Effective and regular communication with academic supervisors is vital to the successful completion of a doctoral degree. Structured discussions help students refine research questions, strengthen methodologies, and navigate both theoretical and practical challenges. However, the format and frequency of supervisory meetings can vary significantly — shaped by departmental expectations, research disciplines, and supervisory styles, including the number of supervisors and their preferred working methods. While some students benefit from weekly, in-depth meetings, others rely on occasional, student-initiated check-ins. Feedback can be detailed and regular or sporadic and unpredictable, even within the same department. Regardless of the format, clear and consistent communication is key to sustaining research momentum, developing academic skills, and enhancing research quality. Well-organised, purposeful meetings also support time management and productive engagement with feedback.

This panel brings together experienced doctoral students to share strategies for making supervisory meetings more effective and rewarding. Rather than focusing on common challenges, the discussion will highlight best practices for structuring meetings, setting achievable objectives, engaging with feedback, and fostering open and transparent communication with supervisors. Attendees will leave with practical tips to strengthen their supervisory experience and support steady progress throughout their doctoral journey.

Objectives

• Recognise the key components of productive, goal-oriented supervisory meetings that support steady research and writing progress.

• Develop effective strategies for setting clear, achievable objectives to guide future supervisory discussions.

• Reflect critically on their current supervisory relationships and identify practical actions to improve meeting structure, communication, and overall research progress.

Moderator

Keiko Kanno

Panellists

TBC