THIS MONTH:
- Join us at the Vitae International Researcher Development Conference 2026
- Meet the Vitae 3MT® 2026 finalists
- Registrations open for Vitae Peer Mentoring Circles – 2026-2027
- Black Researcher Consortium launches new website
Vitae Updates
Join us at the Vitae International Researcher Development Conference 2026
Best for: researcher developers, researchers, funders, policy professionals, HE professionals
5 reasons to attend #VitaeCon2026:
- Invaluable networking opportunities
- Discover the latest thinking in the sector
- Practical takeaways for your programmes
- Beautiful location near Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat
- Be part of a like-minded community
The countdown to #VitaeCon2026 at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh is underway. The conference will bring together researcher developers, policy specialists, senior leaders, researchers and sector partners to explore the latest evidence, practice and innovation in researcher development. Bookings will close on Friday 28 August so ensure you book soon to secure your place.
We’re delighted to welcome a fantastic range of exhibitors this year, including:
They will be showcasing innovative resources, solutions and services that support researcher development and professional learning.
Taking place: Tuesday 8 – Wednesday 9 September 2026, Dynamic Earth Edinburgh and online on Thursday 1 October.
Opportunities for you
Meet the Vitae 3MT® 2026 finalists
Best for: researchers, early career researchers, researcher developers, research communicators
From semi-finals to final: celebrating this year’s 3MT® researchers
Six researchers. Three minutes each. One live-streamed final. We are delighted to announce the semi-finalists and finalists in the Vitae Three Minute Thesis Competition 2026, read more on the Vitae blog.
This year’s finalists are:
- Peter Akor, Glasgow Caledonian University
- Rachel Bernasconi, University of Surrey
- Jonathan Chan, University of Oxford
- Yuri Jang, King’s College London
- Akma Nazar, University of Westminster
- Helen Norris, University of Reading
Watch live on Thursday 1 October to discover emerging research from across the sector, support the finalists and take part in the audience voting period ahead of the results broadcast on Monday 5 October.
Sign up for future details on how to register to watch the final
Registrations open for Vitae Peer Mentoring Circles – 2026-2027
Best for: researcher developers
Registrations are now open for the next round of Vitae Peer Mentoring Circles in 2026-2027.
The scheme provides a supportive environment where researcher developers and higher education professionals can exchange experiences, explore challenges and learn from peers across the sector.
If you’re looking to connect with colleagues beyond your institution and invest in your professional development, Peer Mentoring Circles offer a valuable opportunity to do so. Read more about the Peer Mentoring Circles on the Vitae blog.
Register your interest by Friday 2 October 2026 and join a supportive community of peers.
Register for Vitae Peer Mentoring Circles 2026-2027
Reflect, plan and progress with the updated Vitae RDF Planner
Best for: researchers, researcher developers, careers professionals, higher education training providers
Give researchers the space to reflect, refocus and take charge of their development with the newly updated Vitae RDF Planner.
Fully aligned with the Vitae RDF 2025, the refreshed Planner provides a practical and structured framework for researchers to review their progress, identify strengths, prioritise development goals, and capture their achievements in an evolving record of skills and experience. Designed to support meaningful reflection and ongoing growth, it helps researchers make informed decisions about their professional and career development at every stage of their journey.
Interested in seeing how the updated Vitae RDF Planner could enhance researcher development at your institution? Contact us at learning.development@vitae.ac.uk to arrange a call or book a short demonstration and discover how the Planner can support your researchers to thrive.
Learn more – Vitae RDF Planner
Sector Insights
Black Researcher Consortium launches new website
Best for: researchers, researcher developers, research leaders, funders
We’re delighted to share several exciting developments from the Black Researcher Consortium (BRC), including the launch of its new website, the opening of BRC membership, and the announcement of the inaugural Black Research Connections Conference. These milestones represent significant progress in the Consortium’s mission to transform the research ecosystem and create greater opportunities for Black researchers.
Explore the Consortium’s work, discover membership benefits and learn more about the upcoming conference on the Black Researcher Consortium website.
RSVP International Research Supervision Conference 2027
Best for: supervisors, researcher developers, doctoral school leaders, policymakers
Bookings and the call for contributions are now open for the inaugural RSVP International Research Supervision Conference 2027, taking place in York from 17–19 March 2027. The conference will explore how research supervision can be transformed through innovation in pedagogy, policy and practice. Abstract submissions close on Wednesday 30 September 2026.
Find out more, submit a contribution or book your place at this international event.
REF 2029 sector survey on final policy developments
Best for: policy professionals, higher education professionals, researcher developers, researchers
The REF team has launched a short sector survey to gather feedback on a number of policy areas ahead of the publication of final REF 2029 guidance later this year. The survey will remain open until Friday 4 September 2026, and the exercise will seek sector feedback on proposals relating to outputs, equality-related unit reductions and arrangements for Strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE).
Review the proposals and consider responding to the survey.
New HEPI report highlights doctoral careers support
Best for: doctoral researchers, higher education professionals, careers professionals, higher education institutions, researcher developers
A new HEPI report, More than Academia: Expanding Career Support for Doctoral Researchers, examines how universities can better support doctoral researchers to pursue careers both within and beyond academia. The report highlights growing career diversity among PhD graduates and the importance of dedicated careers support, professional development opportunities and better tracking of doctoral career outcomes.
Do you support researchers? Become an organisational member of Vitae
Benefits of membership include access for your organisation to a comprehensive range of resources, discounts on events, and member only activities, as well as being part of a connected network committed to supporting researchers and those who support them.
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