Category / Training

Celebrating personal development – Postgraduate Development Award (PGDA)

Events, Research Training, Training

In a blink of the eye the academic year has evaporated into the fabric of time. As we look back on a hectic year we saw the conclusion of the Postgraduate Development Award (PGDA) with the ceremony being held in the Student Centre on the 19 July 2016 to celebrate the 70 Master’s students who committed over a whopping 1400 hours to the award.

11 awards were also given out for exemplary performance on the award. These awards were given to those students who showed relentless attention to detail regarding the presentation of their development portfolios, outstanding time management, and vigorous reflective writing to strongly evidence personal and professional development.

Xiaohua Zheng, MSc International Risk Management and Finance student and Gold Award winnner, shared “This was one of the best ceremonies I have attended and I was very excited to receive my award. Completing the Postgraduate Development Award programme and all the activities has been a brilliant and unforgettable experience, and this was a great way to celebrate reaching our goal!”.

The PGDA offers students on postgraduate taught courses a range of activities which focus on research skills training, career management and transferable skills. There are also social opportunities encouraging students from all subject background to interact. At the start of the award, all students undertake a skills audit to identify their strengths and areas for development which is then used to focus their work and activities undertaken for the award to enhance their employability.

For further information about the PGDA please email Jay

Best wishes

The Graduate School team

 

PGDA Ceremony mix 2

The Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) Development Framework: Returning to Academia after a break

Research Training, Training

dev_frameworkThe Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) Development Framework,  ‘Returning to Academia‘ pathway targets those academics who may be returning to academia following a break for any reason.  Workshops will focus on topics such as finding research funding for those returning to academia and ‘Building resilience in research and knowledge exchange’.

We’ll be populating the the OD website with more information and the booking link over the coming weeks. We’ll also be providing a timetable of all events as soon as possible. In the meantime, updates will be posted on the BU Research Blog and the Faculty blogs.

Seminar: Blog Writing to Build Bigger Audiences with Kip Jones

Events, Training

WED 20 JULY 11 am – 12:30 pm venue TBA

Please mark your diaries and do let Kip know via email if you are planning to attend and to receive details about what to bring with you. Staff and students welcome!

A recent two-day workshop, ‘Creative Writing for Academics’ was a big success. The Blog Seminar will be based on some of that material.

Much of what is becoming routine in many fields, including academia, is now web-based, magazine style publications.

Jones said, “Blog writing is an important place for those academics with ‘writers block’ to start to get some experience with writing for publication. I like to talk about how blog publications can sometimes develop into full academic articles.  I think there is a particular reluctance by some to start right off by perhaps being rejected by academic journals. Writing for the web offers an opportunity for a bit of success first before going in to the deeper waters”.

Inspiration: http://blogs.bournemouth.ac.uk/research/2013/08/21/the-blogosphere-creative-solutions-to-reaching-bigger-audiences/

BOOK TODAY! Email Kip Jones at kipworld@gmail.com

Introduction to the Research and Knowledge Exchange Development Framework

BU research, Events, Knowledge Exchange, Training

We are delighted to announce that the Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) development framework will launch in October 2016! launching soon pic

The RKE development framework will offer a new range of opportunities for BU academics  to develop their skills, knowledge and capabilities in relation to research and knowledge exchange.

Consultation with academic colleagues has been key to its development, to ensure that the opportunities to be made available match their needs and wishes. We have created an agile and flexible Framework which we trust will appeal to colleagues undertaking research and knowledge exchange activities across the University.

Look out for more information coming each week on the research blog.

Research and Knowledge Exchange Development Framework : Pre-Award at BU

BU research, Funding opportunities, Research Training, Training

research_strategyWe have previously posted about the Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) Development Framework. Here, we introduce another of the pathways: that focusing on the Pre-Award process when applying for funding. Please see the previous blog posts on the Development Framework for information on the separate  pathways.

The ‘Pre-Award at BU’ pathway will provide details about the information and tools that will aid BU academics applying for funding.  Sessions will include details about ‘Searching for research funding’, ‘Getting started on applying for research funding’, understanding ‘Pre-award finances’  and ‘Intellectual property at pre-award’.  Training will also be provided as part of this pathway for those conducting Quality and Financial approvals.  More events will be added to this pathway in 2017-18 and beyond, with a focus on emerging priorties for BU.

We’ll be populating the the OD website with more information and the booking link over the coming weeks. We’ll also be providing a timetable of all events as soon as possible. In the meantime, updates will be posted on the BU research blog and the Faculty blogs.

Research and Knowledge Exchange Development Framework – funding from the major charities

BU research, Events, Knowledge Exchange, Training

We have previously posted about the Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) Development Framework. Here we introduce another of the pathways: that dedicated to funding from the major charities, including Leverhulme Trust and Wellcome Trust.

