The Postgraduate Forum (PGF) exists to provide additional training and networking opportunities for postgraduates across the UK and further afield. The PGF puts on a number of events every year, including the long-running Mid-Term Conference, the Annual Conference Training Symposium (ACTS) before the RGS-IBG’s Annual International Conference, and the Postgraduate Insights webinar series.
The Mid-Term Conference is a one-day conference held in the spring each year. It is intended as a welcoming and friendly conference for early stage PhD students to present their work and network with other postgraduates. PGF-ACTS, a half day workshop ahead of the annual conference, includes workshops for geography students.
Nominations for Postgraduate Forum Committee 2023
Nominations are open for positions on the RGS-IBG Postgraduate Forum Committee for the term 2023–24. Anyone (from any background in geography or related subjects) is welcome to run for any available committee position – you just need to be a current postgraduate (PhD or research master's) student enrolled at a UK higher education institution.
Deadline for applications: 5.00pm on Friday 8 September 2023. Please use this form to nominate yourself for a position. For more information about the roles please see below.
Nominate yourself for a role
Chair
Applicants for the Chair position ideally should have already served on the Postgraduate Forum or as a PG rep on one of the other Research Group committees. You must also be a current Associate Fellow (Postgraduate) or willing to become one.
As Chair, you will be responsible for bringing the committee together (virtually) on a regular basis to discuss events and engagement, and update everyone on any RGS-IBG related business. You will support committee members in delivering their roles. You will be expected to attend both the Mid-Term and Annual Conferences. You will also work closely with the RGS-IBG Research and Higher Education team, keeping them up to date with the latest developments of the Postgraduate Forum. The PGF Chair is a member of the RGS-IBG Research and Higher Education Committee and, therefore, you will be required to attend meetings of that committee. These are a chance to learn more about the wider work of the RGS-IBG and upcoming opportunities which may be relevant for the postgraduate community.
Secretary
The Secretary plays a key role within the PGF, organising/scheduling meetings, ensuring there are good records of discussions and actions, and liaising with all members of the committee. You will work closely with the Chair of the committee. This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop your professional networks and be involved in the activities of the PGF. You must be a current Associate Fellow (Postgraduate) or willing to become one.
Events Officer
The Events Officer leads on coordinating the PGF Mid-Term Conference and postgraduate activities at the RGS-IBG Annual International Conference, including PGF-ACTS (the pre-conference event for postgraduates) and any postgraduate socials. The role is a great way to be involved with both of these events and to connect with geographers in other universities. It is a rewarding role, often helping other postgraduates to establish themselves at a big international conference in (hopefully) a less intimidating setting.
Inclusivity Officer
This role will involve ensuring PGF and wider RGS-IBG events are as inclusive as possible, by finding speakers and building connections across the discipline and beyond, to ensure all voices of the postgraduate community are being heard. The PGF is passionate about building this role. There are options to take this forward in new directions e.g. the creation of specific events and reporting on individuals working at the margins, who may be considered as keynote speakers for events/conferences. We especially welcome applications from those under-represented in the discipline, including people of colour, LGBTQ+ and disabled scholars.
Social Media Officer
This role manages, creates, and posts content for the Postgraduate Forum’s Twitter and Instagram accounts. This includes advertising events and opportunities, creating content, and sharing relevant content from RGS-IBG research groups, organisations, and PhD accounts to our postgraduate community.