Tag: Doctoral Students

GitHub Copilot for Business – subscriptions available to staff and postgraduate students

Imperial ICT have recently begun providing GitHub Copilot business paid subscriptions to Imperial staff and postgraduate students who are involved in research. If you use GitHub Copilot to assist you with programming tasks, these plans provide a high quota which is suitable for regular use (just make sure not use the most expensive models available unless necessary). To get access to this plan you will need to:

  1. Make a GitHub account,
  2. Join the Imperial GitHub organisation by clicking here,
  3. Request a licence by visiting this repository and creating an issue on that repository.

If you are interested in learning more about how to use GitHub Copilot in your programming practice, we also run a course which focuses on learning to use this tool (new dates will be announced in September).

 

Researchers in Residence Sprint Programme Funding

The Innovation Launchpad Network+ (ILN+), has secured an additional £500,000 from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to launch the Researchers in Residence (RiR) Sprint programme.

Running between October 2026 and February 2027, the RiR Sprint will build on the success of the Network’s flagship Researchers in Residence scheme by providing a new fast paced model of collaboration between universities and the Innovate UK Catapult Network.

The call for the Researchers in Residence Sprint programme is open now, with projects commencing in October 2026 and ending in February 2027. Applications are invited for projects of between £25,000-£50,000 of university researcher costs which will take fundamental work from the University lab and scale it towards application in the real world.

Everything you need to know, including a three-step guide to application, is here.

Volunteering Opportunity: Make Graduation Magical

Volunteer at Commemoration Day 2026 on Wednesday 21 October.

Please sign up to support us by filling in the Registration Form!

Enjoy a free lunch, a drink and snacks on the day, plus the chance to win afternoon tea for two at the Royal Albert Hall. You will also be invited to a special Volunteer Thank You event! Spread the word and tell your colleagues!

If you have any queries, please contact Jessica Leung (Graduation Events team).

Research Survey on Generative AI

Research on “Assessing the development in policies for use of generative Ai tools in the ethical research process in the higher education of the UK”

The questionnaire takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, and all responses are completely anonymous. Participation is entirely voluntary, and the data will be used solely for academic research.

Access the Survey

Gave a talk? Get a DOI – Cassyni

Upload your conference or seminar recording to Cassyni and publish it as a citable video seminar — free for Imperial ECRs. Papers with a linked Cassyni seminar see more downloads and more citations.
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/early-career-researcher-institute/networks-events-and-funds/events/cassyni-research-seminars/

Publish your talk: https://cassyni.com/publish/imperial-ecri?utm_source=imperial-ecri&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ecri-noticeboard

Survey on how ECRs use generative AI

The Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI) is carrying out a survey to find out how Early Career Researchers (ranging from doctoral students to early career lecturers) use generative AI as part of their research process.

Our goal is to understand what practices are currently common in the community with a view to disseminating best practice, informing the teaching provision we provide to the community, and advocating on the behalf of ECRs in the Imperial community at large.

The link can be found here, and should take around 10 minutes to complete

CfAE academic and professional communication training

The Centre for Academic English (CfAE) supports students and staff in developing the academic and professional communication skills and confidence needed for success at Imperial and beyond.

Throughout the academic year, early career researchers can access:

Doctoral researchers can also access:

Quality Management Systems (QMS) for Medical Devices Online Course

The MedTechONE team is excited to announce launch of our new course, Quality Management Systems (QMS) for Medical Devices — designed to support professionals working across the medical device lifecycle. 

Developed by experts at Imperial College, this course provides a clear and practical introduction to the policies, processes, and procedures manufacturers implement to ensure medical devices are safe, effective, and fit for their intended use. Whether you’re new to QMS or looking to strengthen your understanding, the course offers a strong foundation. 

What to expect from the course:

·                Engaging video-based learning, narrated by an AI avatar 

·                Downloadable lecture notes to support deeper understanding and further reading 

·                Light assessments throughout to help reinforce key concepts as you progress 

The course is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing you to learn at your own pace while building confidence in QMS principles relevant to the medical device sector. 

Watch our short introductory video to explore what the course covers. 

Enrol Here: Imperial College staff and students can self-enrol via Blackboard using their Imperial credentials only — no additional registration is required. 

Able network for disabled staff, research postgrads and allies

Able is a disability network that creates a supportive community for disabled staff, postgraduate research students and allies. The network welcomes those who live with a disability and/or physical or mental health condition, whether life-long, newly acquired, self-identified or diagnosed, regardless of whether they identify as disabled or not. They also encourage allies who are supportive of disability equality and equity in the workplace.

Each Friday morning at 9.00am the group meets for a virtual coffee and chat, where members can discuss topics relating to disability, share their lived experiences and become part of a community.

Find out more about the Able network and sign up by completing the online form.

Access to Food Banks – Advice Service & Working-Class Network

Our Advice Service and Working-Class Network are working collaboratively to ensure all students at Imperial College experiencing short term financial hardship have access to food banks across the UK.

If you’re struggling to afford food, especially given the current cost of living crisis, you can now reach out to our Advice Service who will be able to issue an e-voucher for your local  The Trussell Trust food bank.

A typical food parcel may contain long life milk, pasta, tinned vegetables and fruit, tea or coffee, biscuits, and soup. If you cannot access your nearest food bank, delivery may be available although not guaranteed.

The Advice Service and Working-Class Network will also be able to signpost you to the relevant long term financial support services at Imperial College to help you get back on your feet. All requests are strictly confidential.

Please remember you are not alone and it’s okay to reach out for a bit of extra support – rising living costs are affecting students across the UK. We are here to ensure that you always have access to food and that you are not disadvantaged in your studies because of a lack of essentials.

How it works

  1. Fill out this form from the Advice Service
  2. The Advice service will send you an e-voucher
  3. You can pick up your parcel at your local Trussell Trust Food bank. You can find the locations here
  4. For further financial assistance, please reach out to Student Finance Support Team