A doctorate can be an isolating experience, especially for researchers who are not based in busy labs or working alongside peers on similar projects. This sense of isolation can not only affect researcher motivation, but when combined with the pressures and demands of a research degree, it can also have an impact on researcher wellbeing and mental health. Being part of a PGR community, and having opportunities to both seek and offer support, can make a significant difference, helping to reduce isolation and boost morale.

Recognising the importance of peer to peer support during the PhD journey and wanting to foster a stronger sense of community among researchers, we introduced the DTA Peer Led Learning sessions. These sessions give DTA PGRs the chance to share their knowledge and experiences with fellow researchers in a friendly, supportive environment.

This academic year (2025-26), we also launched the International PGR Network for researcher students across University Alliance universities. Feelings of isolation can be even more pronounced for international PGRs, who, in addition to the challenges faced by their UK domiciled counterparts, must also navigate life in a new country, build support systems from scratch, and manage distance from family and familiar networks. The UA International PGR Network aims to create a welcoming and inclusive space for international researchers, offering opportunities for networking, informal mentoring, and career development support. Through regular online meetups, resource sharing, and collaborative activities, the network helps researchers feel more connected and confident as they navigate both academic and cultural transitions.

“A PhD is just going to somehow break you”: A qualitative study exploring the role of peer support for doctoral students

🎧 Confessions of an Early Career Researcher – Episode 6: Wellness and Community in Academia

Listen here for this thoughtful conversation from the British Academy explores how researchers can nurture wellbeing and build meaningful connections in academic spaces.

The importance of peer support in fostering a sense of belonging and improved wellbeing among PGR communities.
In October 2024, the DTA Team attended the UKCGE led webinar ‘Mental Health & Wellbeing of PG Students: Community & Belonging’ hearing from colleagues from Newcastle University and University of Southampton about PGR peer support projects they run that also contribute to the wellbeing of PGRs.

This allowed us to share and reflect on the DTA Peer Led Learning scheme which was introduced in 2023-24 and has gained popularity amongst the DTA community. Sessions are developed and delivered by DTA researchers in the role of Peer-Led Learning Leaders and are valuable opportunities to gain insight into key aspects of the PhD journey from your PGRs.

If you’re interested in what others across the sector are doing, more examples are included within the publication ‘Prioritising the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Doctoral Researchers: Promoting Healthy Research Cultures’ co-edited by Owen Gower, CEO UKCGE and Jane Creaton, University of Portsmouth.