.png?width=1140&height=380&name=Landing%20page%20header%20-%20The%20PGR%20Student%20Partners%20Scheme%20-Spotlighting%20the%20%E2%80%98research%E2%80%99%20in%20postgraduate%20study%20%26%20marketing%20(2).png "Landing page header - The PGR Student Partners Scheme -Spotlighting the ‘research’ in postgraduate study & marketing (2)")
Recorded on Tue 18 Mar 2025
How can universities create more inclusive and diverse research environments for Postgraduate Research (PGR) students?
In this webinar we explored the University of Southampton’s award-winning ‘PGR Student Partners’ scheme, a unique initiative where postgraduate researchers and staff collaborate on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) projects to support underrepresented student groups.
Winner of our Postgrad Award for Best Postgraduate Campaign or Project 2024, this initiative is an inspiring example for developing a more inclusive research culture. This webinar provided practical strategies and real-world insights to help universities develop similar impactful initiatives.
What you'll gain from this on-demand webinar:
- Actionable strategies to develop and expand student-staff partnerships in PGR EDI initiatives.
- Lessons learned from the University of Southampton’s experience - what worked, what didn’t, and what’s next?
- Key insights on the role of inclusive PGR recruitment and marketing in shaping a diverse postgraduate community.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an award-winning project and explore how your institution can break down barriers in postgraduate research.
Watch On-Demand
Dr Maisha Islam is Research Culture Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Southampton’s Doctoral College. Her research areas of interest and expertise centre student engagement and racial and religious equity in higher education. Maisha is a co-editor of the recently published book ‘Uncovering Islamophobia in Higher Education: Supporting the success of Muslim students and staff’. You can read Dr Maisha's blog about the PGR Student Partners scheme here.
Morgan Mason is a second year PhD student in the Faculty of Medicine, exploring child-centred evaluation methods to evaluate a childhood obesity intervention, Early LifeLab, in primary school children taking part in Southampton. During PRG Student Partner scheme, Morgan sought to develop a PhD Roadmaps in each Faculty for prospective students. The roadmaps are designed to be specific for each of the faculties’ processes and increase accessibility to the PhD application process.
Natasha Palmer is a final year PhD student in the Faculty of Medicine, investigating how the interaction between two immune cells can be manipulated to improve anti-tumour responses. As part of the PGR Student Partners scheme, she interviewed PGR representatives and Doctoral Programme Directors to establish what the PGR community looks related to communication, academic and social events, and collaboration. The outcome is a report that outlines areas of improvements and suggestions for fostering stronger PGR communities at the University of Southampton.
Postgrad Awards 2025 🏆
Has your institution launched a campaign or worked on a project that promotes student support and wellbeing, fosters student diversity, or attracts and supports international students?
We'd love to hear from you! You can submit a nomination for our annual Postgrad Awards below! ⬇️