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

2. Afternoon’s Programme
1:30 – 1:45 Welcome and Introduction
Prof David Amigoni
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise)
1:45 – 2:00 The Keele Postgraduate Association
Ieuan Smith, KPA President
2:00 – 2:20 Postgraduate Research Administration
Dr Edward Smith, Postgraduate Officer (Student and Academic Services)
2:20 – 2:35 Student Support and Development Services
Ian Munton, Associate Director of Student Services
2:35 – 3:15 Introduction to Research Environment and Research Training
Dr Ceri Morgan & Prof. Stephen Cropper (standing in for Professor Tony Bradney),PGR Directors (HUMSS)
Dr Sam Hider, PGR Director (PCHS)
Prof. Paul Horrocks, PGR Director (ISTM)
Dr Russell Crawford, Academic Developer (Learning & Professional Development Centre)
Nicola Leighton, Research Governance Officer (Academic Legal Services)
Faculty / RI sessions
Breakout sessions
5:30 onwards Evening at the KPA

3. 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 2014.
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

4. 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. ’

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

6. 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)

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

8. 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