Academic career development
Training opportunities
Many training courses are available specifically for academics through WMS and Warwick's Learning and Development Centre, including:
- Academic writing
- Translating research for multiple audiences
- Data management
- Public engagement
WMS encourages leadership training for all academic staff. For example, between 2016-2019, 21 staff attended internal leadership courses. We also increased funding from one (2017/18) to six (2018/19) places on the Aurora leadership programme.
Mentoring and shadowing
We run a WMS Academic Mentoring Scheme, which is open to academics of all levels.
To meet the needs of all staff, we're currently piloting an alternative to the one-to-one mentoring model. We currently have three 3:1 mentors/mentee groups where individuals have three mentors, meeting at least annually.
We also have our own shadowing scheme aimed specifically at Early Career Researchers. Eligible academic staff are invited to apply for the opportunity to shadow a senior member of staff for three half days.
We offer our staff the opportunity to observe a Senior Management Group meeting, either as part of this shadowing, or as a stand alone option.
If you would like to observe SMG as a stand-alone option, please contact Susan Watson to book a slot. Please note that you will be expected to observe strict confidentiality if you observe an SMG meeting.
Research active staff networks
There are a range of networks available to researchers within Warwick Medical School, which have the aim of sharing best practice and helping encourage their members to expand their knowledge and experience.
Groups include:
- Women's Academic Network
- Qualitative and Mixed Methods Interest Group
- Central England Rehabilitation Network
- Researcher Integrity Group
- Medical Sociology Interest Group
- Network for Early Career Researchers
Personal Development Review
Our Personal Development Review (PDR) sessions take place every year and provide a framework to enable all employees to have open and regular conversations with their reviewer about their development, role, contributions, achievements and career aspirations.
Research grant support
Our Research and Impact Services team offers a support service to all researchers for grant proposal submissions, including providing advice on research strategy, external research funding, FEC costing, bid development and funding rules and regulations. In addition, the team provides regular workshops and training - including grant writing sessions, mock interviews, internal funding workshops and an annual NIHR Fellowship training event.
Updates on funding opportunities are shared each week in the WMS internal newsletter, as well as through emails and meetings.