Subscribe by RSSDatabase of practice

Using the Skills Training Programme courses, the Medical Sciences Division seeks to equip Graduate Research Students and Research Staff members with a comprehensive set of skills ensuring each researcher realises his/her maximum potential and thereby lay the foundations for a successful career in the sciences.

As part of the Medical Sciences Divisional Skills Training Programme graduate students and postdoctoral researchers are invited to explore moving away from academia and consider the opportunities open to them for a career based in Medical Writing and Medical Communications. Beginning with an introductory session comprising of presentations and a networking lunch with potential employers. Then a more focussed two workshop.

This event is arranged and delivered by DPhil students from the Medical Sciences Divison as part of the Medical Sciences Skills Training Programme. DPhil students are invited to register for event and if they wish to present submit an abstract. Twelve students are then selected to present at the event. Students are also invited to submit posters and prizes are given for the best talks and posters. The event concludes with a keynote speech followed by a drinks and capnapes reception. The event is partially funded by the Divisional Skills Training Programme and support from sponsors secured by the students organising the event. Sponsors of the event are invited to attend and exhibit at the event. http://www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/dphilday

At Southampton a coordinated program of training is offered to help with the whole process of developing a thesis, which can be broadly summarized as: • The initial stage where information is managed and coaxed into a viable structure. • The “writing up”stage, where references are managed and challenging intellectual property aspects are tackled. • The final stage where the thesis is submitted electronically. This training is aimed at both PGRs and their supervisors.

This scheme funds young researchers to work within entrepreneurial technology-driven business to develop: 1) a practical understanding of how to transform research ideas into commercially successful products and services; 2) leadership and transferable business skills.

In one intensive three-hour session gives participants a general understanding of the media, including how journalists work, how to get coverage, how to prepare for interviews, and how to manage expectations. This is followed by individual coaching and mentoring in interview techniques, during which the participant is interviewed twice with video playback and analysis afterwards.

The MPLS Division at Oxford provides a programme of skills training courses for its doctoral research students and postdoctoral researchers, based upon the Joint Skills Statement. The programme is reviewed on an ongoing basis, so that each year’s programme is relevant and up to date. For 2009-10 an overarching framework of personal effectiveness courses has been established, with the aim of supporting researchers in their development from the early stages of their doctoral studies through to the first permanent appointment, be this inside or outside academia. In addition to the existing website, a new skills handbook has been produced which will provide comprehensive information about the programme for new students and research staff.