Using the Festival of PhD Research to enhance Research Culture 

Author:  Lisa Thompson

Organisations:  Ulster University (Doctoral College)

Initiative Title: Using the Festival of PhD Research to enhance Research Culture (#UlsterPhDFest)

Initiative Description: An annual event (2018-2025) showcasing and celebrating PhD research across all disciplines and campuses at Ulster University, featuring diverse presentation formats, competitions, and networking opportunities.

Rationale for Initiative: To address the need for a more collaborative, supportive, and visible research culture among PhD Researchers at Ulster University, aligning with the University Research Strategy and the Concordat’s Environment and Culture principle. 

Initiative Aims/Purpose

•        Support the PhD Researcher experience
•        Foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and community 
•        Enhance visibility of PhD research within and beyond the university
•        Develop research communication skills
•        Create a supportive environment for PGRs to share their work
•        Reinforce the university's strategic research priorities

Initiative Methods/Activities

•        An interdisciplinary programme of poster  and oral presentations
•        Exhibitions from practice-based PGRs
•        Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition
•        "Bake Your PhD" 
•        Social and networking opportunities
•        PGR volunteer committee
•        3MT® competition

Results

•        Over 300 PGRs participating annually by 2024
•        National success in 3MT® competition (UK People's Choice Award 2019, 2022, 2024)
•        Enhanced cross-disciplinary networking and collaboration
•        Improved research communication skills among participants
•        Strengthened sense of research community
•        Increased visibility of PhD research within the university and beyond

Conclusions

The Ulster Festival of PhD Research has significantly transformed the research culture at Ulster University, creating a more vibrant, inclusive, and supportive environment for PGRs. This initiative demonstrates how targeted researcher development activities can enhance the overall research ecosystem, providing a model to enhance research culture.