This report outlines the findings from a national evaluation project commissioned by Vitae to establish an evidence base to review the impact of the "How to be an effective researcher" programme for postgraduate researchers. The "How to be effective researcher" programme is a two-day non-residential programme to enhance the effectiveness of postgraduate researchers by building their understanding, skills and confidence in communication, planning and time management, problem solving, leadership and assertiveness. Learning and working styles are explored in the following areas:
- PhD project planning and time management,
- Working effectively with others in the research environment,
- Collaboration and negotiating,
- Culture within research groups, institutions and countries. Since its development the Effective Researcher programme has been delivered at over 30 HEIs and has reached approximately 3000 postgraduate researchers. This has been extensively supported by Vitae including financially supporting the initial development and piloting of the programme, providing free-to-use materials to HEIs, supporting the training of internal facilitators through taster days and by providing access to a pool of experienced facilitators for the programme.