Thursday, 29th October 2026, 9:30 am - 5pm , In-person at the Doctoral & Researcher College, Coventry University, Coventry

About the Community Exchange

We are very excited to invite you to the PhD for Mature Learners Community Exchange, our first full day event held in person and dedicated to the experiences, challenges and strengths of mature doctoral researchers.

It brings together people at different stages of the doctoral journey to share experiences, practical ideas, and honest conversations about what it means to undertake a PhD later in life.

From those taking their first steps into doctoral research to those preparing for submission, the Community Exchange is designed to encourage conversation, build connections, and create opportunities for mature doctoral researchers to learn from one another's experiences.

This is a space for exchanging knowledge, sharing practical strategies, and learning from lived experience.

Want to get involved?

We warmly invite mature doctoral students to contribute to the day. By "mature learners," we mean anyone who has come to doctoral study after spending time building a career, raising a family, running a business, caring for others, or simply living a life before returning to academia.

You do not need to be an experienced conference speaker.

If you have learned something that could help another mature doctoral researcher, we would love to hear from you.

Everyone is welcome to attend and contribute.

When you register, you can simply book your place for the day, or you can also express an interest in contributing a talk to the programme.

The Community Exchange is organised around two themes.

Theme 1 - Living the PhD - Journeys

20-minute presentation followed by discussion

These sessions explore the lived experience of doctoral study.

We invite you to reflect on a related research study or personal experience, challenge, turning point, or lesson that has shaped your PhD journey and may encourage or support others.

Possible themes

• Returning to doctoral study after time away from education

• Finding your place in academia as a mature researcher

• Balancing research with work, family, or caring responsibilities

• Developing confidence and your academic identity

• Working with supervisors

• Managing uncertainty, setbacks, or imposter feelings

• Funding a doctorate and managing financial pressures

• Publishing or presenting your work for the first time

• Building friendships, networks, and a sense of belonging

• Preparing for life beyond the PhD

• Lessons you wish someone had shared with you before you started

• Any experience that could encourage, inform, or inspire another mature doctoral researcher

These sessions are intended to start conversations through honest reflection rather than present completed research.

Theme 2 - Doing the PhD - This Is How I...

15-minute practical demonstration

These sessions focus on the practical side of doctoral study.

Share a method, process, habit, or tool that has genuinely helped you during your PhD and that others might find useful.

Possible themes

• Organising literature and reading efficiently

• Using reference management software

• Planning and writing chapters

• Preparing for supervision meetings

• Developing an effective writing routine

• Managing time and maintaining momentum

• Using AI responsibly during doctoral research

• Analysing qualitative or quantitative data

• Staying organised throughout the doctorate

• Preparing conference presentations

• Publishing your research

• Managing digital files, notes, and research materials

• Maintaining wellbeing while remaining productive

• Any practical strategy that has made your doctoral journey easier

These demonstrations will be delivered in small rotating groups, allowing participants to experience several practical ideas during the afternoon and learn directly from one another.

Who can get involved?

There are many ways to participate in the Community Exchange.

We welcome:

• Mature doctoral researchers at any stage of their doctorate

• Recently completed doctoral graduates

• Researchers from any discipline or university

Ways to Get Involved

As part of your registration, you are invited to indicate whether you would like to become more actively involved in the Community Exchange.

□ Attend as a participant

Join us for a day of learning, conversation and networking.

□ Present a Related Research or Journey

Share a 20-minute reflection on a related research or your experience of undertaking a PhD as a mature doctoral researcher.

□ Present a "This Is How I..."

Lead a 15-minute practical demonstration showing a method, strategy or tool that has helped you during your doctorate.

□ Chair a session

Help facilitate one of the discussion sessions by introducing speakers, keeping time, and encouraging audience discussion.

Expressions of Interest

If you would like to present at the event, please email the following to the event Convener, Linda Marchant: hello@phdformaturelearners.org by 11

Description supplied by the event organiser.