The PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme runs annually during the Autumn, offering 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're also 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.
Strategic Pillars and Themes
The Buddy Scheme contributes directly to University’s strategic priorities in the following ways:
- People and Culture: It builds an inclusive, supportive environment for early-career researchers, enhancing wellbeing and belonging
- Research and Impact: By connecting PGRs and postdocs, the scheme encourages knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary thinking
- Education and Student Experience: It complements formal training with informal mentoring and peer learning, helping PGRs develop confidence and resilience.
Alignment with University Values
This scheme demonstrates strong alignment with the University Values. It is Ambitious by supporting PGRs and postdocs to develop skills and networks that enable career progression; Collaborative by creating partnerships across career stages and disciplines; Inclusive by welcoming all PGRs and postdocs, regardless of background or research area, and enabling diverse perspectives and conversations to be heard; Innovative by using informal, peer-led approaches to enhance research culture; and Responsible by contributing to a positive, sustainable research environment.
By embedding these principles, the PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme plays a vital role in delivering Liverpool 2031’s Purpose of “research and education that transform lives and create a fairer, better world” [pg. 2].
Benefits
For PGRs the Buddy Scheme is a great opportunity for you to meet peers, build connections outside your research group and enhance your professional, research and social frames of reference. It's also useful to hear about the experiences of other PGRs and a postdoc.
For Research Staff (postdocs, research associates, early-career research fellows) participating as a lead buddy provides an opportunity to develop your leadership and mentoring skills, as well as giving back to the research community at the University. See further information for lead buddies below.
How it works
To take part in the PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme, you'll 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 by email into a group of 3-5 PGRs with a postdoc, and will have 3 weeks to meet with your group.
Meetings can take place face-to-face or online (depending participant preferences) and last 30-60 minutes. The topics of conversation are up to you, and the tone should be informal, supportive and respectful of everyone. The postdoc lead buddy is there to provide a different perspective based on their experiences.
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 2025 scheme details
The Buddy Scheme ran from 6th - 24th October 2025.
Please note that due to high demand, there are limited places available to take part. If you are not matched in this round of the PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme there will be future opportunities to take part.
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.
Further information for research staff lead buddies
Participating research staff (postdocs, research associates, early-career research fellows) will be assigned one buddy group of 3-5 PGRs and will be expected to organise and facilitate one meeting during the allotted buddy scheme window. As lead buddy you will help facilitate discussion between the PGRs in your group, ensuring that all members of the group have a chance to participate and be heard. For more information about the role, please see the PDF document linked below:
PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme lead buddy guidance 2025
Reports
Download and read the PGR-postdoc Buddy Scheme Report 2023 from the 1st round.
Download and read the PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme Report 2024 from the 2nd round.
Download and read the PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme Report 2025 from the 3rd round.
What people have said
It was refreshing to meet PhD students outside of my lab environment and hear about their perspectives and experiences on doing a PhD.
It was significant for me to listen to the lead buddy share her experience about both the PhD and post-doc position. Being in the late stage of my PhD journey, it has been very useful to discuss with fellow buddies who are in the same stage and to learn from someone who is already in the next phase of their academic career.
Listening to the success stories highlighted the importance of perseverance during the PhD journey. As PhD students, we all experience ups and downs, but what truly matters is to keep going and never giving up.
Establishing connections with other PhD students and hearing the similarities in our shared toil as well as getting an idea of what the future would entail.
One of the highlights was seeing how naturally the group connected and supported each other… It was lovely to see them connect for the first time during our meeting.
It is a great way to meet other researchers from the university and to be able to offer help and guidance to PhD students if they want some.
As the lead buddy in my group, I learnt how to coordinate and organize meetings appropriately with colleagues from different cultures and research backgrounds. This has practised my leadership skills as well as give me more confidence for future career development.
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