Student-led research training within the PhD: "PhD experience" conferences

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the significance of student-led initiatives in PhD development. Design/methodology/approach – A case study is presented utilizing Kolb's model of learning from experience to identify with student-led research training within the PhD process. Findings – The experiential role of the student in the development of their personal doctoral training and the resultant social interactions thereof, remain as important as the more structured supervisor-student relationship and other forms of doctoral training within the PhD research process. Originality/value – This paper contributes new insights into the process of how PhD students can become more empowered by the process of “doing” a PhD, rather than being confined to their own specific discipline, whilst offering future recommendations for students embarking upon PhD research