📢 Student-Led Initiative Transforms Research Learning Experience at the Computing Department of the University of Greater Manchester

Postgraduate students in the Department of Computing are celebrating a new wave of confidence and clarity, thanks to the Research Student Help Desk, a student-led mentoring and tutorial initiative founded and led by Salome Enoshi Uwah, Research Assistant at the Centre of Intelligence of Things.

Created in response to the growing number of students who join the programme with little to no research experience, the platform offers weekly support sessions during the first two months of each cohort. These sessions focus on academic writing, topic development, problem formulation, critical reading, and project planning for the first 2 month of each cohort. Through guided activities, practical examples, and structured templates, Salome breaks research down into simple, manageable steps that students can immediately apply to their work.

With more than 140 postgraduate students actively participating, including international students, Master Students, MRes researchers (Computing, AI, and Applied AI), and those returning to study; the Help Desk has quickly grown into a cornerstone of the department’s support system.

Lecturers have praised the initiative for making their teaching more effective. “Students now come into class prepared, confident, and ready to ask the right questions,” noted one academic staff member. Supervisors also report stronger proposals, clearer research structures, and more engaged discussions during seminars.

Participants say the most valuable benefit is the way the sessions remove fear and build community. One student shared, “I was terrified of research before I joined. Now I understand each step, and I no longer feel alone.” Others have highlighted Salome’s ability to translate complex concepts into everyday language, making research feel possible rather than overwhelming.

Emmanuel Imogie Ajulo, the initiative’s Onboarding Officer, explained: “Research Help Desk provided clear, practical guidance on how to approach academic research and assessments. Before joining, I had little understanding of the research process, but through their structured teaching and support, I developed strong research knowledge and practical experience. The impact of the training was significant, to the extent that I was entrusted with the role of Onboarding Officer. I highly recommend Research Help Desk to anyone seeking clarity, confidence, and competence in research”.

Another participant, Ikechukwu Obiora, added: “I was confused about research before I joined, but now everything is clear. Thanks to Salome’s tremendous support and her ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms, research no longer feels difficult.”

Another participant, Rereloluwa Olowookere, shared a similar experience:
“Initially, I found research complex. During lectures, every concept felt overwhelming, and I struggled to find a clear path forward. Everything changed when I came across the Research Help Desk on LinkedIn. Joining the platform was a turning point for me. Salome is an exceptional coach with a rare gift for simplifying complex ideas. I can now confidently navigate research problems, and the Research Help Desk has made research easy and accessible.”

The platform goes beyond skills training. It has created a safe and supportive environment where students can learn, share challenges, and encourage one another. Salome describes her goal as simply to make research fun and not overwhelming and give students the confidence to succeed.”

Through her leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment, the Research Student Help Desk is reshaping the postgraduate learning experience, strengthening academic outcomes, supporting staff teaching, and building a community where every student feels capable, prepared, and inspired.