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The Social Media sessions demonstrated a successful integration of a student-led initiative within a formal graduate training provision. The initiative underlined the importance of engaging PhD students in their own learning and training needs, in both sharing expertise with peers and in contributing to their own professional development. In doing so, it demonstrated to other postgraduate researchers how they might utilise their own areas of expertise to develop further student-led initiatives.

Loughborough and Cambridge Universities are championing a new guide which has been developed to support the early career development of research staff. Entitled Signposting Career Paths for Post Doctoral Researchers, the guide has been developed by the Athena Forum – an umbrella organisation that oversees developments designed to advance the career progression and representation of women in science, technology, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) disciplines in UK higher education. The initiative, which was recently launched at the Royal Academy of Engineering in London, is being championed by Loughborough’s Vice Chancellor Professor Shirley Pearce, and Professor Alison Richard from the University of Cambridge. Although the guide was developed for those working within STEMM subjects, it is relevant to all disciplines. It aims to provide accessible, useful and practical advice for individuals starting their careers. To help publicise the guide, a bookmark has been produced to highlight the sources of support available to research staff at their university. It also encourages postdoctoral students to consider ten crucial questions about their career aspirations and the practical issues that might affect their progress. All members of research staff at Loughborough will receive copies of the bookmark, along with a personal letter from Professor Pearce. Professor Steve Rothberg, Dean of Engineering at Loughborough University, said: "Research staff in the STEMM disciplines will play huge roles in delivering economic recovery and future prosperity to the UK. Among them are the academic and business leaders of tomorrow. “Over the last three years we have significantly increased our efforts in support of their career development with a range of targeted initiatives including dedicated careers and professional development support and we are delighted to be championing this vital initiative from the Athena Forum with its special focus on women scientists and engineers." Further information about the Guide and links to sources of support at Loughborough are available at www.lboro.ac.uk/athenaforum http://www.lboro.ac.uk/staff/news/articles/2010/signposts.html