Postgraduate researchers: Nominate research staff for Celebrating Researchers 2024

The Academy’s Researcher Development and Culture team are delighted to launch Celebrating Researchers 2024, a University-wide chance to celebrate the achievements, successes, strengths and contributions of our research staff.

Colleague can submit their nominations by 19th April 2024.

Is there a postdoc who has had an impact on you and/or your research during your doctoral studies? Is there a researcher who encourages your ambitions? Do you collaborate with a research associate who includes you in their innovations? Is there a postdoc who inspires you by creating a positive environment for everyone around them? Now is your chance to recognise their achievements and help them to understand how much you value their efforts.

Research Staff Champion Prizes

Building on 2023’s success, you can nominate researchers for one of the University of Liverpool’s two Research Staff Champion prizes:

  • Research Staff Community Champion – For researchers who have helped to foster and build communities of researchers within the University of Liverpool. Examples might include organising research networks or forums; mentoring PGRs or other postdocs; gaining resources for research staff activities that develop research identity, broader leadership skills or a greater understanding of the wider research system.
  • Research Culture Champion – For researchers who have contributed to the research culture at the University of Liverpool. Examples might include participation in steering groups related to research integrity, and equality, diversity and inclusion (e.g., Athena Swan, Race Equality Charter); contribution to inclusive environment and wellbeing initiatives; organisation of departmental development activities.

Researchers can also be nominated without specifying a category to recognise and celebrate the wide variety of accomplishments and contributions that research staff make.

The winners of the Research Staff Champion Prizes will be awarded their prizes by Professor Anthony Hollander, PVC for Research & Impact, at the summer celebratory event on Thursday, 4 July.

What is the summer celebration event?

All researchers nominated will receive priority access to attend our summer event: ‘Celebrating Researchers – Your Path to Independence’.

The summer celebration is an opportunity for them to connect and engage with other researchers and appreciate the rich tapestry of who they are and what they do. A morning workshop led by career and leadership coach Denise Chilton will allow researchers to discover their strengths, explore their career journey and develop their impact as future research leaders. Following this, nominees and invited nominators will celebrate together with a BBQ in the University Quad.

How do I nominate?

Nominations for those on academic research-only contracts are invited from postgraduate researchers (PGRs). There are no limits on the number of nominations you can make.

In line with the Academy’s aspirations for optimal inclusivity and accessibility, nominations can be written or verbal, you can:

  1. Write a few sentences about why you believe your nominee should be celebrated at this event
  2. Submit a brief video about why you believe your nominee should be celebrated at this event.

Submit your nomination via this form: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/liverpool/celebrating-researchers-2024-nominations

For more information, including how to submit a video nomination, see the Celebrating Researchers 2024 page: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/researcher/celebrating-success/path-to-independence-2024/

The deadline for nominations is 19th April 2024 

Quotes invited for what makes researchers worth celebrating

If you aren’t able to nominate an individual, we would still welcome videos or quotes from colleagues across the University about the value of postdocs and early career research fellows in general, and how they may have helped you in your role(s). All notes of appreciation are most welcomed! Please send any videos and short quotes to researcher@liverpool.ac.uk

Other PGR Development events:

Three Minute Thesis Competition: An opportunity not to be missed!

Summarise your thesis in a 3 minute video and compete to represent the University at a national level.

  • Three Minute Thesis workshop – 25th March 2024, 9:30-12:00

Discover how to give the most engaging, informative and memorable presentations possible with this workshop. Register here: https://uolpgrdev_3mt_workshop.eventbrite.co.uk/

Find out more about the University of Liverpool Three Minute Thesis Competition here: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/researcher/pgr-development/3mt/

For more information about upcoming sessions, visit the PGR Development Hub: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/researcher/pgr-development/

The Academy remains committed to offering the best possible, high-quality support for all researchers, providing opportunities and developing initiatives that meet their aspirations and identify new potential routes to develop and progress their careers. Research staff are encouraged to regularly access the  Researcher Development (RD) Roadmap where bespoke development pathways can be created to support professional practice, supplementing upcoming research staff development activities.

Visit the Researcher Hub for more information and research staff development information and opportunities.

Follow  @LivResearcher,  @LivUniAcademy  and  @UoL_RSA, for updates and information about further staff development opportunities.