Reflecting on Two Years of Building the Postgraduate Research Community at LBU and Beyond

What started as a personal challenge has blossomed into one of the most enriching experiences of my research career. The conference, held on Tuesday, 10 June 2025, not only lived up to its growing reputation but exceeded expectations in community engagement. Welcoming postgraduate researchers from institutions across the UK, it offered a dynamic platform for sharing ideas, presenting groundbreaking research, and sparking connections that may lead to tomorrow’s collaborations.

My commitment to organising this event for a second consecutive year wasn’t just about logistics or legacy; it was rooted in a deep, personal passion for supporting and amplifying the PGR community. Postgraduate research can sometimes feel isolating, and I’ve always believed that fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and creating safe, energised spaces for researchers to meet, learn, and grow is essential. Every session, every conversation, and every presentation during this conference reinforced that belief.

The day began with an inspiring keynote presentation from Juliet Harrison on research impact, which immediately set a reflective yet energising tone. Juliet's session was more than a standard opening - it served as a launchpad, encouraging attendees to consider the broader implications of their work and the changes they hope to create beyond academic circles.

This conversation was carried forward in a powerful fireside chat featuring Silke Machold, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at LBU, and Professor Rachel Armitage, Director of Research for Law at LBU. Both speakers offered generous, candid insights into their professional journeys and experiences with embedding impact into their research.

For many Early Career Researchers (ECRs) in the audience, this session provided practical advice and a renewed sense of confidence. Hearing such accomplished academics speak openly about the ups and downs of integrating impact into their careers was both validating and motivating. Their dialogue reminded us that impactful research doesn’t happen in isolation and that academia is key in solving real-world problems.

The energy from the morning session carried through into the rest of the day, with a packed schedule of 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) and poster presentations. This year’s entries were a testament to the boldness and ingenuity of our PGRs. Research topics spanned cancer detection methods, machine learning innovations, fan engagement strategies in sport, cultural narratives of social justice, and much more.

The diversity and depth of these presentations reflected our cohort's wide-ranging concerns, curiosities, and intellectual passions. It was a powerful reminder of what happens when researchers are given the space and support to step into their voice.

One of the most anticipated sessions of the day was Beyond Academia: PGRs in the Boardroom. For this, we had the immense privilege of hearing from two accomplished professionals who have successfully transitioned from academic research into the upper echelons of corporate leadership.

Dr Mariana Pexton and Dr Ainojie Alexander Irune offered honest accounts of how their PhD experiences shaped their thinking, decision-making, and leadership philosophies. Their reflections were insightful and deeply encouraging, proving that the skills honed during postgraduate study, including critical thinking, problem solving, resilience, and communication, are valuable across every professional domain. For many in the audience wondering what life looks like after the viva, this session offered a broader lens and a beacon of possibility.

As the day drew to a close, we celebrated our presenters' creativity, precision, and clarity through a series of awards. The honours were presented by Professor Peter Mackreth, Dean of the Carnegie School of Sport, whose closing remarks underscored the importance of recognising and rewarding research excellence. Our panel of esteemed judges, including Professor Emma Wood, Dr Davide Sterchele, Professor Kate Dashper, Professor Thomas Fletcher, Dr Lisa Gorton, and Dr Chen Zheng, had the challenging task of selecting winners from an incredibly strong field.

After a day rich with intellectual exchange and inspiration, we wrapped things up with something just as important as community. Thanks to the support of Leeds Beckett Students’ Union, we hosted a social pizza hour where delegates could unwind, make friends, and continue conversations sparked throughout the day. It was a relaxed and cheerful space where laughter and connections flowed freely. In many ways, that hour reflected the entire conference: bringing PGRs together to form a network that’s as nourishing personally as it is professionally.

Reflecting on this year’s conference and indeed on two years of leading its organisation, I feel a profound sense of gratitude. Balancing planning with PhD responsibilities, troubleshooting unexpected issues, and coordinating multiple voices has been challenging at times, but it has also been immensely rewarding. It has deepened my understanding of the academic ecosystem, strengthened my belief in the power of researcher-led initiatives, and shown me the difference that thoughtful, community-focused events can make.

As we close this chapter, I am already thinking about the next iteration of the PGR Conference. How can we build on this momentum? How can we welcome even more voices? What new collaborations might emerge from the networks formed this year? These are the questions driving me as I look ahead.

The Leeds Beckett University PGR Conference has become more than an annual event - it is a platform, a meeting point, and a celebration of shared purpose. I am honoured to have been part of its story, and I cannot wait to see how it evolves.