CDT Alumni Networking Event 2026

It was a pleasure to welcome so many CDT alumni back to Leeds for our annual Alumni Networking Event, bringing together postgraduate researchers, graduates, staff, and partners for an afternoon of research exchange, career development, and networking.

The event featured alumni showcase talks highlighting career journeys since completing the CDT, alongside student flash presentations showcasing current research across the programme. Attendees also explored a poster session and took part in careers roundtable discussions, where alumni shared valuable insights into their roles, workplace experiences, and career paths since graduation.

A key message from our alumni was the importance of developing transferable skills throughout the PhD, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and project management. Alumni reflected on how these skills have been invaluable in a wide range of careers within industry, public sector and academia. They also highlighted that PhD journeys are rarely linear, with many career paths shaped by unexpected opportunities, challenges, and experiences along the way.

Thank you to all our alumni, students, and staff who contributed to such an engaging, insightful, and inspiring event.