The Quadram Student Forum (QSF) is a committee of students which promotes and improves the student experience at the Quadram Institute in Norwich.

Joining the QSF enables students to build community and gain new skills. Students attend socials, workshops and training – equipping them with the tools to become the scientific leaders of the future.

The newest QSF leadership team started in February this year. We caught up to see how they’d settled in and asked them to describe themselves in three words. Some words came up again and again.

These are the key qualities that they use to describe life as a PhD student: supportive, creative, chaotic, driven and curious. They also reveal five ways that you can make the most of your PhD studies.

Build a supportive community around you

Second year PhD student Elin Smith, Vice Chair of the committee, shares her one piece of advice: “Build a strong community around you. Having a strong support network, even if it’s a friendly face to complain to when your experiments have failed, is so essential to PhD success.”

PhD studies are messy. Experiments can go wrong and things don’t always go to plan. Having a supportive community around won’t prevent this from happening but will help you bounce back.

Building this community isn’t easy and that’s why the QSF exists. The QSF helps new students to make friends that will support you throughout your studies.

The QSF links up with student committees from neighbouring institutes on the research park – the John Innes Centre Student Voice, The Sainsbury Laboratory Student Voice and Earlham Institute Student Body – so you get to get to meet a wide range of students with different experiences and interests from across Norwich Research Park.

You also get to learn from your peers. PhD students from the Earlham Institute previously shared the top 10 things you need to know before starting a PhD.

Be creative

Creativity is important in your PhD research, including communicating its impact to different audiences.

Second year PhD student Josh Horton, Co-Engagement Officer of QSF, is excited to hone his creative communication skills. “I’m in charge of making the posters and advertising materials for events that we organise, so doing this in a creative way is something I enjoy,” he says.

Thanks to this experience, Josh has produced engaging posters for conferences like the annual Student Science Showcase and Biofilms 11, and created fun materials for school outreach activities.

There are also wellbeing perks to creativity. Nurturing hobbies outside of work enables you to unwind and stay productive. Rest is part of productivity.

The QSF committee always looks forward to organising the annual pottery painting event. The team organise a social event where you paint a pottery item of your choice, like a bowl, mug or plate, that you get to keep and use. It’s an enjoyable and relaxing social that allows your creativity to shine.

Embrace the chaos of the PhD

No PhD journey is straightforward. This chaos is something that second year PhD student Raphael Lwesya, Co-Engagement Officer, embraces as part of the PhD experience.

“I’ve enjoyed connecting with other students and realising we all share the same ups and downs in the PhD journey. It makes the whole experience feel lighter and manageable,” he reflects.

He shares some practical advice: “Don’t isolate yourself. Reach out, ask questions and share your challenges.” The QSF is the perfect forum to do exactly that.

All PhD students here have access to UEA’s Student Services, including wellbeing services, like a useful wellbeing podcast if you like listening to something while you work.

There will be lots of wider opportunities that come from your PhD studies. It’s important to embrace this unpredictability.

“As part of QSF, we’ve been invited to conferences and events that we otherwise wouldn’t, such as meeting the Princess Royal,” adds Elin. You can spot current QSF committee members in our video on the visit.

Stay determined and driven in your goals

As a PhD student, you’re in a learning phase of your career, but you should still treat it as a job. You are part of a research group with important research and funding goals, which your PhD project contributes towards.

Unlocking new skills is key to staying driven and achieving these goals as part of your PhD. First year PhD student Anna Ridsdill Smith, the Admin and Finance Officer, explains, “My role requires excellent communication and organisation skills which I’ll hone throughout the year.”

You also need learn when to say yes (and no). Josh shares advice to help you stay on track, “There will be lots of opportunities to do different activities and take on different roles within committees – choose a mix of ones you’ll enjoy and those that will develop useful skills. There will be some crossover! Don’t take on too much so that you have enough time for your research.”

This is particularly important if your PhD involves a work placement. Knowing what skills you want to develop and what career options are available to you after your PhD will help you succeed.

For example, PhD student Sam Mellor explored a potential career in food safety policy during his placement while Ho Yu Liu learned what it’s like to work in industry at the company Isomerase.

Curiosity is key to your PhD

To gain a PhD, you have to produce significant and original research. Staying curious and asking lots of questions, both inside and outside the lab, will help you achieve this.

For second year PhD student Heloise Vinette, Chair of the QSF committee, curiosity stems from listening to other students’ voices, opinions and advice.

She ensures that everyone is heard and represented in the forum. “Creating opportunities for connection and seeing everyone enjoy themselves is what brings me the most joy and satisfaction in my role,” she says.

The committee is excited to welcome many more students who will experience the supportive, creative, chaotic, driven and curious life of a PhD student here at the Quadram Institute.