So in order to feel that today’s work day wasn’t completely wasted I signed 21 ‘research excellence letters’ that a colleague had shared with me whilst I was away from work. Turned out, as usual, to be the one of the most positive things I get asked to do.
Every year our best postgraduate researchers are nominated for this (cashless) prize by their doctoral examiners (the nominations are scrutinised by a committee) and if approved they get a letter telling them that we recognise their achievement and giving me the opportunity to wish them every success in their future career. The letters include the text used any examiners to justify their request for consideration for recognition of excellence (which are a fascinating snapshot of what excellence looks like across the disciplines).
I rarely get positive feedback from our postgraduate research community and wouldn’t expect to (except when I fix problems) so it is always amazing how well-received these letters are.
#doctorate #phd #examination #research #excellence #thesis #VivaVoce #DoctoralCollege #GraduateSchool