There will be a range of sessions relating to the charities, including introductions to the Leverhulme Trust and Wellcome Trust. We’ll provide some hints and tips for applying to major charities, and run bid writing retreats for those planning to submit applications to the Wellcome Trust, and for a Leverhulme Trust Fellowship. We’ll also be running a session giving information and examples relating to building partnerships and working with stakeholders. More events will be added to this pathway in 2017-18 as well.

We’ll be populating the the OD website with more information and the booking link over the coming weeks. We’ll also be providing a timetable of all events as soon as possible. In the meantime, updates will be posted on the BU research blog and the Faculty blogs.

Research and Knowledge Exchange Development Framework – funding from the academies

BU research, Events, Knowledge Exchange, Training

We have previously posted about the Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) Development Framework. Here we introduce another of the pathways: that dedicated to funding from the UK academies (British Academy and Royal Society).

British Academy logoThere will be a range of sessions relating to the academies, including online introductions to the Royal Society and British Academy, and a bid writing retreat for those applying to the British Academy small grants scheme. We plan to invite the funders in to present to BU academic colleagues about their organisation and their schemes, and we’ll also be running a session giving information and examples relating to building partnerships and working with stakeholders. More events will be added to this pathway in 2017-18 as well.

Royal SocietyWe’ll be populating the the OD website with more information and the booking link over the coming weeks. We’ll also be providing a timetable of all events as soon as possible. In the meantime, updates will be posted on the BU research blog and the Faculty blogs.

Will getting a mentor boost your career? Vitae video event on 16/6/16

BU research, Events, PG research, Research Training, Training

Vitae logoVitae have asked us to share this with our researcher community:

We would like to invite you and all researchers at your institutions to a free online Q&A entitled: “Will getting a mentor boost your career?” This video event (Google + Hangout) will take place this Thursday (16 June), between 2-3pm (UK time).

Interviews with research and academic leaders revealed having a mentor to be one of the most important forms of support to prepare early career researchers for the challenges of research independence and leadership.

This Q&A aims to explore mentoring and coaching relationships, from the perspectives of being mentored and being a mentor, as well as the support and structures in institutions that can help. Panellists will take audience questions, so this is your opportunity to get expert advice on mentoring and coaching as a valuable personal and professional development tool.

How to join the Google + Hangout?

  1. Create a Google account (to be able to ask questions)
  2. VISIT our Google + event page: http://bit.ly/1VQewIJ
  3. Post questions on Q&A app
  4. BOOKMARK THIS LINK TO WATCH Q&A ON 16 JUNE: http://bit.ly/1VQewIJ

How to join & participate in the Q&A?

Vitae Google+ Hangouts are live online video events of Q&A sessions with a group of expert panellists. As the video is streaming live online you will be able to watch and get involved in the conversation. We will be using the Google Hangout Q&A app for the event which is the easiest and most effective way to submit your questions. The questions will appear on the right side of the screen as the video is being streamed. The App is NOW live, so you can “Ask a new question” before and during the event. We will try to answer as many questions as possible.

Have a look at our previous Q&As: http://bit.ly/1uGaCl0

***Focus on mentoring and coaching for researchers***

The Google Hangout is just one in a series of activities and resources focused around this theme. Visit our brand new Focus on page http://bit.ly/1dZe0BS to find out more about mentoring and coaching in research, including an opportunity to submit an article about your experience of being mentored or mentoring others: http://bit.ly/1OnpMuP

You can also share your views on mentoring by completing our quick online poll:

I’m a mentor

or a coach: http://bit.ly/1UsrziH

(6 questions)

I’m being

mentored/coached: http://bit.ly/1ZOcgRx

(6 questions)

I would like

to be mentored/coached: http://bit.ly/1UxsBpo

(3 questions)

 

 

Research and Knowledge Exchange Development Framework – Research Council funding

BU research, Events, Knowledge Exchange, Research Training, Training

RCUK logoWe have previously posted about the Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) Development Framework. Here we introduce the first of the pathways: that dedicated to funding from the UK Research Councils.

There will be a wide range of sessions relating to RC applications, including an online introduction to the UK Research Councils for those new to the funders, or to the UK funding landscape. There will be an event led by an external facilitator where you’ll have the opportunity to get you thinking about different ways of approaching the Case for Support, including time to write the document and gain feedback. We’ll run a session giving information and examples relating to building partnerships and working with stakeholders and another concerning the Pathways to Impact statement. We’ll also provide another online session to support you in writing the Justification of Resources.

We’ll be populating the the OD website with more information and the booking link over the coming weeks. We’ll also be providing a timetable of all events as soon as possible. In the meantime, updates will be posted on the BU research blog and the Faculty blogs.

Introduction to the Research and Knowledge Exchange Development Framework

BU research, Events, Knowledge Exchange, Training

We are delighted to announce that the Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) development framework will launch in October 2016! launching soon pic

The RKE development framework will offer a new range of opportunities for BU academics  to develop their skills, knowledge and capabilities in relation to research and knowledge exchange.

