image should be understandable to a non-specialist audience and to the general public.

By submitting an image, you agree for it to be used publicly free-of-charge by the University of Kent, for instance for it to be displayed within the University or feature in university’s promotional materials, publications or websites.

*Note that you are eligible to enter the competition if you are enrolled onto your graduate course up to and including the 30th of June 2019.

What should my image look like?

Your chosen image may be presented in either landscape or portrait orientation and may include any subject which you feel reflects your work. The photograph may either be presented in full colour or black and white. It must not have previously been submitted to or presented at any other photography competitions or events.

Note that any images, which infringe the copyrights of a third party or contain any harmful or otherwise objectionable or inappropriate content will be disqualified by the panel. If in doubt, email one of the organisers using the contact details provided below.

The image may be taken using any imaging device, however should be of a minimum resolution of 300 pixels per inch (ppi) and submitted in either a .jpeg or .tif format. All images selected for the exhibition will be printed on A2 foamex boards (420 x 594 mm or 16.5 x 23.4 inches). It is advisable to format the photograph to match this size prior to the submission and to be aware of what your image will look like when printed out at this size. 

What happens next?

All images submitted for the competition will be judged by a panel consisting of; academics, graduate students and public representatives, according to the following criteria:

  • Subject content and strength of message, in relation to your research.
  • Creativity of presentation, visual communication and general appeal of image.
  • Image quality of photograph.

The very best images, up to 20 maximum, will be printed free of charge onto A2 Foamex boards and displayed at exhibitions on both Canterbury and Medway Campuses, which will be taking place over May (details to be confirmed). A public voting period will then commence in which students, academics and members of the public will be provided with the opportunity to vote for their favourite image, either online or by the provided ballot boxes.

The exhibitions at each campus will be followed by the final celebration and awards ceremony at the Medway campus during the week beginning with the 17th June. Students, academics and members of the public will be invited to this event to celebrate postgraduate research together and will be allowed to vote for the best entry. Votes collected during this event will be added to the ones received throughout the exhibitions at each campus. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 exhibitors (£250, £100 and £50), who will be presented with their award and certificate.

After the competition has finished, one set of prints will be donated to the Woolf College in Canterbury, where they will be permanently displayed within the foyer. The second set will be gifted to their contributors who will get to keep an A2 Foamex print of their original image for free.

Contact Details

If you have any further questions or concerns regarding the competition, do not hesitate to contact us by email as follows:

For Canterbury campus:

Hal Dorrington: hgd3@kent.ac.uk

For Medway campus:

Vilius Savickas: vs261@kent.ac.uk.

Good luck and we look forward to seeing your photographs!

Funding, News

Call for Applications: British Library PhD research placements scheme

The British Library has announced a new Call for Applications for its PhD research placements scheme. This is open to all current PhD students (as long as they have the support of their PhD supervisor) and offers opportunities to develop and apply research skills outside the university sector. There are 22 bespoke placement opportunities available in various teams across the Library, and each placement has a dedicated BL supervisor and offers ‘behind-the-scenes’ staff-level access to the Library’s collection, resources and expertise.

The application deadline is 5 pm on Monday, 18 February 2019. Most placements can take place any time between May 2019 and March 2020 (any restrictions to this are specified in the individual placement profiles). Each placement is for 3 months full-time or (if feasible) the part-time equivalent.

Full details, including information on how to apply, is available here: https://www.bl.uk/news/2019/january/phd-research-placements-2019

Please direct questions to Research.Development@bl.uk.

News

Postgraduate Community Experience Award Winners Autumn 2018

We are thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s Postgraduate Community Experience Awards.

Laura Thomas-Walters won an award for her ‘Craft your PhD’ project. PhD students will have the opportunity to explore alternative ways of communicating their research, while enhancing their own well-being through mindful creativity.

Luke Shoveller and Abigail MacGregor won an award for their project ‘Finding your Feet: Exploring Kent, by Foot’. This project focuses on a series of walks that will take postgraduate students on a journey through the Kent countryside. The aim is to support postgraduates’ health and well-being by seeking to forge a stronger relationship between students and the local natural and built environment.

Katja May has been awarded funding for an interactive workshop that will look at key issues and best practice in anti-racist higher education. Katja will have the support of the BARC Collective, a collective of early and mid-career academic women of colour committed to bringing together scholars and students of colour and anti-racist allies to develop anti-racist pedagogy and practice.

Hal Gruffydd Dorrington and Vilius Savickas are teaming up to collaborate on a creative research project across Medway and Canterbury campuses. They have been awarded funding to organise a visual competition which will explore the research being undertaken at Kent.

Congratulations to all of our winners.

Details on how you can get involved with the winning projects will be announced in the New Year.