The PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme runs annually during the Autumn, offering University of Liverpool postgraduate researchers the chance to meet new colleagues, expand their networks and enrich their experience of the University’s research culture in an informal setting. They're also joined by a postdoc who will provide their insights of working as a researcher at University of Liverpool and how to make the most of your time here.
Benefits
For PGRs the Buddy Scheme is a great opportunity for you to meet peers, build connections outside your research group and enhance your professional, research and social frames of reference. It's also useful to hear about the experiences of other PGRs and a postdoc.
For Research Staff (postdocs, research associates, early-career research fellows) participating as a lead buddy provides an opportunity to develop your leadership and mentoring skills, as well as giving back to the research community at the University. See further information for lead buddies below.
How it works
To take part in the PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme, you'll need to complete a simple expression of interest form, where we’ll ask your name, department, email address and why you want to participate in the Buddy Scheme. Then you will be matched by email into a group of 3-5 PGRs with a postdoc, and will have 3 weeks to meet with your group.
Meetings can take place face-to-face or online (depending participant preferences) and last 30-60 minutes. The topics of conversation are up to you, and the tone should be informal, supportive and respectful of everyone. The postdoc lead buddy is there to provide a different perspective based on their experiences.
We will contact you by email with a survey for your feedback on the scheme immediately after the scheme and at stages after your participation.
Autumn 2025 scheme details
Expressions of interest for the 2025 scheme will open in September 2025.
Please note that due to high demand, there are limited places available to take part. If you are not matched in this round of the PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme there will be future opportunities to take part.
The data that you provide will be stored securely for one year, and used only to match you to other researchers for participation in the PGR-Postdoc buddy scheme. By completing this form you agree that we will process your data in line with University of Liverpool's privacy policy.
Further information for research staff lead buddies
Participating research staff (postdocs, research associates, early-career research fellows) will be assigned one buddy group of 3-5 PGRs and will be expected to organise and facilitate one meeting during the allotted buddy scheme window. As lead buddy you will help facilitate discussion between the PGRs in your group, ensuring that all members of the group have a chance to participate and be heard. For more information about the role, please see the PDF document linked below:
Further guidance for lead buddies - PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme 2024
Reports
Download and read the PGR-postdoc Buddy Scheme Report 2023 from the 1st round.
Download and read the PGR-Postdoc Buddy Scheme Report 2024 from the 2nd round.
What people have said
It was refreshing to meet PhD students outside of my lab environment and hear about their perspectives and experiences on doing a PhD.
It was good to create a new network across the university, which will be helpful for my PhD moving forward.
The highlight was hearing about the projects others have done/are doing and realising that we are experiencing similar things (including emotions involved with stepping out into the unknown of a PhD). It was very reassuring that we are not alone in the process.
It's also great to have a postdoc contact who was friendly, approachable and is happy to be contacted in the future.
Starting off with some great advice on what it means to be a PhD student at Liverpool University right from the get go is invaluable.
It was a good experience leading a group and helping PGRs with their concerns and questions as someone with more experience.
As the lead buddy in my group, I learnt how to coordinate and organize meetings appropriately with colleagues from different cultures and research backgrounds. This has practised my leadership skills as well as give me more confidence for future career development.
Back to: Researcher Hub