The GRC Prizes were established to recognise and encourage the exceptional efforts and achievements of the university’s postgraduate researchers and staff.
This initiative not only highlights the outstanding contributions made by these talented individuals but also serves as a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive research community.
Prize Amounts: Winners in each category will receive £500, with runners-up in each category awarded £200.
Nominations are open now and will close at 23:45, Sunday 17 May 2026. See details of how to nominate below:
Nomination Criteria – Postgraduate Researcher
This prize recognises a postgraduate researcher (PGR) who has made an exceptional contribution beyond the standard expectations of a PhD in one of more of the following areas:
- Significant contribution to knowledge in their discipline (e.g. peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, invited talks, development of new methods, theories or datasets, influencing policy/industry)
- Contributions to research culture or the academic community (e.g. organising seminars, events, mentoring or supporting others, leadership in networks/societies, contributes to inclusive research environments)
- Public engagement and societal impact (e.g. Engagement with communities/schools/policymakers, public lectures or exhibitions, collaborating with non-academic partners,)
Nominate a Postgraduate Researcher here
Nomination Criteria – Research Degree Supervisor
This prize recognises any member of academic staff at the University of Kent involved in postgraduate research degree supervision who demonstrate exceptional commitment to doctoral supervision and make a significant positive impact on the development and experience of postgraduate researchers. Nominations should provide evidence of excellence in one or more of the following areas:
- Recruitment and Selection (Evidence of actively promoting doctoral opportunities; fair and inclusive recruitment practices; efforts to broaden participation and encourage applicants from under-represented groups.)
- Innovative, Supportive and Inspirational Supervision (E.g. Innovative supervisory approaches; high-quality feedback and mentoring; strong support for students’ research progress and wellbeing.)
- Building an Outstanding Doctoral Community (E.g. Initiatives that foster collaboration, peer support and a strong research culture among doctoral researchers.)
- Supporting Professional and Career Development (E.g. Active support for training, publishing, networking and career development across academic and non-academic pathways.)
- Promoting Inclusion and Diversity in Supervision (E.g. Evidence of inclusive supervisory practice that supports diverse student needs and promotes equity within the research environment)
- Embedding Research Integrity (E.g. Demonstrates leadership in modelling and teaching responsible research practices, including ethics, transparency, and good research conduct.)
Nominate a Research Degree Supervisor here