PhD student gathering in Edinburgh highlights the future of administrative data research

ADR UK’s annual PhD student gathering wrapped up last week in Edinburgh, bringing together final-year doctoral researchers from across the UK for two days of learning, reflection and connection. Hosted by ADR Scotland at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, the event marked a key moment for students preparing to move beyond their PhDs and into the next stage of their careers.

The gathering offered space to pause, take stock and look ahead. Over two days, students explored what it means to build a career centred on administrative data - whether in academia, government, the voluntary sector, or beyond - while strengthening the networks that will support them long after the event.

Research with impact

Opening the event, ADR Scotland Co-Director Alastair McAlpine encouraged students to think early about research impact: who their work is for, how it might be used, and how connecting beyond academia can help ensure it drives real change. This theme of research that links to people, policy and practice ran through the sessions.

Day one focused on life after the PhD. Speakers from a range of sectors shared insights on turning doctoral research into meaningful careers, developing transferable skills and navigating the often nonlinear paths that follow. In smaller breakout sessions, students presented their own work, exchanged feedback with peers and mentors, and gained a broader view of the diverse projects underway across the cohort.

Later, practical workshops led by ADR Scotland research fellows turned the spotlight on reproducible coding and analytical best practice, encouraging reflection on how to make research robust, transparent and reusable. The day closed with a candid panel of early-career researchers who spoke about ambition, uncertainty and balance, offering reassurance that there’s no single “right” route after a PhD.

Preparing for the next stage

The second day shifted focus to transition and opportunity. Students asked questions about completing their doctorates, securing future funding and finding their next steps, hearing about new research possibilities linked to emerging flagship datasets. Discussions also emphasised the value of short-term and fixed-term roles as stepping stones, and how ADR UK’s communities, networks and mentoring can keep supporting graduates beyond their studies.

Reflecting on the event, Emily Oliver, ADR UK’s Head of Training and Capacity Building, said: “Events like this give our PhD students the space to build confidence, test ideas and connect with people who genuinely care about where they go next. You could really feel the energy in the room, and the sense that this cohort is ready to shape the future of administrative data research.”

The programme itself reflected that collaborative spirit. Developed jointly by the ADR UK Strategic Hub, ADR Scotland and current PhD students, it was shaped around what students most wanted and needed at this stage of their journey.

By the end of the two days, conversations spilled beyond the formal sessions over coffee, between breaks and into the evening networking event, as students compared experiences, shared advice and forged new connections. For many, it was their first chance to meet fellow ADR UK PhD researchers face-to-face; for others, it was a chance to reflect on how far they have come.

Did you attend the gathering?

If you attended the event, please complete the feedback survey.

You can also watch a short video to hear directly from ADR UK PhD students about their experiences working with administrative data and the value of the ADR UK network.

View photos from the event below: