There can be multiple reasons for why you decide on which PhD to pursue. Such as the research project, the PhD programme it is part of, the facilities and expertise available, the supervisory team and the research environment.
To help you with making that decision, find below an insight into the supervisory team and the research environment you will be part of. We appreciate that this is only a snapshot, and that supervisory support will change over your PhD journey as you grow in experience as a researcher, but we hope that you can use this information to help you when having conversations.
Click on the supervisor name below to find out more about them and their research group.
Just to note:
- These are the supervisors as listed on our ‘projects available‘ webpage under our 3 research areas (i.e. the listed lead supervisors for the project).
- Supervisor profiles make reference to their supervisor style. You can view the diagram this makes reference to here.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Initial training in phylogenetics/bioinformatics will be provided by me. Further support in computational work will be provided by second and third year bioinformatics PhD students in my group.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have a monthly meeting with the 'Engineering Life' research theme at the Living Systems Institute, and there will be opportunities for the PhD student to present their work and get feedback from peers working on e.g., computational biology, synthetic biology, structural biology.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a week; Mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): The PhD student will be expected to work within core hours, but this can be modified depending on the experimental tasks. No expectation to work beyond core hours.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: Dr Katherine Helliwell is a joint appointment with the MBA and Exeter.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1 – 2 weeks
Communication: Available via email and team chat Monday to Friday. I have an open-door policy for informal discussions and can arrange meetings for more in-depth conversations. I do not expect PhD students to reply to emails or messages outside of working hours.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by me and I will be your regular point of contact. Further day-to-day support in field skills will be provided by experienced members of the Cornish Jackdaw Project, including postdocs and senior PhD students.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The University of Exeter hosts one of the world’s largest concentrations of behavioural biologists, and we host a Behaviour Discussion Group meeting every week, bringing together people from many different groups working on a range of topics in both humans and non-human animals. In addition, there will be opportunities to join meetings with co-supervisor Dr Neeltje Boogert's research group (working on cognition in changing environments) and Prof Andy Russel’s group (working on language evolution) as well as the annual Exeter Behavioural and Sensory Ecology (ExBase) conference which brings together researchers across Exeter's Penryn and Exeter campuses.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Can be flexible, but typically at least within core hours (10-4). Due to the nature of the research, there may be some weekend and evening working during busy field seasons.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: We will have meetings with both Exeter supervisors (Alex Thornton & Neeltje Boogert) at least every couple of months, and additional meetings can be arranged as required. The student will have opportunities to spend time with the second supervisor’s (Neeltje Boogert's) research group.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1 – 2 weeks
Communication: I am generally available to email every day. If I am unable to check emails (e.g. when teaching on field courses abroad) you will be able to contact members of the team and the second supervisor. You’re very welcome to drop into my office, but if you require a longer meeting (>30 mins) I encourage you to arrange it with me in advance. If I send emails outside of regular working hours I do not expect a response outside your chosen working hours.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by myself alongside our Data Science and Machine Vision PDRA. Further day-to-day AI support to be provided by our Machine Vision PDRA and will be your main point of contact on a daily basis, while our Animal Scientist PDRA and Project Manager will assist with logistics and research on the farm.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: John Oldacre Centre Artificial Intelligence group meetings happen weekly on Thursday mornings, this is an interdisciplinary forum open to all researchers and investigators on dairy cattle monitoring projects (approx 8 investigators, 5 PDRAs, 8 PhD students). Farm Animal Discussion Group meetings happen weekly on Thursday afternoon, this is an interdisciplinary forum open to Langford Vets and researchers working with ruminant livestock. There is a regular seminar series in Bristol Veterinary School.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a week
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): I do not expect a defined work pattern unless there is some necessity such as collaborative working or an on-going study.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: The second supervisor will participate in regular meetings at least every month and provide support and assistance to the student as required according to their research process.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available to e-mail every day. I may contact you outside of working hours but I do not expect responses outside working hours. Non-regular meetings will need to be arranged in advance.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: I will be your regular point of contact, I have an open-door policy, and we will meet regularly. Support and training are also provided by SHOALgroup team members.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 5
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Mine and Dr Ines Fürtbauer's research teams have a joint meeting fortnightly where we present research findings and discuss scientific and general topics of interest. You will also be a member of Swansea University Biosciences “Behavioural Ecology & Evolution” research theme which meet every couple of months, and brings together diverse research groups and PGR students from across the Department.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Flexible working pattern; expectation to attend group and one-to-one meetings and engage with wider research group and community to be scheduled between 10am-3pm.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: Dr Ines Fürtbauer and I regularly jointly supervise PhD students (4 current) and have a joint research meeting between their groups fortnightly.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1 – 2 weeks
