Pilot programme · Funded by Research England
Shaping the future of industrial doctoral supervision
Join a free, one-day professional development programme designed for industry and non-university professionals who supervise doctoral researchers.
Applications close 10am, Monday 17 August 2026
Outcomes by 5pm, Tuesday 18 August 2026
AT A GLANCE
DATE
Friday 18 September 2026
9.30 – 16.00
VENUE
Aston Conference Centre
Birmingham, UK
COST
Free — including lunch
In exchange for engagement & feedback
WHO'S IT FOR
Built for industry supervisors, early in their doctoral supervision journey.
This programme is aimed at supervisors based outside of higher education institutions whose contribution to doctoral candidates is often under-supported by traditional academic CPD.
Experience level
New or limited experience in doctoral supervision (0 to 3 candidates supervised to completion).
Current Role
Currently supervising at least one active doctoral candidate.
Disciplines
Doctoral Supervisors in Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering (STEM) disciplines.
We use "industry supervisor" as an inclusive umbrella term covering culture and heritage, practice-based practitioners and clinicians, charities, business and accountancy, and STEM-focussed organisations.
Programme Outline & Themes
The programme is grounded in evidence from our focus groups with industry supervisors and in relevant scholarship on doctoral supervision.
01
THEME
The nature of the doctorate and doctoral life cycle
We will begin by exploring the nature of the doctorate, what is ‘doctorateness’ and the doctoral lifecycle. Then the context in which doctorates are undertaken: the external regulatory environment, institutional structures and policies. We will discuss the benefits and challenges of being a collaborative doctoral candidate.
02
THEME
Supervisor roles and responsibilities
This session focuses on developing clarity and confidence in your supervisory role and responsibilities. We will consider the benefits and challenges of being an industry supervisor and your unique contribution to the candidate and the team.
03
THEME
Supervisory relationships and collaborative approaches
An opportunity to reflect on the benefits and potential challenges in collaborative supervision and to identify approaches to build into your practice as an industry supervisor.
How the programme is delivered
Delivered by facilitators with substantial experience in researcher development and academic supervision. The facilitation will encourage a reflexive approach and adopt a dialogic pedagogy — using open-ended questioning, discussion and peer learning to build understanding.
HOW TO APPLY
Register for the programme
Complete the short application form. If applications exceed the number of places, we allocate using randomisation to reduce bias and increase fairness. If places remain, applications reopen.
Access issues with the form? Contact heather.sears@york.ac.uk for an alternative format.
01
BY 10AM, MONDAY 17 AUGUST 2026
Submit your application form
02
BY 5PM, TUESAY 18 AUGUST 2026
All applicants notified of the outcome by email
03
FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2026
Attend the pilot at Aston Conference Centre, Birmingham