News

Jim Al-Khalili opens Graduate School

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 09:29:00 GMT

Professor Jim Al-Khalili, theoretical physicist, author and broadcaster, has officially opened the University of Portsmouth’s Graduate School, set to boost the careers of post graduate students.

The Graduate School will help develop researchers at the beginning of their studies through to those on the brink of a career, and expects to support at least 700 students a year.

Professor Al-Khalili said: “Having a graduate research culture is vitally important for universities and for students. It helps universities maintain a strong reputation for research and teaching, and gaining a PhD degree gives students a major boost when seeking employment.

“Every research student needs skills and training and courses and a Graduate School is well placed to provide this.”

Director of the Graduate School Darren Van Laar said: “This is a fantastic new space that will help us further develop a vibrant, curious and ambitious research culture within the University.

“During their studies research students are not only taught how to plan and design effective research projects and the advanced techniques necessary for research in their area but are also able to present their work to a critical panel of leading experts in the field, communicate their ideas to a general public and develop the management and leadership skills that will stay with them throughout their future career.

“These are the people who might go on to be leaders in their field, to write the must-read textbook in their subject, make breakthroughs in our understanding of natural forces in space. They could be tomorrow’s great inspirational teachers, develop new technologies or a theory that revolutionises the way business is conducted globally.”

The opening was attended by the University’s Vice-Chancellor John Craven, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Rebecca Bunting, Pro Vice-Chancellor David Arrell, Deans, heads of departments, research students and staff who supervise research.