The Postgraduate Research Cohort Building Grant

We are proud of our wonderfully diverse postgraduate research student community at Essex and really think that it’s something special. We want to grow and foster this supportive community further, and so have dedicated a fund to support PGR students to develop their own cohort building activities, whether it’s a social event, a scholarly activity, or training event; it’s up to you to decide.

Creating your own events and activities for the PGR Community

We are excited to offer funding so that you can create your own events and activities as an opportunity to build and strengthen the research student community, so that you can network with and support each other, spark new ideas and interdisciplinary discussions and build new partnerships.

Your suggested activities could be community get-togethers, peer support groups, something more formal, or something completely new and different! If you have ever thought of something which is missing at Essex for research students then here is your opportunity to make it happen.

How to apply

The grant is open to all postgraduate research students at Essex and you can enter as a group or as an individual.

To apply, complete the application form (.docx) with the details of your proposed activity/activities or event/events and email it to proficio@essex.ac.uk. The funds will need to be used before 1 July 2025.

We look forward to hearing all of your brilliant ideas!

Please note: Successful applicants will need to submit a brief report of up to 300 words max to proficio@essex.ac.uk following their event or activity.