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BOOK YOUR  PLACE

This year's Doctoral Research Conference  will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday 17 June 2026 in the Palmer Building, Whiteknights Campus. This  event is open to all doctoral researchers and staff from across the University and showcases the diversity of doctoral research undertaken at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø. The conference provides an opportunity to gain an appreciation of the great things doctoral researchers do across a wide range of disciplines.

The conference will include presentations from the Doctoral Research: Making a Difference Competition  finalists and the ever-popular Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT©). It will also include an exhibition of entries to the Research Poster, Research Image, Research Life in Pictures and the Research Object Competitions.  There will be a performance of poetry and bedtime stories and a premiere of research reels. 

Things to do now

• Request to attend the conference via the RRDP booking pages on the RISIS web portal. Please note that attendance at the conference will count towards your annual RRDP training requirement.
• If you are a staff member and would like to attend, please email DoctoralandResearcherCollege@reading.ac.uk to book a place.
• The mini  2026 conference programme is available to view.
• The full 2026 conference programme is available to view
• Watch a highlights film of the 2025 conference.

The competitions are now clossed.

Doctoral Research:  Making a Difference Competition *NEW*

Are you undertaking research that makes a difference?  Is it uncovering new knowledge, challenging assumptions, influencing policy. Solving real world problems or driving innovation.  

• Deadline: 27 March 2026 (new extended deadline)
• Download the Making a Difference entry form

Three-Minute Thesis Competition

Can you deliver an engaging talk in just three minutes?

• Deadline: 27 March 2026 (new extended deadline) 
• Download the Three Minute Thesis entry form

Research in an Object Competition

Submit an object that connects with your doctoral research.

• Deadline: 27 March 2026
• Download the Research in an Object entry form

Your Research as a Bedtime Story Competition

Write a bedtime story that strips your doctoral research down to basic components.

• Deadline: 27 March 2026
• Download the Your Research as a Bedtime Story entry form

Poetry, Rhyme and Rap Competition

Submit a poem, rhyme or rap which offer an insight into your everyday life.

• Deadline: 27 March 2026
• Download the Poetry, Rhyme & Rap entry form

Research Image Competition

Submit an image that offers a visual perspective on  your doctoral research.

• Deadline: 27 March 2026
• Download the Research Image entry form

Research Life in Pictures Competition

Submit a picture that offers an insight into your everyday life 

• Deadline: 27 March 2026
• Download the Research Life in Pictures entry form

Your Research as a Reel Competition *NEW*

Submit a reel that captures any aspect of your doctoral research

• Deadline: 24 April 2026
• Download the Your Research as a Reel entry form

Research Poster Competition

Submit a poster on any aspect of  your doctoral research.

• Deadline: 24 April 2026
• Download the Research Poster entry form