for iGGi Alumni | iGGi 2026

...for iGGi Alumni

BiGGi Con 2026 is set to be a celebration of all things iGGi, and of course, the many, many iGGi PGRs who have by now turned iGGi Alumni are an absolutely crucial part in the story of iGGi!
If you are one of them, we do hope you can join on at least one if not all of the conference days and/or the evening socials.
One of BiGGi Con 2026's key goals is to start projecting into a post-funding "iGGi future" by drawing from the rich iGGi past, so as to turn this programme's legacy into a lasting one that can live on beyond the grant's lifespan.

Here's a list of programme features that have a specific focus on iGGi Alumni journeys, provide opportunity for networking between iGGi Alumni and the current iGGi PGRs, and/or aim at building and nurturing a sustained iGGi Alumni network.

>> Alumni Talks

When? >> Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3

BiGGi Con 2026 will see a total of 7 Alumni Talks spread over all three conference days. Check out the Alumni Talks page for details. We look forward to hearing where their paths took them after their time at iGGi.

>> Panels

When? >> Day 1 + Day 2

A selection of Panels will have iGGi Alumni speakers. More information to follow, so watch this space!

>> Workshops

When? >> Day 3

A number of Workshops are organised and run by iGGi Alumni. More information to follow, so watch this space!

>> Alumni Network Workshop

When? >> Day 3 (morning)

For those of you not already participating in (or running!) one of the parallel workshops, this particular one will brainstorm on What to Do With iGGi's Legacy. We would love to hear ideas and input from as many iGGis (Alumni or otherwise) as possible, including about how the community can live on and stay connected in a beneficial (and fun) way!

>> Alumni Mixers

When? >> Day 1 + Day 2

We've dedicated two of the coffee breaks to setting focus on mixing with Alumni. Details to follow!

>> Alumni "Speed Dating"

When? >> Day 2 (evening)

As part of the Day 2 Evening Social (Games Night), there will be a short and upbeat "speed dating" event, which will work almost like an ordinary speed dating session, just that you'll be fishing for a research buddy or industry contact as opposed to a love companion.

>> Evening Social Dinner with special focus on Alumni networking

When? >> Day 1 (evening)

Note that this is an internal event to which only specific members of the iGGi Community are invited (see registration form). This social dinner is an opportunity for iGGi PGRs to informally connect with those who have been through (or partly through) a similar PhD journey.

If you are an iGGi Alum and would like to get involved in any way not listed above, or if you think you've not yet been added to the iGGi Alumni Network email list but would like to be added, please contact iggi-admin@york.ac.uk

For any Alumni-related queries, you can also reach out to >> BiGGi Con's Alumni Chair Nicole Levermore, an iGGi PGR who is presently compiling 5-6 "iGGi Case Studies" and who is also your current main contact for the iGGi Alumni Network.