Induction for new doctoral researchers - Wednesday 14 October 2026, 13.00-14:00, Whiteknights Campus
Further details will be sent to all new doctoral researchers once they have completed enrolment and have access to their University email account.
Navigating Doctoral Life: Discussion Series - Tuesdays 11.00-12.00, Old Whiteknights House and online
A space for you to discuss issues that can impact your doctoral research, such as managing academic pressure, discussing your research ideas with your supervisor, increasing your concentration and motivation, perfectionism, and managing procrastination. Taking place 11.00-12.00 on most Tuesday mornings, these hybrid group discussions are led by Dr Alicia Peña Bizama of the Student Wellbeing Service and take place online (via Teams) and in person in the Doctoral and Researcher College, Old Whiteknights House. Booking is not required to attend.
Each week will focus on a topic related to doing doctoral research. The list of upcoming discussion topics and dates are outlined in the table below.To attend the discussion groups remotely please access the relevant meeting link in the ‘Navigating Doctoral Life: Discussion Series’ subfolder in the Doctoral and Researcher College Blackboard area or attend in person.
|
Date |
Topic
|
Invited speaker |
|
13/10/26 |
Dealing with setbacks |
|
|
20/10/26 |
The PhD journey |
|
|
27/10/26 |
Managing uncertainty: Adapting to change |
|
|
3/11/26 |
Communicating with supervisor/s |
Dr Sam Boateng, Department director of academic tutoring for Biological Sciences |
|
10/11/26 |
Navigating the challenges of academic integrity |
Dr Sonia Hood, Study Advice Manager |
|
17/11/26 |
Easily distracted? Strategies to increase concentration |
|
| 24/10/26 | Evidence, Synthesis, Argument: Critical thinking for your PhD | Dr Ed Powell, Study Adviser |
Handouts and notes from previous discussion topics can be found in the Navigating Doctoral Life: Discussion Series sub-folder in the Doctoral and Researcher College Blackboard area.
For further information please e-mail Dr Peña Bizama.
Events for research staff
More details coming soon.
Events for the community
Community workshop. Material and Memories: Memoir writing for beginners.
13:30-16:00 | Saturday 24 October 2026 | University of Reading Whiteknights campus
Our memories of childhood and family can seem of little value, yet most of us love hearing about others’ lives. Too often, the stories that go untold are those from working-class, migrant and other underrepresented communities. This free workshop offers a gentle introduction to memoir writing. We will explore why we might choose to write about our lives, what can be lost when these stories aren’t recorded, and how to begin writing when you’re not sure where to start.Participants are encouraged to come with a memory of clothing that connects to childhood or family. No previous writing experience is needed - this friendly workshop particularly welcomes absolute beginners. Tea and biscuits included.
The workshop will be led by University of Reading doctoral researcher Sharla Attala: “My PhD explores working-class memoir writing, including depictions of clothing by working-class women. I grew up in the 1970s on council estates in Nottingham and have lived in many cities since. I currently live by the sea in Kent with a funny little dog called Jacko.”
Free event | Booking essential | Book a place | Event flyer