Communication: Available to e-mail every day. When I am in the office you are welcome to drop in any time for any quick questions. For a meeting, contact me and I will arrange a time within a day or t wo, and normally have the meeting within a week. I may send emails outside of regular working hours, but I do not expect responses outside your own chosen working hours.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will have training locally in my lab, supervised and supported by myself or through staff within available facilities like the Wolfson Imaging facility. I like to do regular 1:1 meetings and also we do lab meetings where the rest of the lab can provide support and input. Ideally I aim to have at least one postdoc who is responsible day to day as a point of contact. Support will also be provided via our local network of blood research labs that include post docs in Prof Jan Frayne lab and also staff in NHSBT R&D labs in Filton.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have a joint monthly meeting between the Satchwell group and that of the Toye and Frayne groups. Students will also have the opportunity to engage with the recently established Bristol Blood Sciences cluster of research groups including researchers at UWE, University of Bristol and within the NHS working on red blood cells, platelets neutrophils and haematopietic stem cells. We are also linked to NHSBT R&D in Filton and often our students do presentations in work in progress meetings to the team in Filton.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): Significantly varies depending on the student; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours and other time to be managed around this. Some rota work with other members of the research group may be necessary. Due to the nature of the research, specifically cell culture there may be some weekend and evening work.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting with second supervisor when appropriate and when relevant to project- approx every 3 months. Regular group meetings where Toye/Satchwell/Frayne labs discuss research progress and supervisor input is provided then.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available to e-mail every day and also via WhatsApp chat if the student is happy to communicate this way. Welcome to drop in if my door is open, but encourage a meeting to be arranged first (even if for later that day) to avoid clashes with teaching commitments. I may contact you by email outside of working hours but I do not expect responses outside working hours.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Initial training will be provided by me, an experienced postdoc or the lab technical team. Subsequent support will be provided by all members of the supervisor's teams. All lab members are required to complete lab and building inductions prior to starting work.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 8
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The Living Systems Institute, where I am based is highly collaborative. We have regular interactions with the West, Harmer, Pagliara and Harmansa groups. All lab space in the institute is shared between 26 groups and the opportunity exists to interact with any of them. All equipment in the building is communally used.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a week; mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Working patterns are flexible although we encourage in person attendance as much as possible during core hours (10-4). Due to the nature of research, there may be some need to work during early mornings, evenings and/or weekends.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: Meetings with all supervisors will be held at least four times per year. The student will spend some time working with the second supervisor during the PhD.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I am available to meet every day either in person or online. Group meetings are held every two week and I have 1:1 meetings with each student weekly. Students feel free to come to my office or the lab for unscheduled discussions. I often send emails outside of normal working hours but do not expected a response outside working hours.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Initial training will be given by the supervisor , together with the second supervisor in the lab (Dr Liyam Laraba). Technical assistance and training will then be provided by members of the research team together with the excellent technical support available in the medical school labs (eg training in microscopy, animal licence training, tissue culture). All students are required to have a full lab induction before starting their work.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The Medical School has a highly collaborative nature. We have combined lab meetings with the Jones and Kramer labs, as well as monthly journal club meetings with the Hanemann lab. All equipment is common user and fully managed.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a week; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): We would aim to be flexible to allow for individual's circumstances, with working hours as much as is possible between 10am and 4pm. With some experiments, there may be a need for some limited evening and weekend working.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: We would plan to meet either face-to-face or virtually at least four times per year for the full supervisory team. The student will spend time with the second supervisor during the course of the PhD.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1 – 2 weeks
