What's on
The PDG organises a number of events and opportunities to support the personal and professional development of PGRs at the University of Liverpool.
Coffee & Connect
Our monthly “Coffee & Connect” sessions provide an informal space where you can meet and chat with other PGRs. All welcome to attend.
| Coffee & Connect | Date/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| PDG Coffee & Connect - October 2025 | Thursday 09 October 2025, 11:30-12:30 | RD Development Studio, Room 316, 126 Mount Pleasant |
| PDG Coffee & Connect - November 2025 | Thursday 13 November 2025, 11:30-12:30 | RD Development Studio, Room 316, 126 Mount Pleasant |
| PDG Coffee & Connect - January 2026 | Thursday 08 January 2026, 11:30-12:30 | RD Development Studio, Room 316, 126 Mount Pleasant |
| PDG Coffee & Connect - February 2026 | Thursday 12 February 2026, 11:30-12:30 | RD Development Studio, Room 316, 126 Mount Pleasant |
| PDG Coffee & Connect - March 2026 | Thursday 12 March 2026, 11:30-12:30 | RD Development Studio, Room 316, 126 Mount Pleasant |
| PDG Coffee & Connect - April 2026 | Thursday 09 April 2026, 11:30-12:30 | RD Development Studio, Room 316, 126 Mount Pleasant |
| PDG Coffee & Connect - June 2026 | Thursday 11 June 2026, 11:30-12:30 | RD Development Studio, Room 316, 126 Mount Pleasant |
Lunch & Learn
Our monthly “Lunch & Learn” events provide an opportunity for PGRs to enhance their knowledge and skills on a particular development topic over a short, informal, lunchtime session. Each month we choose a new speaker and theme that addresses PGR interests. The 25-26 Lunch & Learn schedule is as follows:
| Lunch & Learn | Details | Date/Time | Link to Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDG Lunch & Learn (October 2025) - Demystifying academia with Prosper |
The many different ways people get a job within academia can feel anything but clear. The language and terms used can be unfamiliar and the ultimate career destination unclear. In this session, the Prosper team will outline some potential routes, together with tips on what to consider when deciding whether an academic career is the right fit for you. |
16 October 2025, 12:00-13:00 |
Book now |
| PDG Lunch & Learn (November 2025) - Teacher training at Liverpool |
Siân Etherington will walk through the Academy's teacher training programmes. She will explain their different acronyms (FLTHE, PGCAP, ULTRA, AFHEA), requirements, suitability, , skills development, and outcomes ('associate fellowship vs 'fellowship'). Siân will also be discussing the organisation of a peer-peer support space for PGRS to share their experiences of teaching. |
20 November 2025, 12:00-13:00 |
Book now |
| PDG Lunch & Learn (December 2025) - Wellbeing in the PhD Journey: Finding balance, purpose, and connection while doing your Doctorate |
The session will focus on how PhD students can take care of their wellbeing using the Five Ways to Wellbeing framework and also how to access further support within Student Services and beyond. We will provide an overview of simple, realistic strategies to stay balanced and connected through the challenges of the Doctoral journey. |
10 December 2025, 12:00-13:00 |
Book now |
| PDG Lunch & Learn (February 2026) |
Details to be confirmed* |
16 February 2026, 12:00-13:00 |
Available shortly* |
| PDG Lunch & Learn (March 2026) |
Details to be confirmed* |
11 March 2026, 12:00-13:00 |
Available shortly* |
| PDG Lunch & Learn (April 2026) |
Details to be confirmed* |
14 April 2026, 12:00-13:00 |
Available shortly* |
| PDG Lunch & Learn (May 2026) |
Details to be confirmed* |
19 May 2026, 12:00-13:00 |
Available shortly* |
Networking event
Our termly Networking events are a fun and informal gathering where we meet, chat, drink tea and coffee, and engage in some light-hearted activities that help us reflect on PGR life. These are a great opportunity to meet PGRs outside of your discipline and to learn more about the PDG.
| Networking Event | Date/Time | Location | Link to Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDG Networking Event - December 2025 | Thursday 11 December 2025, 11:00-12:30 | The Researcher Reading Room, Ground Floor, Sydney Jones Library | Book now |
| PDG Networking Event - May 2026 | Thursday 14 May 2026, 11:30-12:30 | Available shortly* | Available shortly* |
E-bulletin
Our monthly E-bulletin is packed with news and opportunities for PGRs, from courses and conferences to the latest funding calls. We send this out to all PGRs at the beginning of the month. If you have any development opportunities that you’d like PGRs to know about, email us here: pdg@liverpool.ac.uk