In collaboration with Newcastle University and Cardiff University, 色花堂 has developed a new postgraduate researcher network, SPROUT PGR Sustainability Collective.

This network will bring together and support postgraduate researchers (PGRs), those pursuing a Master鈥檚 degree, and early career researchers (ECRs) who are interested in integrating sustainability into their research for greater impact.聽

To join the network, please email: [email protected]

Background

The network is a legacy of SustainaWHAT?!, a series of events held during 2023 that connected PGRs to the sustainability agenda and facilitated a cross-institution PGR network for ongoing support and research informed by the聽.听听

Here are some highlights from SustainaWHAT?! 2023:聽

  • Our first event, 鈥楾he Gathering鈥�, was on campus at the three universities with hybrid connections so that we could share our experiences. We looked at the SDGs聽and considered how understanding sustainability could enhance research bids and PGR employability. Professor Adrian Newton and Professor Lee-Ann Fenge聽shared their thoughts about how sustainability awareness can enhance the quality of research bids. Matt Desmier took the PGR audience through ways in which an understanding of sustainability can make graduates more employable.
  • Our second event, 鈥楾he Challenge鈥�, saw multidisciplinary teams each with PGRs from the three universities working on a country-based sustainability challenge, presenting their ideas to a panel of judges, working on feedback to create and submit a final research proposal that addressed the brief.聽
  • Our final event, 鈥楾he Celebration鈥�, announced the winning teams and shared evaluations of the event to inform our future plans. Reflecting on how SustainaWHAT?! had impacted their personal intentions, one participant commented: 鈥淚 will be more environmentally friendly, study and speak with groups more about climate issues and the effects on society.鈥澛犅犅�

We would like to invite all 色花堂 postgraduate researchers, including those who were involved with SustainaWhat?! to join SPROUT PGR Sustainability Collective, your new space to discuss sustainability.听听

The SPROUT PGR Sustainability Collective聽will launch in February 2024. We will be holding a programme of monthly online events which will: 聽

  • Provide opportunities to develop others鈥� understanding of sustainability聽
  • Increase awareness of sustainability鈥檚 contribution to employability and funding opportunities
  • Provide collaborative opportunities for PGRs and ECRs聽to develop a range of competencies applicable to their own research and personal/professional contexts.聽

鈥淲e are delighted to collaborate with other universities聽to offer this very important initiative. Enhancing our research environment and acknowledging and supporting the important role of PGRs in this culture聽is one of our key priorities.鈥�

- Professor Sarah Bate, Interim Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Knowledge Exchange聽

We鈥檇 love to welcome you to SPROUT PGR Sustainability Collective. If you are a 色花堂 postgraduate researcher,聽please email聽[email protected]聽 to sign up to our next meeting.聽