Communication: I am available to talk with the student every day, either face-to-face or by email/Zoom. I usually meet with students at least once a week to discuss progress and set goals for the coming week's work. I'm also working in the lab, so in practice a lot of day-to-day conversations about projects will take place there. We have a weekly lab meeting to discuss published papers in a journal club format, plus an update from everyone about any lab issues.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will join a dynamic, extended lab group working on molecular physiology, bioinformatics, microbiology and biotechnology. You will be intially trained by me, as well as more experienced PhD students in my group and research technicians. I will be your main point of contact on a daily basis.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The two supervisors in Swansea share a joint, weekly lab meeting. Together with three other research groups, we work in a shared research laboratory broadly working on molecular physiology, microbiology and biotechnology, which collectively makes for a dynamic, exciting and supportive research environment. In addition, the student will join monthly 'theme' meetings on marine and freshwater systems and weekly seminars organised by the Biosciences department.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; mixture of virtual/in person
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Work hours will be flexible and students are encouraged to work on campus but hybrid options are also possible. Core hours (9:30 to 3:30) should be adhered to as much as possible to ensure interactions with other researchers.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: Supervisors and student will aim to meet as a group every two months and more frequently if the stage of the project requires it.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I work mainly from the office and you are welcome to drop in if my door is open. I am available every day via email and teams to answer questions or to arrange a meeting. I may contact you outside of working hours but I do not expect responses outside working hours.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Day-to-day research training will involve learning experimental methods working alongside other team members including research associates, PhD students and technical staff. Some of my focus will be on developing specific scientific training in microbiology and science communication skills. My group meets monthly however to keep track we will have 1-2-1 weekly meetings to discuss the PhD.
Supervision style: Directive support: E / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: My research group which includes MRes students, PhD students, Research Associates and meets monthly. We do also run research centre presentations at the Centre for Research in Biosciences and Science Communication Unit research series on a regular basis with PhD students also contributing to the presentations. The applied nature of the research in the lab brings us into close contact with a variety of other co-located research groups.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Typical pattern of work in the microbiology laboratory is 9 – 5 however there is flexibility around this as the laboratory is open to PhD students to work beyond the normal office work hours including evenings and weekends.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: Monthly meetings with the supervisory team to provide update from the PhD student. The student will spend some time working with my research group working in the microbiology research facility at UWE Bristol.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 3-4 weeks
Communication: I am available on emails every day and typically utilise Microsoft Teams to organise meetings and calendar invites. Where needed I can be available for short meetings and discussions. With my group we use Microsoft Teams and OneDrive for project and team management and documentation for the project.
How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Lab induction will be provided by our technical team. Main training in plant pathology techniques, fungal culture and imaging of infection will be from me and from other members of the laboratory group. Training will also be coordinated with other supervisors as common approaches in e.g. confocal microscopy will be used both in Bristol and Plymouth. Day to day supervision will be given by me and members of the research group and technical team, as appropriate.
Supervision style: Directive support: D / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The student will benefit from interaction with growing groups of plant and fungal biologists in the School of Biological and Marine Sciences and inclusion in several research groups including Ecophysiology and Development, and Productive Food Systems Research Groups which each meet on a monthly basis and provide opportunities for discussion and presentation. Shared PGR office space and lab facilities will ensure regular contact with other staff and students beyond the research group.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a week; Mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least core hours (10-4), Monday to Friday unless otherwise arranged and other time to be managed around this. Due to the nature of research, there may be some out of hours and weekend work to be agreed.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: They will meet with the student and myself every 2 months and more frequently as required during periods of data analysis. They will also join whole project meetings and presentations given by the student at lab and research group meetings
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available to email on working days. Occasionally I may contact you outside of working hours but I do not expect responses outside working hours. Meetings will need to be arranged in advance, if urgent could be same day subject to availability.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Initial training will be provided by me on specific techniques, with additonal training and support from PDRAs and technicians within the group.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 4
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have a bi-weekly meeting with Katherine Helliwell's research group and another bi-weekly meeting with the wider Cell and Molecular Group within the MBA.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a week; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Would normally expect attendance within core working hours (10-4) and attendance around this to be managed according to nature of work. Working patterns within the group are highly flexible and depend on the experimental research and each team member's personal arrangements, although there is no expectation to work beyond standard office hours.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: Katherine Helliwell's research group is closely aligned to Glen Wheeler's with several shared supervisions and a shared lab space. The student will therefore have regular informal contact with Dr Helliwell plus regular lab meetings (bi-weekly). Formal monthly meetings will occur between all supervisors.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I have an open door policy, and I'm usually available to discuss issues as they arise. If a more in-depth discussion is required, longer meetings can be planned (1-2 days notice) in advance. I do not expect PhD students to respond to emails out of hours and I will not usually contact PhD students out of hours.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: In Plymouth, You will be initially trained by me alongside our local research assistant and other PhD students. Further day-to-day experimental support to be provided by our postdoc on a daily basis and training in proteomics will be provided by Dr Vikram Sharma. You will be trained in relevant methods of innate immunity such as macrophage biology, pathogen induced responses including cytokine responses, reporter gene assays, global gene expression and phospho-proteomics. I am also available to discuss project related issues outside of regular lab meetings when necessary.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 8
