The annual Doctoral Welcome Reception took place on Wednesday 26th October 2022 in the Claverton Rooms. This was a vibrant and lively occasion, enabling students across disciplines to network with each other and meet staff, alongside some light refreshments!

Our Doctoral Engagement Ambassadors, a group of current doctoral students, were present to greet new students, answer any questions and run a networking and engagement activity to help students get to know each other.

Professor Sarah Hainsworth (Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research) and Dr Rachel Arnold, (Deputy Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Doctoral)) welcomed new students to the University, sharing information and tips about the doctoral journey and highlighting the importance of Doctoral students to the University. Doctoral students were encouraged to take advantage of the range of opportunities offered to them at the University and connect with interdisciplinary communities of researchers. The significance of wellbeing and good mental health were emphasised as a key factor in being successful as a doctoral student. Find out about student support at the University

Jura Neverauskaite, the Students' Union's Postgraduate Officer, explained the role of the Students' Union and raised awareness of the Doctoral Representative by-elections.

To end the evening, attendees were treated to a presentation by the University's most recent Three Minute Thesis® winner and national finalist, Harindi Jayakody.