The annual Doctoral Welcome Reception took place on Thursday 12th October 2023 in the Claverton Rooms. This was a vibrant and lively occasion, enabling students across disciplines to network with each other and meet staff. There was also the opportunity to meet and find out about doctoral groups and networks, who came along to meet new doctoral students.

Professor Joe Devine, (Associate PVC Research (Doctoral)) and Dr Rachel Arnold, (Academic Director (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, its relevance to doctoral students and the opportunities to get involved. Bath Active and the Arts Programme were highlighted as excellent avenues to pursue a wide range of activities and meet other students.

We were delighted to give new doctoral students the opportunity to hear the 2023 national winner of the 3MT®, Sarah Warbis, give her presentation ‘'Sexual assault in a 'just world': an immersive VR study of bystanders'’.

Our Doctoral Development Facilitators, 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. The ‘hook a duck’ activity had ‘useful’ prizes from chocolate to coat hangers.

During the evening, Doctoral researchers had the opportunity to take part in a quiz to answer questions about what they had learnt from the Doctoral network and group stands present on the day. We are pleased to announce that Jack Dawson, ‪PhD Research Programme in Computing, is the winner and has been rewarded with a campus outlet £25 voucher!