Doctoral Deans & Directors Network — Residential Workshop 2026
The annual UKCGE Residential Workshop features a variety of sessions, providing Doctoral Deans & Directors, and those in similar positions, the opportunity to network with peers and discuss the key issues affecting postgraduate education.
The aim of the DDD Network’s Residential Workshop is to help attendees solve problems, develop new ideas and enjoy a collegiate atmosphere, while gaining plenty of tips on best-practice to take back to their home institutions.
This year the workshop will include sessions on:
- Reinventing the doctorate
- Distance Learning
- An update on UKRI Activity
- Examining the Current HE PGR Landscape
- Research Supervision
Pre-session for people new in post
This event will also feature pre-session before the official start of the residential. This is open to all delegates but particularly aimed at anyone who is new in their Dean or Director post. This 90-minute session will be a chance to meet the network Co-Chairs and UKCGE staff, receive an overview of typical responsibilities and issues facing Deans and Directors, and ask any questions you may have. Please email ukcge@ukcge.ac.uk if there are any particular topics you would like to see addressed.
Speakers
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Dr. Nigel Eady
Director of Research Talent | King’s College London & co-Chair | Doctoral Deans & Directors Network- Workshop Lead
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Dr. Jane Wellens
Head of the Graduate School | Staffordshire University & co-Chair | Doctoral Deans & Directors Network- Workshop Lead
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Professor Claire Warren
Academic Director, Graduate School | The Open University- Reinventing the Doctorate
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Frances Burstow
Director Talent and Skills | UKRI- Update on UKRI
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Dr James Burford
Associate Professor | University of Warwick- Distance Learning
Programme
Download as PDFWelcome
Tea & Coffee Available
So You’re Now a Doctoral Dean or Director!
Dr Nigel Eady
Hotel check-in available
Registration with refreshments
Welcome & Introduction
Session 1 – Reinventing the Doctorate, Part 1
Prof Clare Warren | Graduate School Director, Professor of Metamorphic Geology, The Open University
Evening Session Close
Pre-Dinner Drinks
Workshop Dinner
Session 2 – Current Challenges
Dr Nigel Eady
Refreshment Break
Session 3 – UKRI Doctoral Update
Frances Burstow | Director Talent and Skills, UK Research and Innovation
Session 4 – Reinventing the Doctorate, Part 2
Prof Clare Warren | Graduate School Director, Professor of Metamorphic Geology, The Open University
Lunch
Session 4 – Doctoral Distance Learning
Dr James Burford | Reader of Global Education & International Development, University of Warwick
Refreshment break
Session 5 – Next Generation Research SuperVision Programme (RSVP) update
Dr Karen Clegg | Reader in Doctoral Education & Practice, University of York
Closing Discussion / Any Other Business
An opportunity for colleagues to discuss issues not already covered during the event.
Close & Departure
Meals & Accomodation
Overnight accommodation (on the night of 26th February), meals and refreshments are all included in the cost of a ticket.