{"id":246,"date":"2025-07-18T17:17:25","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T16:17:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-student-experience\/?p=246"},"modified":"2025-07-18T17:17:25","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T16:17:25","slug":"connection-culture-and-community-supporting-doctoral-researchers-at-bath","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-student-experience\/2025\/07\/18\/connection-culture-and-community-supporting-doctoral-researchers-at-bath\/","title":{"rendered":"Connection, Culture and Community - Supporting Doctoral Researchers at Bath"},"content":{"rendered":"

As we move through the summer months, it\u2019s a perfect moment to reflect on the energy and creativity that\u2019s been flowing through our doctoral community - and to look ahead at how colleagues and students from the Doctoral College and academic departments continue to support connection, development, and wellbeing for our researchers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A Season of Celebration and Creativity<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This summer has seen a series of standout events that have brought our doctoral researchers together in meaningful and inspiring ways. From the Doctoral Celebration Evening to the Festival of Ideas, these events have not only showcased the incredible work of our researchers but also fostered a strong sense of community.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many of these activities formed part of the Doctoral Research Culture Month in June, which celebrated the people, ideas, and achievements that shape our research environment. You can <\/span>read more about the month\u2019s highlights in the University\u2019s announcement.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThese events are more than just milestones - they\u2019re about building a culture of belonging and recognition,\u201d says Oli Schofield, Head of Doctoral Researcher Development and Experience. \u201cThey\u2019re the result of months of planning and collaboration between the Doctoral College and our doctoral students, who bring energy, creativity, and leadership to everything we do.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Doctoral Research Celebration Event 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the most talked-about highlights was the doctoral comedy night, part of a collaborative programme with Bristol and Bath\u2019s doctoral colleges. Doctoral researchers took to the stage after a series of workshops with a professional comedy writer.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was totally outside my comfort zone - but so rewarding,\u201d reflects Caitlin Naylor, Doctoral Research Culture & Development Officer and PhD student. \u201cIt was a chance to connect with people, share our research in a new way, and talk about big issues like EDI and mental health through humour. I\u2019d jump at the chance to do it again.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Supporting Progress: Writing Retreats and Coaching<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another major initiative this summer was the final-year writing retreat, which has now evolved into a six-month support programme. Eighteen final-year doctoral students took part in a structured retreat, followed by one-to-one coaching and ongoing writing days.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not just about research - it\u2019s about recognising that life happens,\u201d Oli explains. \u201cWe\u2019re offering structure, reflection, and peer support to help students finish well.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Caitlin, who joined the retreat just weeks before submitting her thesis, shared how powerful the experience was:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wish this had existed earlier in my PhD. It gave me space to reflect, connect, and take control of my final steps. The structure and support made a huge difference.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Staying Connected<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While many taught students take a break over the summer, there are opportunities for doctoral students to stay connected:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n