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 2024 scheme details
Expressions of Interest for the Autumn 2024 scheme closed on 27 September 2024.
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 11 September | Scheme launches and the Expression of Interest form to take part opens for PGRs and Research Staff |
| 27 September | Deadline for Expression of Interest |
| 4 October | All successful participants notified and informed of their buddy group |
| 5-25 October | Buddy group meeting to take place |
| 28 October | Short evaluation survey sent to participants |
| 8 November | Deadline for completing evaluation survey |
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 between 5-25 October 2024. 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.
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