The PGR - Postdoc Buddy Scheme

Do you want to network outside your immediate research group? Are you keen to feel part of a wider research community? Or, do you just want to have a good chat about research over a coffee? Join your peers and hear from a postdoc on how to make the most of your time at University of Liverpool

The scheme

The PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme offers University of Liverpool postgraduate researchers the chance to meet new colleagues, expand their networks and enrich their experience of the University’s research culture in an informal setting. They will also be joined by a postdoc who will provide their insights of working as a researcher at University of Liverpool and how to make the most of your time here.

The Buddy Scheme is a great opportunity for PGRs to meet peers at similar career stages across the faculties of Health and Life Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Science and Engineering. It is also a fantastic way to build connections outside your research group and enhance your professional, research and social frames of reference.

How it works

To take part in the PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme, you will need to complete a simple expression of interest form, where we’ll ask your name, department, email address and why you want to participate in the Buddy Scheme. Then you will be matched with three to five other PGRs and one postdoc member.

We will let you know by email who you have been matched with and provide email addresses to contact one another.

You and your buddies will have four weeks to organise your first meeting.

  • These may take place face to face or online depending on changing restrictions and University guidance. Please respect the preferences of all participants to ensure everyone is included and able to participate fully.
  • We suggest a short meeting of between 30-60 minutes.
  • The topics of conversation are up to you, and the tone should be informal, supportive and respectful of everyone.
  • The postdoc member is there to provide a different perspective, but they are not there to give advice.

We will contact you by email with a survey for your feedback on the scheme immediately after the scheme and at stages after your participation.

Autumn 2023 scheme details

Expressions of interest to take part in the PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme close on the 2 October 2023. Buddy groups will be notified who they have been matched with by 10 October 2023 and will then have until 6 November 2023 to have their first meeting. A short evaluation form will be sent to participants by the 10 November 2023 to be completed by the end of November 2023.

Please note that the Autumn 2023 scheme is a pilot and there are limited places available to take part. If the scheme is successful it will run twice a year with expressions of interest opening in May and September each year. If you are not matched in this round of the PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme there will hopefully be future opportunities to take part.

How to take part

Expressions of interest for the Autumn 2023 scheme are now open and will close 23:59 Monday 2nd October.

Complete the Expression of Interest here

Privacy

The data that you provide will be stored securely for one year, and used only to match you to other researchers for participation in the PGR-Postdoc buddy scheme. By completing this form you agree that we will process your data in line with University of Liverpool's privacy policy.

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