On 11 June, students from across the University came together for Be Empowered: Transforming Academic Expertise into Career Success—a powerful and well-attended panel event celebrating the achievements and career journeys of individuals navigating careers in environments where they are underrepresented

The event welcomed three inspiring speakers who shared their personal and professional experiences: Dr Hanna Akalu, Participatory Action Research (PAR) Training and Development Manager at the University of Reading; Vinifer Karbhari, Paid Media Manager at Hybrid (Advertising Agency); and Dr Usman Sikander, Advanced Manufacturing Technologist at Leonardo.

Attendees praised the event as “validating”, “relatable”, and “enjoyable”. The panel was facilitated by the Be More Empowered for Success PGR Advocates and marked the close of another successful year for the programme, which aims to bring together and influence positive change for home postgraduate researchers who identify as Black, Asian, and/or Minority Ethnic at the University of Bristol.

Later in the month, on a sunny Friday afternoon, Shuttlecocks & Sandwiches brought a joyful end to the academic year. Students gathered for a friendly game of badminton, followed by a relaxed picnic at Royal Fort Gardens. A great way to welcome the summer.

The Be More Empowered for Success PGR programme will now take a break over the summer, but more events are planned for the autumn term. For updates, visit the programme’s webpage.