Wednesday 26-11-2025 - 11:00

Written by Rabia Arshad (Postgraduate Researcher Development Manager) and Jennie Eldridge (Director of Postgraduate Provision)

Last month we celebrated the 10th anniversary of DTA. 

29th October 2025 marks 10 years since University Alliance (UK) launched its Doctoral Training Alliance programme.  

In early 2015, recognising the value of cohort-based learning and employer co-designed training programmes, an assessment of the research strengths and strategic directions of University Alliance members was undertaken which led to the establishment of the Doctoral Training Alliance (DTA) initiative. Under a simple umbrella structure, coordinated by University Alliance, members could opt-into a series of structured doctoral training programmes that would provide enhanced training and networking for their PhD students. In October 2015 the DTA Applied Bioscience for Health was launched, soon to be followed by the DTA Energy (2016), DTA Social Policy (2017), combined European funded MSCA COFUND-DTA3 programme (2018) and finally DTA Future Societies (2021), the current DTA programme. 

The structure was developed around core principles for solid collaboration, which includes equality, inclusivity, distributed leadership and empowerment. 

The DTA programme has taken many shapes over the years, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of postgraduate researcher development. While its format has adapted, the core purpose remains the same: to offer high-quality, supplementary training and development opportunities to PGRs across the member institutions, and to create a unique space for cross-institutional peer connection.  

Since 2024, the programme has expanded its reach by opening online workshops to all PGRs across the membership. This shift has helped promote wider engagement and made training more accessible. It’s been encouraging to see researchers from across the network not only attend these sessions but also express interest in facilitating their own, often inspired by the DTA peer-led learning sessions. Notably, several PGRs who participated in a blog-writing workshops went on to write and publish their own blogs—demonstrating the programme’s capacity to inspire and empower. 

In recent years, a range of initiatives have been introduced to help PGRs feel more connected and supported as part of a wider community. These include: 

• DTA Peer-Led Learning: PGR-led sessions that empower researchers to share knowledge, build confidence, and learn from one another in a collaborative environment. 

• DTA Power Hour of Writing: Weekly online sessions that provide a focused, supportive space for PGRs to come together and make progress on their thesis. 

• DTA Community of Practice: A cross-institutional forum where alumni, supervisors, and academics from across the DTA network share insights, experiences, and good practice. 

Building on this momentum, two new initiatives were launched in 2025: 

• DTA Supervisor Grant Scheme, which supports supervisors from across the network to co-deliver training and contribute actively to researcher development. 

• UA International PGR Network, designed to create a welcoming and inclusive space for international PGRs. The network offers opportunities for informal mentoring, peer support, and cross-cultural exchange, helping researchers navigate both academic and personal transitions. 

Together, these initiatives reflect a growing commitment to inclusive, peer-driven, and community-centred researcher development—ensuring that PGRs feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout their journey. 

Over the past ten years, DTA has delivered a rich tapestry of initiatives that reflect creativity, collaboration, and commitment:  

• Annual residential writing retreats that offer space for thesis-focus, productivity, and community 

• Summer School—a vibrant 3-day event of interdisciplinary learning and networking 

• Autumn Connect and Spring Refresh—seasonal events designed to re-energise, reconnect, and inspire PGRs 

Since its launch, DTA has grown into a vibrant, cross-institutional network supporting postgraduate researchers, providing inclusive training and development opportunities, and fostering meaningful peer connection across member universities. From in-person events to online workshops, PGR networks to academic led sessions, DTA continues to champion researcher wellbeing, collaboration, and impact. Here's to the next chapter of innovation, inclusion, and community. 

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Doctoral Training Alliance, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to its journey. From those who had the vision to launch the programme, to those who have shaped its development and delivery, to the many who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to keep it running smoothly—your dedication has made DTA what it is today. 

And to the PGRs across our network: we hope you have felt the benefit of what DTA has offered over the years. Your engagement and contributions continue to inspire us. 

Thank you for being part of this community. Your support and participation make all the difference.