The podcast episode features Dr Karen Clegg and Dr Gill Houston discussing their book, co-authored with Dr Owen Gower, Doctoral Supervision and Research Culture: What We Know, What Works, And Why, which was published by Routledge, Taylor & Francis in 2024. They explore the challenges and importance of doctoral supervision, highlighting the lack of research on supervisors’ experiences. The conversation covers topics such as supervisor recognition, professional development, feedback incorporation, and the impact of institutional support on research culture.

1. How can institutions better recognize and value the contributions of their doctoral supervisors?

2. How do supervisors effectively incorporate feedback from their supervisees to improve their supervisory approach?

3. What does Continuous Professional Development (CPD) look like for doctoral supervisors, and how can it be implemented effectively?

4. What are the challenges and opportunities in supporting supervisors during and after the COVID-19 pandemic?

5. What recommendations can be made to improve the research culture and support system for doctoral supervisors and their research students?

The episode provides insights into the complex ecosystem of doctoral supervision, emphasizing the need for institutional support, peer learning, and recognition of supervisors’ critical role in research development.

Dr Karen Clegg is a Reader in Doctoral Education in the School for Arts and Creative Technologies at the University of York and Co-PI/Director of the Next Generation Research SuperVision Project (RSVP), a £4.6million, Research England funded project designed to transform the practice and culture of research supervision. Recent publications include Clegg K., Quinlan L. and Palmer N. (2025)  Research Supervision  in the Context of REF – time for a stepchange?Wonkhe 24 January; Gower O., Clegg K. and Cleaver D. (2024) The UK Research Supervision Survey (UKRSS) 2024. UK Council for Graduate Education; Clegg K., Houston G. & Gower O. (2024) Doctoral Supervision and Research Culture: what we know, what works and why. Routledge.

Dr Gill Houston is an independent researcher. She has worked extensively in doctoral education, culminating in the roles of vice-chair and chair of the UK Council for Graduate Education. Recent (2024) publications include: Clegg K., Houston G. & Gower O. (2024) Doctoral Supervision and Research Culture: what we know, what works and why. Routledge; Houston, G. and Lunt, I., The final examination of the UK PhD: fit for purpose?Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, 49(8),1182-1195.

Credits
Music by Matthew Sillence