By Jack Sharpen

We caught up with the co-chairs from this year’s brilliant DAGS committee about this year’s highs and achievements. Do you want to be involved?

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”

For us postgraduates, this proverb can become a harsh reality. Letting off steam, socialising with other researchers and  finding that elusive work-life balance is crucial to wellbeing. Our very own DAGS, the society dedicated to and run by PGRs from FBMH, have maintained a role in supplying such events and opportunities for just this cause, with last year’s committee pulling off a virtual escape room and photo competition during lockdown. 

The 2021-22 year was run jointly by Melanie and Susan, and the committee put on a smorgasbord of social events across the calendar.

Quotes from the committee: “Organising and running these fantastic social events for the PGR community has been incredibly fun and rewarding for me this year. We’ve had so much positive feedback from everyone, and I’ve loved meeting so many new people and developing my event planning skills!” Melanie

DAGS Welcome Event (November 2021) and Pub Quiz (February 2022)

As a ticket holder to both, the inclusion of a free buffet and drinks at the Old Abbey Taphouse was a strong start to the year for all newcomers, and the first in-person DAGS event following the return to campus. With the addition of giant Jenga and a bar open to the early hours, it was a great way to mingle with fresh and familiar faces alike. This was then followed by a free pub quiz hosted at the BrewDog that provided friendly competition between academics and friends alike.

Quotes from the committee: “I have thoroughly enjoyed being the co-chair for DAGs alongside Melanie this year. It has been fun organising the events for all the PGRs and meeting new people, plus  I have developed a variety of skills such as team working and leadership. It has been lovely to hear all the positive feedbacks too!” Susan

DAGS Conference (28^th April)

Held at Barnes Wallis and Manchester Meeting Place, this day-long event provided an amazing showcase of talent and talks by the faculty’s postgraduate researchers, along with workshops and best overall prizes. This was combined with the annual PGR Excellence Awards ceremony and fascinating keynote speech by Professor Dan Davies.

DAGS Summer Ball (30^th June) 

Signing off the year was a sunny stanza within Whitworth Hall, with the DAGS yearly ball returning for the first time since 2019. Celebrations started off with a 2-course dinner, drinks and a photo booth for all ticket holders, before ending the night with an exclusive DJ and dance for all attending. Highlights also included a wonderful photographer capturing the fun as the night went on.

Can you DAGS it?#

After the resounding success from the current DAGS committee, next year’s is bound to build again. The society is one of the largest and top PGR-based cohorts across the university, and is unique in its focus, ambition and fun. 

Quotes from the committee: I’m stepping down from my co-chairing role to focus on the final year of my PhD, but I can’t wait to be involved in the committee next year and making our events even better based on the feedback we’ve received.” Melanie “Like Melanie, I will be stepping down as a co-chair but I will still be an active member of the committee. I’d recommend anyone to join the committee, and participate and have their say on organising fun events for PGRs!’” Susan

With every new year comes new faces, and if you have found a calling in conference planning, social set-ups and balling your way through a PhD, then being a DAGS committee member is for you. If you’re keen on being part of and interested in all things societal, you can get in touch via da.pgr.conference@gmail.com or dagsoc@manchester.ac.uk