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The annual Research Poster Conference provides a unique opportunity for doctoral researchers at all stages of their studies to present their research to a diverse mixed-disciplined audience. The Conference is an excellent practical forum for the development of a range of essential communication and networking skills. It is also a chance for University students and staff to foster productive interdisciplinary links and find out more about the range of exciting research that takes place at the University of Birmingham. The usual resources are required to deliver the event: a venue; catering & catering staff; additional helpers to assist on the day; and a means of producing and displaying the posters. We also provided 3 doctoral researchers with the opportunity to become part of the project team that organised the Research Poster Conference.

The ‘your first three years’ programme for newly appointed research active staff provides training in topics relevant to academic practice, including:

• induction - an introduction to University structures, key people and support for researchers
• good practice in grant writing
• managing projects, project finances and staff
• training for teaching 
• training for supervising research and research degree students

A 2-day course to address topics such as: thesis writing and viva preparation, career options and planning, networking, and leadership within corporate and academic work contexts.

In March 2011 the first Research Staff Development Forum was hosted by the University’s extended Researcher Development Team: Research and Knowledge Exchange Services, HR, the Centre for Academic Practice and Learning Enhancement (CAPLE), and the Careers Service. This event was aimed at all Strathclyde research staff and provided opportunities for sharing thoughts and concerns, finding out about institutional and national developments, as well as networking with other members of the research community.

This is a two day workshop during which a series of talks by successful grant applicants illustrate the range of research that is supported by the different research councils, as well as offering insights into the world of EU funded projects. Participants develop their own research proposals in advance of day 2 and then work in small interdisciplinary groups (mock panels) to review and evaluate each other’s proposals.

GRADnews is a monthly e-newsletter aimed at postgraduate research students within the university and features information on a wealth of internal and external career-development related opportunities available to the community.

An electronic or paper tool which consolidates the consideration, analysis, development and recording of various professional and personal skills and academic processes during the various stages of a research student's programme