Induction sessions: October 2026

Welcome to the HPS research community

Wednesday 7 October, 2–3pm, Hopkinson Lecture Theatre
Anna Alexandrova (Head of Department), Francesca Anthony (Departmental Administrator), Mary Brazelton (Director of Postgraduate Education), Joshua Nall (Director of the Whipple Museum) and Liz White (Acting Whipple Librarian)

This is a general introductory meeting for new PhD students, HPSM MPhil, HMS MPhil and Part III students, new postdocs and academic staff, and visiting students and scholars. It will include information about the Whipple Museum and Whipple Library.

Induction session for new and visiting PhD students and new PhD supervisors

Wednesday 7 October, 3–5pm, Board Room
Mary Brazelton (Director of Postgraduate Education) and Rosanna Dent (Postgraduate Training Officer)

In the first half, the Director of Postgraduate Education will explain the basic structure of the PhD programme (including the annual reviews and the log book), give advice on how to establish a working routine with the supervisor, and explain the support structures in the Department, the School and the University.

In the second half, the Postgraduate Training Officer will provide advice on how to start researching for your PhD project and how to build the background knowledge and expertise to support that research. This will include a detailed introduction to the rest of the postgraduate and postdoc training programme, and other ongoing teaching, research and training programmes in the Department and elsewhere in the University.

Induction session for HMS MPhil students

Wednesday 7 October, 3.00–4.30pm, venue TBC
Lauren Kassell (HMS MPhil Manager) and Sophia Syddall (HMS MPhil Administrator)

The purpose of this session is to allow HMS students to meet each other and some of the staff they will encounter during the year, as well as to provide orientation regarding the course. There will be a presentation, followed by a Q&A.

Induction session for HPSM MPhil & Part III students (joint)

Wednesday 7 October, 3–4pm, Seminar Room 2
Stephen John and Rosanna Dent (HPSM MPhil Managers) and Ahmad Elabbar (Part III Manager)

Basic course structure and routines will be explained, and initial guidance will be given on how to get on with the first essay: choosing a topic, choosing and working with a supervisor, doing the research, and writing. Initial advice will also be given for those who are interested in applying for a PhD in Cambridge or elsewhere, to be followed up by an hour-long advice session later in the term. A brief introduction to the rest of the postgraduate and postdoc training programme will also be given. (This induction session will be followed, at a later date, by individual meetings with the MPhil Managers. Later in the year, look out for the advice session on dissertation-writing.)

Further induction session for HPSM MPhil students

Wednesday 7 October, 4–5pm, Seminar Room 2
Stephen John and Rosanna Dent (HPSM MPhil Managers)

Induction session for HPSM MPhil students only, following on from the joint session.

Further induction session for Part III students

Wednesday 7 October, 4–5pm, Seminar Room 1
Ahmad Elabbar (Part III Manager)

Induction session for Part III students only, following on from the joint session.

Induction session for continuing PhD students and postdocs

Friday 9 October, 2–3pm, Seminar Room 2
Rosanna Dent (Postgraduate Training Officer)

You've got a PhD to finish, Department life to participate in, and a future to think about. How do you juggle all those balls and make the best of your time? We will provide a broad range of guidance on managing the mid-stage of the PhD and maintaining the momentum of research and writing. Some preliminary advice will be given on aspects of career development, such as the building-up of teaching experience, giving a research talk, and how to make the most of conferences. We will also touch on managing the final stage of the PhD, the process of applying for academic jobs or developing non-academic career paths, and applying for research grants.