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have regular meetings with Vikram Sharma’s and Laure Ries’ research groups focusing on proteomics, innate immunology and microbiology aspects of our projects. You will be also encouraged to participate in regular PhD student journal clubs and work in progress meetings held at the Derriford Research Facility.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a week; Mixture of virtual/in person
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): It will be within core hours.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: The student will move between two institutions (Bristol and Plymouth).
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I am available to e-mail every day and face to face meetings at least 3 days a week. My office door is always open and we aim to support each other to progress in our projects. Meetings can be planned in advance, but this is not essential and you are welcome to approach me. I may contact you outside of working hours but I do not expect responses outside working hours.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Training will be provided by supervisors and members of their group / laboratories.
Supervision style: Directive support: D / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Joint weekly meeting with Prof Grierson group. Sparkes group is part of a larger shared lab space with multiple plant research groups enabling interaction.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a week
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least core hours (10-4) and other time to be managed around this. Due to the nature of research, there may be some weekend work.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: Dr Jim Fouracre will meet with the student and myself every 2 months and more frequently as required during periods of data analysis / developmental biology. Dr Jim Fouracre will also join whole project meetings and presentations given by the student at lab and research group meetings.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1 – 2 weeks
Communication: Available to email on working days. Occasionally I may contact you outside of working hours but I do not expect responses outside working hours. Meetings will need to be arranged in advance, if urgent could be same day subject to availability.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will learn experimental techniques from team members, including postdocs, Fellows and experienced PhD students. I will focus on teaching broader research skills, including experimental design, trouble-shooting, research ethics and scientific writing. We use Slack for daily/hourly communication across the team (including me) and weekly lab meetings to support research training. You will also have monthly 1-2-1 meetings with me throughout the PhD.
Supervision style: Directive support: F / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Our weekly lab meetings are joint with Stefan Harmansa’s research group (an LSI Wellcome Fellow focusing on the biophysics of development in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster). The LSI also run weekly PhD seminars helping to build a broader research community. The LSI laboratories are open plan with several other research groups (biological, biophysical and engineering) in the same space.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a month; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours (9.30-3.30) and other time to be managed around this. Some rota work with other members of the lab to maintain the Galleria. Due to the nature of working with living organism, there may be some weekend and evening working.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: Six monthly meetings, given the two lead supervisors and the associate partner nature of the project.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available on email every day. Slack allows access to me throughout every working day, as well as setting Channels that mean there will be contact with all group members, whether they are in the lab, on site, or not. In order to keep up with email traffic, my message may come outside working hours. However, I do not expect a reply outside of your core hours. I’m often in my office and make myself available for short catch ups whenever necessary. However, as the current Head of Department, my Outlook tends to get filled up 1-2 weeks in advance for longer meetings outside of the weekly lab meeting or monthly 1-2-1s.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by one of our experienced Postdocs in aspects of gene editing and advanced confocal imaging, with my input provided particularly for the latter. Ongoing day-to-day support will be provided by a designated Postdoc with ad hoc guidance from other research students (PhDs) in the lab whose projects and/or technical focus overlap.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: My lab is situated in a shared lab space multiple other research labs with numerous PGR students, as well as PGRs sharing a common office space, enabling significant interaction. My lab members have a group lab meeting once a week and PGR students from other research labs often join these to benefit from the expertise in our lab, where required.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): We would encourage core hours of 10-4 pm, but we acknowledge that due to experimental timings it may be more feasible to undertake a different working pattern for particular periods, and this may have to include some evening or weekend work. However, planning this would be at the discretion of the student. When students are being trained, we do ask them to be in the lab when there are supervisory staff available (supervisor or PDRA).
