P17 - Cross-institutional researcher development: an Australian success story

Day Day 1
Session Poster presentation
Start time 19:00
Code P17
Presenter

Dr Melissa Hart, Graduate Director, University of New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

Prior to the establishment of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate System Science (ARCCSS), climate research in Australia was lacking capacity and many students undertaking graduate studies in the discipline were lacking a breadth of knowledge and technical skills to fully reach their potential. Within ARCCSS an academic appointment was made dedicated to the development and implementation of a higher degree research program. Our Graduate Director has established a national cross-institutional climate science graduate program. The Program has a curriculum that can be tailored to individual student needs, involves a blended learning and teaching approach, and includes recorded lectures, online resources and remotely delivered seminars, annual climate science winter schools, scientific paper writing workshops, technical training courses, professional development opportunities, and mentorship. Student numbers have more than doubled since the implementation of the program, with students coming from more than 27 countries. Demonstrable success of the program includes students who are completing their degrees well within candidature, with publications in top journals and moving on to positions in top institutions around the world.