Postgraduate Research Students Welcome and Induction Professor David Amigoni Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Enterprise

Afternoon’s Programme Welcome and Introduction Prof David Amigoni Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) The Keele Postgraduate Association Ieuan Smith, KPA Vice President Postgraduate Research Administration Dr Helen Galbraith, Director of Planning and Academic Administration Student Support and Development Services Ian Munton, Head of SSDS Introduction to Research Environment and Research Training Dr Sam Hider, PGR Director (PCHS) Dr Ceri Morgan and Prof Anthony Bradney, PGR Directors (HumSS) Prof Peter Andras, PGR Director (FNS) Dr Jen Smith, Learning & Professional Development Centre Nicola Leighton and Dr Tracy Nevatte, Academic Legal Services Faculty / RI sessions Breakout sessions 5.30 onwards Evening at the KPA

Importance of research to Keele  Research is key to Keele’s mission as a leading research-led institution: 97% of our research was deemed to be world- leading, or of international importance, in the REF  Commitment to excellence in both research and education  World-leading research in Health, Natural Sciences and Humanities and Social Sciences  Strong research culture and environment is essential – become a part of it, contribute to it  Postgraduate research students and researchers are vital to creating a strong research environment  Postgraduate research students and increasing the PGR population is vital to our mission

What is a research culture? A Keele research student’s story ‘I first came to Keele as an MA student and I stand by my first impressions: collegial, close and supportive. As a PhD student I enjoyed the benefits of working alongside my supervisor … as both a student and peer: I was offered encouragement and criticism whenever it was needed, and in turn we collaborated on research, events and publications. I was fortunate to teach on a variety of undergraduate modules, gaining valuable hands-on experience and a teaching qualification to boot. Colleagues in the School were always ready with advice, as were my fellow PhD students -- many a problem was teased out and solved over a jacket potato or 'door stop' sandwich at the KPA. Keele's postgraduate community really is second-to-none! So my advice is to persevere, to realise that we all doubt ourselves sometimes, to remember the joys to be had in the pursuit of new ideas. ’

Research student community size  Have reached >388 PGR FTEs (ca. 660 research students) July 2016 Welcome to a thriving, and growing, postgraduate research community!

Postgraduate Research students 60% increase in PGR student numbers since 2009/10 151% increase in international PGRs since 2009/10 (82% in the last 3 years) 32% International PGRs (esp. ISTM, HumSS and Natural Sciences) PGR Intake (by FTE) PGR Population (by FTE)

Research structures -Enhanced role for Schools in research Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Faculty of Natural Sciences Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences PC&HS ISTM And IACS HUMSS Research Office FNS Research Office Medicine Pharmacy Nursing & Midwifery Health & Rehab Life Sciences Physical & Geographical Sciences Computing & Maths Psychology SPIRE Law KMS Humanities PP&PP Sociology & Criminology HealthSustainability Ageing University Research Centres

Submission rates  Submission rates significantly improved in recent years  >80% F/T PhD students submitted within 4 years  80% is threshold used by Research Councils  It is very important that we maintain this record  Work closely with your supervisors, get into regular rhythms and patterns of work  Keep us posted, and seek support, if you do run into problems: we are here to support you