This session provides an overview of the nature and purpose of research-based STEM writing. It will be useful for students who are beginning their research projects. In this session, we will consider the characteristics of what makes a ‘good’ piece of science writing and what common weaknesses might occur when engaging in written communication. The session aims to develop critical thinking skills and the ability to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a piece of STEM-based writing.

Who is this for?

This workshop is tailored to PGRs in the STEM disciplines. STEM is an academic term that refers to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - and includes disciplines in the life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and the health sciences.

Stages of PhD

Early 0-14 months

Mid 12-24 months

This workshop gives you the opportunity to think about how to write effective paragraphs. In the first part of the workshop, you will look at and discuss examples, particularly in relation to signposting and structure. In the second part, you will be given some time to write a paragraph that explains an aspect of your research, which you will then share with other workshop attendees. If you prefer, you can bring along a paragraph that you have already written. There will then be time to give each other feedback.

Who is this for?

Stages of PhD

Early 0-14 months

Mid 12-24 months

his workshop will help you think of applications of design concepts to materials you may need during your academic career, such as posters, conference flyers, etc . The workshop will focus on what design is, acknowledging that this is subjective. It will also demonstrate how software like PowerPoint can be used to manipulate and edit images. The goal of this workshop is to create a space for open discussion about the problems faced in academia, as well as to provide a thoughtful critique. Additionally, the goal is to direct the participants towards helpful practices and resources that can make graphic design an easier task and assure them that they are entirely competent to create what they need to communicate their work, and already have the tools to do so.

Participants are encouraged to bring to the workshop any work they may have designed, like conference posters, if they would like to discuss improvements or troubleshoot any issues they have come up against.

Who is this for?

Stages of PhD

Early 0-14 months

Mid 12-24 months

Late 24-finish

Accelerator Series: Time Management

Do you think that you're procrastinating, avoiding work, rubbish at keeping your multiple projects on track? This session will help you identify what are causing your time management challenges and how to deal with them Hear and apply some hints and tips that can work for you come up with an action plan for the next stage, understand how stress can have an impact on your ability to manage multiple tasks and get back on track with new confidence.

Accelerator is a series of sessions which we think is invaluable to getting your PhD off to the best start. There’s no need to attend all of them, and some are repeated at different times/ days throughout the 10 weeks of term.

Who is this for?

Early Stages of PhD (0-14 months)

This workshop will help PGRs think of visualisation methods as a writing aid and a way to switch from writing to “seeing” and “creating” to plan and write for their PhD. This workshop will introduce participants to strategies that can help them visualise, summarise, or express their research using process diagrams, flowcharts, mind maps and timelines. Such visual communication skills can effectively communicate complex research to a general audience and help visualise extensive research projects, academic posters, and other verbo-visual presentations.

Visualisation can also be helpful as a mental exercise. Beyond the above idea of visual communication of research, this workshop can explore ways of visualising goals to feel empowered or plan better. The goal of this workshop is to help the research shift into a different mode of thinking to think of their research in a fresh way, to add to their repertoire of tools for writing and planning and reinforce the idea that their PhD experience is also one of creation and innovation and they have many different avenues available to explore their areas and expertise.

Who is this for?

Stages of PhD

Early 0-14 months

Mid 12-24 months

Late 24-finish