PGR and ECR Researcher Conference 15th June 2023
Austin Pearce Building
Apply now to join the Organising Committee Team
The Doctoral College champions the development of a healthy research culture where PGRs and ECRs can thrive, develop and connect with fellow researchers across disciplines. The annual conference provides an excellent opportunity to build connections, to showcase and celebrate the diverse range of research at Surrey.
We are seeking enthusiastic PGRs and ECRs to volunteer and join the organising committee, working with staff from the Doctoral College to plan, organise and run this high profile, interdisciplinary event.
A collaborative opportunity to enhance and develop valuable transferable skills
Working as a team the Organising Committee[1] of Postgraduate and Early Career Researchers will be responsible for all aspects of the conference including*:
- Identifying and inviting speakers
- Overseeing the call for and review of abstracts
- Programme Management – scheduling lightning talks, oral and poster presentations
- Inviting and coordinating diverse judging panels
- Assisting with an industry evening, networking event
- Promoting the event, ensuring engagement with the researcher community and beyond
- Assisting with event management and conference logistics
- Evaluating the success of the event
This year, we are doing things a little bit differently and rather than recruiting for specific roles such as the Chair of the committee, we are looking for committee members who are keen to work across all aspects of the conference organisation.
We are looking for PGRs and ECRs who can demonstrate good team working, communication, problem solving and organisational skills. Being able to manage time is critical, balancing involvement in the committee with research commitments is key.
The committee will meet regularly (weekly/fortnightly) with actions in between to ensure progress against the conference project plan. Committee members need to be able to commit to actions during March through to mid-June, ready for the conference on June 15th 2023.
How to Apply:
Complete the short application form here no later than 10:00am UK time on Thursday 23rd February 2023.
Interviews:
We are looking to recruit a team of between 8-10 volunteers for the organising committee, comprising of PGRs and ECRs from across all 3 Faculties. Short listed candidates will be invited to a short interview held via zoom and during the following times:
- Monday 27th Feb between 10am-12noon or
- Tuesday 28th Feb between 13.30-16.30
Date of first Organising Committee Team Meeting:
Thursday 2nd March 11.30-12.30 (1hr Meetings will be weekly / fortnightly)
Summary of the key dates:
| Date | Activity |
| w/c 6 Feb | Call for volunteers to join the Organising Committee |
| Weds 22nd Feb 17.00 UK Time | Deadline for Completed Applications Forms |
| Fri 24th Feb | Shortlisted applicants invited to interview |
| Mon 27th Feb (10-12noon) or Tues 28th Feb (13.30-16.30) | Interviews Scheduled to take place via Zoom on 1 of the 2 dates. |
| 1st March | Communication of outcome of interviews |
| Thurs 2nd March 11.30-12.30 | First Committee Team Meeting |
| March – June | Weekly/fortnightly meetings Conference organisation activities as listed above* |
| Weds 14th June | Conference Set up |
| Thurs 15th June All day, plus early evening Industry networking event | PGR and ECR Conference Austin Pearce Building |
To find out more see a blog post from the 2022 Conference Team Here
[1] The Organising Committee Membership will include staff members from the Doctoral College, supported by an Advisory Committee which will include Postgraduate Research Directors (PGRDs) from each of the 3 Faculties
