Postgraduate Researcher Open Forums

Invitation to Join in Open Forums in line with the ‘That’s Me Project: Eliminating Barriers to Postgraduate Research Study in the West Midlands’. 

As a *Global Majority postgraduate researcher, do you want to make your voice count? 

The ‘That’s Me!’ Project is collaborating with Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor Marcia Wilson, to run a series of Open Forums about Postgraduate Researchers (PGR) experiences to influence institutional change. The Open Forums aim to gather valuable insights from PGRs, like yourself, to better understand individual and general barriers faced throughout your research journey. 

By engaging with the Open Forums, you will have the opportunity to: 

• Influence change: Your personal experiences hold great value, and we can learn a lot from the challenges you are currently experiences and those you've overcome. Your input will directly contribute to shaping policies and support systems that can improve the postgraduate research experience for you and your peers. 

• Access support: By attending open forums, you will have the opportunity to learn about support mechanisms available to you and provide feedback. 

• Develop your professional network: You will have the chance to collaborate with other PGRs, academic staff, and institutional leaders to foster a more inclusive academic community, helping to build connections that can support your research and future career.

• Gain recognition for your contribution: Your involvement in the Open Forums will be recognised with a voucher and certificate after taking part in at least three scheduled Open Forums, showcasing your commitment to improving the postgraduate research community and fostering a more inclusive environment.

• Have a platform to be heard: The Open Forums offer a direct avenue to voice your concerns and suggestions, ensuring that the PGR experience reflects the diverse needs of the academic community. 

We recognise that postgraduate research can be a rewarding but often challenging experience. Your input will be invaluable in ensuring that future researchers are better supported and able to thrive. Please look at the schedule below for dates and discussion topics.

If you are interested in getting involved or would like more information about the Open Forums, please feel free to contact Dr Eli Ashong (eli.ashong@bcu.ac.uk) and Amy McKenzie (amy.mckenzie@bcu.ac.uk).

We would greatly appreciate your insights and look forward to collaborating with you.

Together, we can create a more equitable and empowering environment for postgraduate research. 

Thank you for your time and consideration.
 

*Global Majority refers to people who are “Black, Asian, Brown, dual-heritage, indigenous to the global south, and or have been racialised as 'ethnic minorities'” (Campbell-Stevens, 2020)