How the second supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting with both supervisors every 2 months, with the opportunity for the student to spend time in the second supervisors lab for training in specific techniques, if required.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I am available by email every working day. When available in person, I am very happy for students to come and discuss any issues or get advice on data or techniques. If I am unable to see the student immediately either a meeting will be arranged as soon as possible, or if appropriate the student may be referred to the labs PDRA or another PGR student who can assist with experimental queries
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: Health and Safety training will be provided at both Rothamsted and UWE. Training in essential lab skills will be provided by the supervisory team. Day-to-day experimental support will be provided by a PDRA in the main Rothamsted supervisor`s group, who will also be the main point of contact on a daily basis.
Supervision style: Directive support E / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: There is a weekly meeting at Rothamsted focussing on soil science, which will be very useful for the student to take part in. It is an excellent opportunity to learn about lab- and field-scale soil processes. The weekly chemical ecology group meetings cover a broad range of subjects, and lab members are very approachable and helpful.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once per week
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours (10-4) and other time to be managed around this. Some rota work with other members of the research group. Due to the nature of the research, there may be some weekend and evening working.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project:Meeting between both supervisors every month. The student will spend some time during the PhD with the second supervisors' research group.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available to e-mail every day. I have odd working hours but there will be a member of the team you can e-mail every day. I may contact you outside of working hours but I do not expect responses outside working hours. Meetings will need to be arranged in advance. Welcome to drop in if my door is open, but encourage a meeting to be arranged first (even if for later that day).
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: When in my lab, the student will be trained directly by me (I am very research active). I will be the students main points of contact and is available to our PGRs on a daily basis, either in person or via email. Health and safety training will be provided by our institutional technical support teams, and technical training in specialisms such as imaging with be provided by specific experts within the technical team. In addition, other lab members and colleagues are always at hand for immediate support in the lab.
Supervision style: Directive support: A / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: My lab is situated in a shared lab space multiple other research labs with numerous PGR students. Historically in the labs the PGR students lend support to their peers, forming their own community. My lab has weekly meetings with Dr Tim Craig's research group (second supervisor, UWE), focusing on aspects of cellular neuroscience. There will be the opportunity to spend time learning techniques from Dr Tim Craig's lab members as well as other labs if aspects of the PhD project require this. In addition, PGRs from my/Dr Tim Craig's labs run their own journal club and we would encourage any student recruited to engage with this.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a week; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): We would encourage core hours of 10-4 pm, but we acknowledge that due to experimental timings it may be more feasible to undertake a different working pattern for particular periods, and this may have to include some evening or weekend work. However, planning this would be at the discretion of the student. When students are being trained, we do ask them to be in the lab when there are supervisory staff available (supervisor or PDRA).
