PGR committee at the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
The main aims of the PGR student committee at the School of Mathematical and
Physical Sciences are
 to act as a forum to address PGR student specific questions and issues (annual
review, TA issues, copyright issues, etc.);
 to increase research students' engagement with School affairs;
 to develop a PGR community which facilitates it to blend into the existing
research environment --especially for international students;
 to organize reading groups in specific research areas, and student seminars;
 to act as student point of contact for engagement with the Doctoral School.
To achieve these goals the committee will plan, organize and carry out the following
activities:
1. One termly PGR community event (3 per academic year): This can be of different
nature, e.g.
a. scientific (e.g. research day with poster session and prizes where early
career researchers can display their research),
b. career development (e.g. alumni talks about different career
opportunities inside and outside of academia),
c. social (e.g this term's event followed up on the PGR induction session,
and was a social gathering to bring together new and current PhD
students and supervisors).
2. PGR student committee meeting (meets termly): The committee is chaired by a
PGR students' representative, with DoDS and PGR students from each research
group attending. Possible agenda items include:
a. Completion rates, what do PGR students require to complete in time, are
there any issues?;
b. TA issues;
c. copyright issues;
d. improving the PGR community;
e. student research seminars;
f. engagement with the Doctoral School;
g. budget.
To increase the attractiveness of the termly PGR student committee meetings
drinks or sandwiches could be provided (similar as for the Departmental Joint
Committee).
3. Weekly Mathematics and Astronomy & Physics interdisciplinary knowledge &
skills transfer, with tea & biscuits.