Consultation with academic colleagues has been key to its development, to ensure that the opportunities to be made available match their needs and wishes. We have created an agile and flexible Framework which we trust will appeal to colleagues undertaking research and knowledge exchange activities across the University.

Look out for more information coming each week on the research blog.

Research and Knowledge Exchange Development Framework and your appraisal

BU research, Events, Knowledge Exchange, Training

We posted a couple of weeks ago about the new Research and Knowlege Exchange (RKE) Development Framework. With appraisals looming, we’ll be going along to discuss the framework with line managers across the Faculties, but you may wish to start thinking about the pathways or sessions you may wish to join in order to progress your career and research and knowledge exchange plans. Presented below are a list of the pathways confirmed at this point, and indicative content for each. We are working hard to confirm further sessions and to provide more detail as soon as possible on the OD webpages.

Pathway Indicative Content
Research Council funding An introduction to the UK Research Councils, some key principles to consider, working with stakeholders, pathways to impact statements, approaching the Case for Support and writing the Justification for Resources
EU Funding An introduction to Horizon 2020 and other EU funding schemes, some key principles to consider, IPR for EU projects, and call-specific Bid Writing Retreats
Funding from the Academies An introduction to the British Academy and the Royal Society, working with stakeholders and Bid Writing Retreats
Funding from Major Charities An introduction to Wellcome and Leverhulme Trusts, working with stakeholders, hints and tips for applications to charities and Bid Writing Retreats
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) An introduction to funding schemes, applying to NIHR calls and Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)
International Funding An introduction to selected international funding schemes
Pre-Award at BU Getting started, financial and legal considerations, BU processes and using Research Professional to locate funding
Building a Team Working with stakeholders, networking, team building, Sandpits and Interdisciplinary Research.
Working with Business Introductions to knowledge exchange including Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), and IP and commercialisation
Returning to Academia after a break Specific funding opportunities for those returning to academia and building resilience in research and knowledge exchange
The REF TBC
Planning for and communicating research Engaging with policymakers, public engagement, social media for impact and digital communication
Skills Development BRIAN, RED, BURO, Using the Library, Je-S, eGAP, eRA Commons, IPR, Contracts and BU procedures, and Ethics

 

 

Vitae and Researcher Development

Research Training, student research, Training

Vitae is an organisation set up to promote career development in both postgraduate researchers and academic staff. Their Researcher Development Framework is intended to help people monitor their skills and plan their personal development. At BU we will be using this framework to format the training on offer for the postgraduate research students and academic staff.

The Vitae website is an excellent resource and the organisation regularly runs free training events for researchers, PGRs and those involved in research development. Upcoming events include Vitae Connections: Supporting Open Researchers.

Vitae_RDF_logo_2011The Researcher Development Framework (RDF) is the professional development framework to realise the potential of researchers. The RDF is a tool for planning, promoting and supporting the personal, professional and career development of researchers in higher education. It was designed following interviews with many successful researchers across the sector and articulates the knowledge, behaviours and attributes of a successful researcher.

There is a planner available on the Vitae website to help you assess which stage you are at with your skills and a tutorial providing guidance on how to use the framework.

Top 10 tips from researchers on using the Researcher Development Framework (RDF):

1. You might choose to use the RDF for short term as well as long term development. The RDF can be used in planning for your long term career ambitions but also to make a feasible short term plan. It can be useful to imagine your long term ambitions in order to focus your career path however the reality of progressing through to the higher phases may be more difficult to plan. In the short term, making decisions about how to progress to the next phase or what sub-domains are most important for you will be easier. Try to be realistic when setting these short term goals.

2. Use the RDF to highlight your strengths and areas for development and how these might be used to benefit/influence your personal, professional and career development.

3. Use the RDF to highlight your applicable and transferable skills. This is important for career progression within or outside academia.

4. Prioritise those areas which are most relevant. You don’t have to try to develop in all the areas of the RDF at once. There may be some sub-domains/descriptors where there is less relevance in progressing through the phases for you.

5. Draw on experiences outside of work to evidence your capabilities.

6. Progression to the highest phase in a descriptor will not be applicable to everyone but being aware of the possibilities can aid personal and career development.

7. Talk to others to get their views about your strengths and capabilities. Your supervisor, manager, peers, family and friends are a great source of information to find out more about yourself. Talk to them about how they perceive your capabilities. By understanding how others view you, you will be able to make more informed choices about your future.

8. To move from one phase to the next why not explore attending courses. These courses may be run at a local level (within your University) or may only be run nationally or internationally so awareness of opportunities for training is important. Vitae also run a wide range of courses which address many aspects of personal and career development.

9. Some phases may only be reached through experience and practice however good self-awareness and professional development planning will aid the process.

10. Networking is likely to enable you to reach more experienced phases.