College events

Induction for new doctoral researchers/afternoon tea - Wednesday 14 October 2026, 13.00-14:00, Whiteknights Campus

Full details will be sent to all new doctoral researchers once they have completed enrolment and have access to their University email account. There will also an afternoon tea following the Induction, but please note that places are limited. Researchers must request a place for the afternoon tea via the RISISweb Portal.

Christmas Party for all doctoral researchers - Tuesday 15 December 2026, 16.30 - 18.30

More information coming soon!

Navigating Doctoral Life: Discussion Series - Tuesdays 11.00-12.00, Old Whiteknights House and online

A space for you to discuss issues that can impact your doctoral research, such as managing academic pressure, discussing your research ideas with your supervisor, increasing your concentration and motivation, perfectionism, and managing procrastination. Taking place 11.00-12.00 on most Tuesday mornings, these hybrid group discussions are led by Dr Alicia Peña Bizama of the Student Wellbeing Service and take place online (via Teams) and in person in the Doctoral and Researcher College, Old Whiteknights House. Booking is not required to attend.

Each week will focus on a topic related to doing doctoral research. The list of upcoming discussion topics and dates are outlined in the table below .

To attend the discussion groups remotely please access the relevant meeting link in the ‘Navigating Doctoral Life: Discussion Series’ subfolder in the Doctoral and Researcher College Blackboard area or attend in person.

Date | Topic | Invited speaker

Date

Topic

Invited speaker

13/10/26 | Dealing with setbacks

13/10/26

Dealing with setbacks

20/10/26 | The PhD journey

20/10/26

The PhD journey

27/10/26 | Managing uncertainty: Adapting to change

27/10/26

Managing uncertainty: Adapting to change

3/11/26 | Communicating with supervisor/s | Dr Sam Boateng, Department director of academic tutoring for Biological Sciences

3/11/26

Communicating with supervisor/s

Dr Sam Boateng, Department director of academic tutoring for Biological Sciences

10/11/26 POSTPONED | Navigating the challenges of academic integrity POSTPONED | Dr Sonia Hood, Study Advice Manager

10/11/26 POSTPONED

Navigating the challenges of academic integrity POSTPONED

Dr Sonia Hood, Study Advice Manager

17/11/26 | Easily distracted? Strategies to increase concentration

17/11/26

Easily distracted? Strategies to increase concentration

24/11/26 | Evidence, Synthesis, Argument: Critical thinking for your PhD | Dr Ed Powell, Study Adviser

Handouts and notes from previous discussion topics can be found in the Navigating Doctoral Life: Discussion Series sub-folder in the Doctoral and Researcher College Blackboard area .

For further information please e-mail Dr Peña Bizama .

• Please be aware that these dates are subject to change; check Blackboard for course dates and meeting links.

13:30-16:00 | Saturday 24 October 2026 | University of Reading Whiteknights campus

Our memories of childhood and family can seem of little value, yet most of us love hearing about others’ lives. Too often, the stories that go untold are those from working-class, migrant and other underrepresented communities. This free workshop offers a gentle introduction to memoir writing. We will explore why we might choose to write about our lives, what can be lost when these stories aren’t recorded, and how to begin writing when you’re not sure where to start. Participants are encouraged to come with a memory of clothing that connects to childhood or family. No previous writing experience is needed - this friendly workshop particularly welcomes absolute beginners. Tea and biscuits included.

The workshop will be led by University of Reading doctoral researcher Sharla Attala : “ My PhD explores working-class memoir writing, including depictions of clothing by working-class women. I grew up in the 1970s on council estates in Nottingham and have lived in many cities since. I currently live by the sea in Kent with a funny little dog called Jacko.”

Free event | Event flyer

Doctoral Research Conference 2025

Watch some highlights from the Doctoral Research Conference in 2025.

You can see more of our PhD students talking about their research by visiting our Youtube playlist

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Doctoral Research Highlights Centenary Edition

This special centenary publication celebrates some of the amazing work of our current doctoral researchers and reflects on the contributions of our doctoral researchers over the past 100 years.

View the Doctoral Research Centenary Highlights

Previous editions of the Doctoral Research Highlights

View the Doctoral Research Highlights 2024

View the Doctoral Research Highlights 2023

View the Graduate School Highlights 2022

View the Graduate School Highlights 2021

View the Graduate School Highlights 2020

View the Graduate School Highlights 2019

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