Welcome to the University of Bath; or for those of you who may have already studied with us, to your new adventure in doctoral studies. You have joined a vibrant, diverse and growing community of research students.
As Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Bath, I have overall responsibility for research and for research students. As such, I have every confidence that the University will provide you with a stimulating research environment in which you will be able to engage in outstanding research across engineering, science, management, humanities and the social sciences.
Your first few weeks and months will be a vital time for you to familiarise yourself with the requirements of your programme and the resources, training, support and advice that will help you make the most of your time with the University of Bath. Do look through the information provided to you on these web pages and in the Handbook for Research Students and refer back to them whenever you need to as you proceed through your studies.
Even more importantly though I would counsel you to take full advantage of opportunities to become part of the broader doctoral community - to engage as broadly as you can with your supervisors, contemporaries and other members of the University community. They will form an important network of support through your doctoral studies and beyond.
Of course, there are many opportunities for you to get involved in your research community right from day one. In particular I would like to invite you to join me for a welcome reception and to meet other new research students from all disciplines at 2:15pm on Tuesday 4th October in our brand new Graduate Commons in 10 West.
Faculties, departments and research groups will also be hosting a range of talks and activities during the first few weeks to help you feel at home in your local research environment, and the Post Graduate Association and Students’ Union have arranged a variety of social events.
On 1st November we will be hosting our very first Researchers’ Fair for doctoral students. The Fair will be opened at 2pm by Dame Glynis Breakwell, University Vice-Chancellor. It promises to be a vibrant occasion and will provide you with a great opportunity to mix informally with your colleagues over drinks whilst finding out about the array of activities and services which may be of interest to you - either to support your research and professional development or just to have fun.
Best wishes for your research studies here at Bath.
Jonathan Knight Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research)