Sir Peter Gregson Doctoral Programme
The Sir Peter Gregson Doctoral Programme is an exclusive initiative supporting postgraduate researchers undertaking collaborative PhDs funded through the Department for the Economy’s Co-Operative Awards in Science and Technology (DfE CAST) scheme.
This programme brings together doctoral students whose research is co-created with an external partner organisation. These partnerships bridge academia and industry, delivering impactful research that addresses real-world challenges while developing future leaders in innovation and knowledge exchange.
The Sir Peter Gregson Programme fosters a vibrant, supportive community for collaborative researchers. Through tailored events, workshops, and networking opportunities, students enhance their professional development, share best practice, and strengthen links between academia and external sectors.
Named in honour of Professor Sir Peter Gregson, whose leadership championed research collaboration and partnership, the programme celebrates the spirit of co-creation, innovation, and societal impact that defines collaborative doctoral research.
An overview of what the programme includes for students, academics and partner organisations:
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PRE ENTRY ENGAGEMENT & INDUCTION
- Early connection with peers through pre-start networking opportunities
- Clear understanding of programme expectations via welcome events and induction sessions
- Access to comprehensive packs and guides to support preparation
- Personalised Development Needs Analysis and consultation to identify priorities
- Ongoing access to a tailored online hub with curated resources and regular updates
- DURING PROGRAMME OPPORTUNITIES
- Mentoring Programme
- Science Communication Competition
- Accredited training in leadership and project management
- Career Networking and Exploration Event
- Cohort research conference
- Academic skills workshops
- Employability workshops
- Social and Networking events
- Tailored 1-1 Appointments
- Wellbeing workshops and resources
- Social Innovation Projects
- POST PROGRAMME ENGAGEMENT
- Opportunity to mentor future cohorts
- Continued access to Graduate School support
- Guest speaker and feature on future programme cohorts
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Collaborative PhD students (those with an industry partner) will automatically be given access to the Sir Peter Gregson Doctoral Programme and be added to the exclusive hub.
You can explore the resources, events, opportunities on the tailored hub space HERE
If you would like further information please contact Dionne Alexander d.alexander@qub.ac.uk
We are always keen to explore opportunities to collaborate with external organisations / individuals as part of the Sir Peter Gregson Doctoral Programme.
This can look like many different formats and we are also open to discussing additional suggestions.
Engagement could be providing case studies, alumni profiles mentoring, guest speakers, providing real world challenges, networking, industry insights etc.
Complete the form HERE and we will be happy to connect with you
The Lunch and Launch of the Sir Peter Gregson Doctoral Programme was very successful this week in The Graduate School.
The event was very well attended with over 80 attendees which brought a great mix of academics, current students, partner organisations and key QUB staff.
The format of the event provided an opportunity for attendees to network over lunch and learn about the new programme.
Struggling to get the networking to stop was a great sign, the event presented an overview of how the programme was initiated and the link to the great work that Sir Peter Gregson did during his tenure at Queen’s as Vice Chancellor and beyond with regards to collaboration and industry engagement.
The talks also highlighted the importance of collaborative work and importance of this programme to support and enhance students on this journey.
The importance of the process in designing the programme in partnership with academics and students followed by a detailed overview of what format the programme will take and the benefits to be gained.
A current History collaborative studentship student (Ms Helen Hayes Sweeney) spoke about her experience on a collaborative PhD and how much she will benefit from the new Sir Peter Gregson Doctoral Programme. Dr Linda Oyama also spoke of the benefits of collaborative research from an academic point and the need for this tailored programme to support students in their unique position.
We are delighted with the success of the event which has commenced the programme on a great start.