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: Myself and Dr Tim Craig have weekly joint lab meetings, where the student will be expected to provide data updates alongside other PGRs. Dr Craig and I will have additional joint meetings with the student every 2 months.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: I am available by email every working day. I have teaching commitments, and sometimes works odd hours to fit around requirements for childcare, but will always endeavor to respond the same day. I may also contact students outside regular working hours but would never expect a response outside working hours. I am very research active and when in the lab is generally happy to answer student queries. I operate an ‘open-door’ policy, and encourages students to ‘knock on’ the door if they have any queries. If lengthy discussion is required, I will do my utmost to arrange a meeting the same day or as soon as possible.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by myself alongside the rest of our PDRAs in the Centre for Machine vision. If use of the workshop is required, full training will be provided by the technicians onsite. The lab is open plan, and you will be seated near to me, alongside other PhD students and PDRAs working in similar areas.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 7
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The Centre for Machine vision is located within the Bristol Robotics lab, in which there are many different groups (e.g. soft robotics, haptics, morphological computing), so there are many day-to-day opportunities to interact with different groups as well as fortnightly seminars. Our group collaborates with many different centres around the university with various funded projects in environmental monitoring, art, healthcare, computer science so PhD students have plenty of opportunities to interact and learn about other domains.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a week; Mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): I do not expect a defined work pattern unless there is some necessity such as collaborative working or an on-going study.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: They will participate in regular meetings at least every month and provide support and assistance to the student as required according to their research process.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Available to e-mail every day. I may contact you outside of working hours but I do not expect responses outside working hours. Non-regular meetings will need to be arranged in advance. Welcome to drop in if my door is open, I'm in the lab every day. Normal working hours 0900-1800.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: The student will be trained in Rotation 1 by Dr Samantha Cook with Dr Kelly Jowett and her PhD student on a day-to-day basis. During the main PhD work at Rothamsted the student will formulate their research plan with all supervisors and will carry it out with day-to-day support from myself in lab experiments and with other research technicians advising and assisting with field work. Work will be overseen by Dr Samantha Cook who has an open-door policy and will contribute experience and expertise.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 8
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have monthly meetings at Rothamsted with the Next Generation IPM Science Area (led by Dr Samantha Cook) which includes IPM work on weeds and diseases. There is always the opportunity to develop areas with these researchers and work in their lab/receive additional raining. Members of the statistics group join these meetings so there is the opportunity for both formal and informal collaborations with statisticians and modellers. At Rothamsted we interact closely with the Agroecology team led by Jonathan Storkey. There will be opportunities to collaborate with his team as well as planned collaborations with PhD students working with the Rothamsted Insect Survey.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a week
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Rothamsted encourages all staff to be on campus as much as possible to facilitate interaction and collaboration. Up to two days can be spent working at home with full flexibility available with agreement from management. Field work and lab experiments are often time-sensitive so there may be instances where weekend and evening work is necessary, but lone working is extremely rare and outside of fieldwork/conferences and other external constraints, weekend and evening working is actively discouraged.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: Both supervisor's groups work closely together within the same Science Area Department and meet every week. Dr Samantha Cook will be a close and active second supervisor for the duration of the project and is anticipated to join the majority of supervision meetings.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: I am available onsite every day. I encourage meetings to be prearranged but welcome drop-ins if my door is open. I am contactable via email every day, and outside working hours via WhatsApp in emergencies. I will only contact the student outside of working hours in rare occasions, but never expect responses outside working hours.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: When first commencing laboratory work and field work students working at UWE Bristol undertake formal training for completing all necessary laboratory inductions, risk assessments (including biological safety) and ethics training and approaval (including animal welfare). Training and supervision for completing routine field work and laboaratory work will be provided on an ongoing basis by the UWE supervisory team who will be available for day to day guidance and support. Training in the use of analytical equipment will be provided by the relevant specialist research technicians.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 2
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once every 3 weeks
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Within the Centre for Research in Sustainable Agri-Food and Environment the student will work closely alongside and share laboratory space with members of other research groups including the Ecology and Conservation Research Laboratory and the UWE Plant Pathology laboratory. There will also be weekly PhD student meet ups and seminars between these resarch groups.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a week; In person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Typically within the core hours of 10-4. However quite a bit of flexibility in order to meet the requirements of any field work, laboratory work or anlytical work being undertaken. There may be some evening working when utilising specific analytical equipment and early starts/late finishes if out on fieldwork for the day.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: Monthly meeting between both supervisors. The student will work alongside researchers from the second supervisors PhD group – especially when working on the plant growth side of the research project.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available to e-mail every day within standard working hours (9-5). Limited contact outside of working hours, and will aim to keep email communication within normal working hours where possible. Meetings will need to be arranged in advance to fit around teaching commitments, but will usually be available at short notice (same day).
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: In Bristol, You will be trained by lead supervisor and the postdoc (Dr Faisal Anjum), who has generated the preliminary data for this project. Dr Faisal Anjum will provide day-to-day experimental support and serve as your primary point of contact on a daily basis. You will be rotated to the University of Plymouth where will be trained at relevant techniques in macrophage biology including signalling, global gene expression and proteomics by the lead supervisor and secondary supervisor.
