Attending conferences

We encourage conference attendance as part of your academic development.

You might have the opportunity to present your findings at one or more conferences during your programme. In some areas, Summer Schools are offered at various stages. For more information, refer to the ‘Conference Travel and Fieldwork Support’ section on the Science and Engineering Doctoral Academy Finance and funding page.

In all cases, you should discuss conference and other project-related travel, and the ways in which this could be financially supported, with your supervisor. 

You cannot book your own travel; this needs to be done by your Departmental Operations Team.  

For more information and guidance on completing travel arrangements, please visit your School SharePoint site:

• School of Engineering Travel
• School of Natural Sciences Travel

What you should know

• Supervisor approval: You must have your supervisor’s approval before attending any conference.
• Funding support: If you’re requesting funding, you may need to provide evidence that you are presenting at the conference. This should be discussed with your supervisor.
• Timing: Conference attendance is permitted during your research period, including after submission and up to completion.
• Insurance coverage: You do not need to be a registered student to be covered by university insurance for conferences. This applies up to the point of completion.
• Funding restrictions: Some funding sources (e.g., UKRI) can only be used during the research period. Please check the terms of your funding before applying. 
• Complete any mandatory compliance and risk assessments.
• Contact your Departmental Operations Team for Key Travel bookings.