Researcher Development
Helping you develop into an independent researcher.
Background
Becoming a research professional within the sciences and engineering disciplines involves more than just building your research profile and research skills. We offer personal, professional and career development opportunities for postgraduate researchers who will go on to work in a variety of careers.
We recognise that everyone is an individual with different skills and experience so the programme is flexible and can be tailored to your own requirements. Explore our online virtual learning environment (Canvas) to learn more of what's on offer or undertake a training needs analysis on NU Reflect.
Induction Information
ACTION
Insights Public Lecture
Public lectures at Newcastle University are free and open to all. The aim is to offer a programme that will inform, stimulate, entertain, and excite see https://www.ncl.ac.uk/events/public-lectures/
The last SAgE PGR public lecture was held on the 18th March 2025. You can still watch a recording of the excellent presentations.
Look out for information on how to apply to deliver the next SAgE PGR public lecture.
PGR Conference
Building the future: Innovation for Global Impact
In 2026 the PGR conference is expanding to become an early career researcher conference.
Dates: 24th & 25th March 2026
Venue: Frederick Douglass Building
Conference Themes
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Day 1 - Tuesday 24th March |
Day 2 - Wednesday 25th March |
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Planetary Health, Climate change & Environmental Systems |
A secure, safe and resilient world |
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Data Science, AI, Digital Systems and Technology |
Sustainable Materials, Advanced Manufacturing & Circular Technologies |
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Life Sciences, Biotechnology & Regenerative Innovations |
Mathematics, Physics & Fundamental Sciences |
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Wellbeing, human and non-human behaviour |
Solutions and technologies for human health |
The schedule will include, key-note speakers and parallel talks, poster sessions, external exhibitors, and workshops. Further details regarding the schedule will follow when we launch the conference webpages in January 2026.
Refreshments including lunch and a research social will also be included.
We encourage all research students to attend and submit a poster or talk. In the event of oversubscription for parallel talks the organising committee will review the submissions and will confirm speakers in early February 2026.
Register here by 30th January 2026: https://forms.office.com/e/ELNYLcvLy5
Postgraduate Leadership Programme
An in-person programme for late-stage PhD students interested in exploring leadership and developing their expertise as they consider future leadership positions.
As your career progresses – both inside and beyond academic roles – it is likely that you will be expected to take on leadership roles. This programme will support you explore:
- Your own current leadership style and behaviours and how these can be developed to be even more effective in future.
- How you can communicate even more effectively with a broad range of individuals and across disciplinary boundaries.
- How you can work with others to bring them with you on projects.
- How you can evidence your leadership skills for future job applications – both inside and beyond academia.
The programme will bring together researchers from across the University and throughout the programme you will have the opportunity to network and work with a diverse community of researchers as you develop your leadership skills. The programme will be include a range of activities and discussions to support you identify and develop your leadership skills and full attendance at the workshop is expected.
Dates for the next running will be advertised in due course.
The Brilliant Club
The Brilliant Club provides postgraduate researchers training in widening participation, research communication, and teaching. Researchers are then paid to deliver academically rigorous programmes to small groups of pupils in state schools across the UK.
How does it work?
On The Scholars Programme, tutors are trained to create a course based on their own academic research pitched at pupils in Key Stage 4 or 5. Tutors also have the opportunity to deliver a pre-designed programme to younger pupils aged 8-10. They deliver this course in university-style tutorials to groups of 7. To help fit alongside their other commitments, tutors indicate their availability on a termly basis. Placements are a paid opportunity.
For more information, register to attend an online information event
To apply, fill in the application form here
If you have any queries, please get in touch via apply@thebrilliantclub.org