Topic: Research: Engagement and impact
‘Reviewer 2’ and Me: Lessons from Publishing My First Book
After publishing her first book, Holly Prescott, the PGR Careers Advisor in Careers Network, reflects on the realities of receiving 14 pages of reviewer feedback. From managing emotional reactions to developing a keen “reviewdar”, she shares practical strategies for responding to critique and turning feedback into a valuable part of the publishing process.
Building your online profile as a postgraduate researcher
From ORCID to LinkedIn, a strong online presence can help researchers raise their profile and connect with wider audiences. Laura Johnson, Research Skills Officer in Libraries and Learning Resources, highlights key platforms for PGRs and offers practical tips on curating profiles to showcase research, build networks, and ensure work is discoverable and credited.
Forks and Fortunes: Turning Findings into Fun
In this post, Charlene Rose, a recently completed PGR from the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, shares how she transformed her research into an engaging board game. She reflects on creativity, public engagement, and using play to make complex ideas accessible to wider audiences beyond academia.
Publishing in The Conversation
In this post, Yuxuan Wu, a recently completed PGR from Birmingham Business School, reflects on publishing in The Conversation after success in the 3MT competition. She outlines pitching ideas, collaborating with editors, and adapting research for public audiences, highlighting the challenges and rewards of sharing accessible, impactful research beyond academia.
Planning a Summer of Writing (When Writing Still Feels a Bit Terrifying)
Planning a summer of writing can feel both exciting and overwhelming. This post from Elizabeth O’Connor, prize-winning novelist and UoB staff member, offers practical, realistic ways to build a writing routine that works for you. Discover how small, steady steps, supportive habits, and manageable goals can help you make meaningful progress.
Six Years to Three Minutes
The University of Birmingham Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition final was held in March. In this post, Helen Pakes, a part-time PGR in the School of Psychology, reflects on her experience of being a 3MT finalist, from preparation and feedback to presenting on campus and connecting with fellow researchers.
Reminiscing and Progress: the PhD Viva and what comes next
Getting your PhD in for your deadline is no small feat, but what about the dreaded phrase ‘PhD Viva’? In this post, postgraduate researcher Amy Porter reflects on her Viva experience and shares expert advice on approaching corrections.
A Brilliant Experience with The Brilliant Club
In this post, Aman Thakur, a PGR in Law, reflects on his inspiring experience working as a PhD Tutor with The Brilliant Club. He shares how the programme strengthened his teaching skills, helped him rethink his own knowledge, and offered meaningful opportunities to support and learn from young students.
Translating PhD Innovation into a career as an entrepreneur
In this inspiring post, Aldi Mehmeti, a PGR alumnus from the School of Engineering, shares how a PhD in advanced manufacturing unexpectedly led to founding Pawionic, a venture creating custom veterinary prosthetics and surgical solutions. He shows how doctoral skills can spark innovation in surprising new fields and open doors researchers may never anticipate.
A Classroom Full of Curiosity
In this post, Seun Olushola, a PGR in Applied Mathematics, reflects on a visit to the University of Birmingham School, where he supported Year 10 students preparing for their research enrichment activity. His experience highlights how accessible and enjoyable research can be when curiosity leads the way.