Supervision style: Directive support: C / Training structure: 10
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We will have joined monthly group meeting with Dr Tritan Cogan group.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; Mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): It will be within core hours.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: The student will move between two institutions (Bristol and Plymouth).
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available to e-mail every day. I may contact you outside of working hours but I do not expect responses outside working hours. Meetings will need to be arranged in advance. Welcome to drop in if my door is open.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will initially be trained by me alongside postdocs and experienced PhD students in my team. You will also be supported on specific techniques by other members of the supervisory team and by technical staff within the research facilities and laboratories.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 8
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a week
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: We have a seminar and discussion series for research groups in aquatic and environmental biology (as part of the Healthy and Sustainable Environments research theme) which runs every two weeks during term time. There will be opportunities to engage with lab meetings of all supervisors and with the collaborators at Cefas and Environmental Agency.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a fortnight; Mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Work hours will be flexible and students are encouraged to work on campus but hybrid options are also possible. Core hours (9:30 to 3:30) should be adhered to as much as possible to ensure interactions with other researchers.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: Supervisors and student will aim to meet as a group every two months and more frequently if the stage of the project requires it.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available to e-mail or communications via teams every day. I may contact you outside working hours but I do not expect you to reply until you are at work. Meetings generally need to be arranged in advance due to busy calendars but you are welcome to contact me at any time for a short discussion.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will be initially trained by me and I will be available to provide day to day experimental guidance. Specific training on individual pieces of equipment can be provided by the UWE Research Technician team who manage the shared Research Zone facilities.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 6
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: Shared facilities at UWE offer the opportunity for interaction with PhD students from a number of diverse research groups. We have a joint monthly meeting between my nascent group (Satchwell) and that of the Toye and Frayne groups. Students will also have the opportunity to engage with the recently established Bristol Blood Sciences cluster of research groups including researchers at UWE, University of Bristol and within the NHS working on red blood cells, platelets neutrophils and haematopietic stem cells.
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): Significantly varies depending on the student; Mixture of virtual/in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): At least within core hours and other time to be managed around this. Some rota work with other members of the research group may be necessary. Due to the nature of the research, specifically cell culture there may be some weekend and evening work.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: Meeting between both supervisors every 3 months, student to benefit from second supervisor background in microfluidics in haematology as appropriate to the development of the project in its latter stages.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): 1-2 weeks
Communication: Available to e-mail every day. Welcome to drop in if my door is open, but encourage a meeting to be arranged first (even if for later that day) to avoid clashes with teaching commitments. I may contact you by email outside of working hours but I do not expect responses outside working hours.
Research Group website >>How day-to-day research training and support is provided: You will be trained by the lead supervisor in main techniques and approaches. This will be supported by postdocs in the group. There are also fortnightly research group meetings for broader training opportunities.
Supervision style: Directive support: B / Training structure: 5
How often PhD students see you in a timetabled group meeting: At least once a fortnight
Other research groups that PhD students will have the opportunity to frequently interact with: The student will also benefit from Industry experience with the Swansea Natural Products BioHub ecosystem (Swansea) for Integrated Pest Management research. They will also join the Natural Products research theme and Behavioural Ecology and Evolution research theme, which host regular training and networking events in these research areas. We interact with the Shepard research group (Swansea) on animal movement and behaviour. There are opportunities to collaborate with the Fowler research group on ecological modelling (Swansea).
How often you meet with your PhD students 1-1 formally outside of group meetings (i.e. meetings of >30 minutes): At least once a week; mixture of virtually and in person.
Expected working pattern (based on a full-time student): Full flexibility in working hours, though there is an expectation that at least 50% of time is spent on campus to facilitate group research culture and collaborative development. Outside of fieldwork/conferences and other external constraints, weekend and evening working is actively discouraged.
How the other lead supervisor supports the PhD project: The Allen and Butt research groups interact informally regularly and have a joint group meetings every couple of months.
Notice needed for feedback on work (based on a 5000 word report): < 1 week
Communication: Available to e-mail every day. He may contact you outside of working hours, but does not expect responses outside working hours. Meetings are generally arranged in advance, but his door is normally open for people to drop by for a quick chat or pressing item.