Postgraduate and early-career development day

Following the success of the event last year, we are pleased to once again offer a one-day mini conference for postgraduate and early-career colleagues. The event will focus on career planning, research and publication, and beginning to teach, amongst other topics.

BISA members pay a reduced fee of £12.50pp to help cover some of the costs. Non-members are welcome to attend for a fee of £48pp. All places include refreshments and lunch. We recommend reading our ‘Become a member’ information to see if you could save money on this and future BISA events by becoming a member.

Draft programme

Session 1: 10:30 – 12:30 

Beginning to teach (Nat Jester, Ilan Baron, Naomi Head)

This session brings together experienced and new lecturers to discuss getting started in teaching in HE, whether making your first forays as a PGR student or on your first lecturing contract. Session includes information about the Learning and Teaching café scheduled to take place during the conference. 

Lunch and walking tour: 12:30 - 14:00 (Maha Rafi Atal & Rhys Crilley)

The lunchtime session includes a walking tour of the Glasgow University campus entitled 'Everyday politics and the University’s colonial legacy'.

Session 2: 14:00-15:00 (Parallel session – you can select a preferred option)

Unpacking the challenges of supervision (Kay Guccione)

This session grapples with some of the trickier issues we face as doctoral supervisors, such as setting clear expectations with new PGRs, and understanding the ways that the Hidden Curriculum of the doctorate can create uncertainty and stress if not actively managed

Or

Wrestling with your lit review (Ilan Baron)

This session breaks down the task of the thesis literature review and offers guidance for those working on this during the early stages of your PhD.

Session 3: 15:00-16:00 (Parallel session – you can select a preferred option)

How to get a grant (Nick Caddick, Simon Rushton, Helena Farrand Carrapico)

This session will provide practical advice on how to get funding for the research you want to do: what funders are looking for, and how to make funding bids part of your strategic planning and career goals

Or

Turning your thesis into a book (Margot Tudor)

This session offers guidance on how to turn your PhD thesis into a book.

Coffee break 16:00-16:30

Session 4: 16:30-17:30 (Parallel session – delegates will select a preferred option)

ECR’s guide to managing big projects (Ruth Blakeley & Nick Caddick)

This session explores challenges of managing big research projects; managing other research staff, dealing with conflict within a research team, the role of principal investigator, working with external stakeholders

Or

After your PhD: IR careers outside academia (speaker TBC)

This session will consider career routes beyond academia for those finishing their doctorate.

Drinks reception and Networking 17:30 – 18:30

Registration will close on 1 June 2023 or when all places are filled. Should the event be over-subscribed BISA members will be given priority for places.