Postgraduate Researcher Induction

Find out about upcoming Sussex Researcher School Postgraduate Researcher induction events, information and resources.

PGR Induction, September starters

We are pleased to welcome all new postgraduate researchers to the Sussex Researcher School. We look forward to supporting you as you begin your research degree at Sussex and helping you to connect with the wider research community.

The Sussex Researcher School induction programme is designed to help you make a successful start to your research degree. Our main induction event will take place on Monday 28 September 2026, providing an opportunity to learn about the key sources of support available to you, meet staff and fellow researchers, and begin planning for your personal and professional development.

In addition to the induction day, we will be running a series of PGR Essentials sessions throughout the autumn term. These sessions will introduce you to important aspects of research at Sussex, including Library support, research ethics, open research, and intellectual property.

Recordings and slides from the 2025 Sussex Researcher School induction are available on our RDP Canvas site. We encourage all new PGRs to access these materials.

Your Faculties/Schools will also provide a comprehensive local induction programme that includes Faculty- or School-specific information about supervisory arrangements, research and skills training, good research conduct, health and safety and facilities.

PGR Induction Day Schedule - Monday 28 September 2026

Timing	Session
9.15-9.45am	Registration - coffee and tea
9.45-11.30am	Welcome session This session will introduce you to the key parts within the University of Sussex that can provide structure and support for you throughout your PGR studies. You’ll also learn more about the key source of structure and support, your supervisor/s, and how to ensure that your relationship is placed on a firm footing.
11.30am-12.45pm	Starting your research degree panel Make a successful start to your research degree with this panel discussion developed to prepare you for the journey ahead. Panellists will include PGR support staff and Faculty PGR Leads, who support PGRs within the Faculties, alongside later-stage PGRs who can share their experiences of sitting where you are now.
12.45-1.30pm	Market stalls and lunch Find out about the various services around campus, chat to staff, and get to know other new researchers over food and refreshments.
1.30-3pm	Workshop on developing a Personal Development Plan The Personal Development Plan is a key document that you will revisit throughout your research degree. In this interactive workshop, you'll learn about the concept, purpose, and benefits of developing a PDP and have a go at writing your own, with help from your peers.

PGR Essentials - October/November 2026

Further details, including information on how to register for a PGR Essentials session, will be available soon.

Title	Session details
PGR Essentials: Introduction to the Library	This workshop will introduce you to the Library's collections and discovery tools. With guidance from the Library Research and Open Scholarship Team, the workshop will highlight key Library resources and services for PGRs.
PGR Essentials: Introduction to Ethics	This workshop will look at the key principles of undertaking ethical research, and explain how to go about obtaining ethical approval from the University's Ethics team. There will also be opportunities to consider some case studies, ask questions about your own work, and gain insights on how to embed good ethical practices in your research.
PGR Essentials: Introduction to Open Research	This workshop will introduce open research, considering the benefits for researchers, institutions and wider society. It will provide opportunities for you to consider how open research methods could be embedded into your research, and highlight sources of support and further information.
PGR Essentials: Introduction to Intellectual Property	Facilitated by the Innovation and Business Partnerships team, this session will equip you with practical knowledge to navigate the world of IP, ensuring your hard work is protected and ready for future opportunities.