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Researchers are key members of academic staff. They are central to the College’s status as the leading centre for veterinary research in England, as well as its global aspirations. Beyond this, the College recognises that researchers make many other important contributions, for example in undertaking valuable research support, teaching and supervision duties, and as a vibrant group within the wider RVC community.

Following the launch of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, the College developed a Concordat Code of Practice and Guide which demonstrates the Colleges commitment to the provision of timely and effective support for Research Staff and their chosen career paths.

The courses and workshops outlined in our programme are designed to meet the needs of all groups of staff within the College and offer a wide variety of development opportunities in five key areas:

 

• Health & Safety

• Information Technology

• Leadership & Management

• Skills & Knowledge

• Wellbeing

 

In our 2009/10 training programme, we introduced a section specific to the development of researchers, in response to principle 4 of the Concordat. This section has continued to develop following feedback received from research staff, line managers and principal investigators.

 

Research staff may also attend any of the other Staff Training & Development courses offered in the programme.

This is a brief summary of the organisational model that we have adopted in order to work more closely with Schools, Faculties and Departments and 'partner' with them in understanding and providing for the needs of their particular staff in a ‘bespoke’ way where appropriate. This positions us better to target our resource towards meeting real needs, while striving for enhanced alignment between UCL’s research strategy and individual aspirations. This new model also enables us to work more closely in partnership with other key people deployed at a Faculty or Department level, such as Research Facilitators, Research Leaders, HR Consultants, Faculty Managers etc.

The session covers all aspects of attending an academic conference from submitting an abstract to presenting. Networking, poster design and other practical considerations are also key factors.

Part-time research students often miss out on attending skills seminars during the week due to other commitments. The Saturday School combines the most popular sessions from the current term and provides a forum for PT students to meet and discuss their research.

The viva is often a daunting challenge, frequently approached with anxiety and confusion rather than careful preparation. This session based around a video screening and group discussion helps PGRs to understand the viva and handle it well.

Writing a PhD thesis requires a number of skills including, understanding the contribution of your work, a clear structure and the use of an unambiguous style. This course is comprised of four seminar sessions in which the process of writing a thesis will be considered.

Taking a pro-active approach to improving and maintaining a good relationship with one's supervisor can ensure the smooth progress of a PhD. Practical activities, group discussion and the ‘Good Supervisor Video’ all contribute to this helpful workshop.