Month: March 2024

Bristol Clear Bulletin- 15th March

Posted on by josie.dunne

Your development matters!

Issued every fortnight, this bulletin for Researchers at Bristol brings you the latest news about personal and career development opportunities, both from inside and outside of the University.
If you have any queries or feedback, please contact the Bristol Clear team, bristol-clear

Focus on

 Understanding Precarity- Invitations for Expressions of Interest

There is growing concern – among the postdoctoral research community and beyond – regarding what is typically described as precarity. However, genuine solutions remain elusive. Here, we will discuss the issues Pathway 2 staff are facing, and share the relevant conversations happening at University level, with funders and in the wider sector. This will include outlining some of the challenges and constraints that exist, and giving participants the opportunity to work in small groups to propose solutions. Ultimately, solutions will only be identified through good faith dialogue and constructive challenge, involving all stakeholders. Our hope is that this session can be a first step towards this.

If you are interested in taking part in this session, please complete this short Expression of interest by 28th March 2024.

This event is sponsored by the Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research Culture.

Upcoming workshops

Places are now available on the following workshops:

  • 20 March 14:00-15:15- Intro to Writing a Grant Proposal [Health and Life Sciences]
  • 21 March 10:00-12:30-Working Towards a Fellowship [Health and Life Sciences] 
  • 22 March 10:00-14:00- Bristol Clear 1:1s
  • 25 March 10:00-12:30- Bristol Clear 1:1s
  • 09 April 14:00-15:00- Introduction to Research Data 
  • 17 April 13:30-15:00- Intro to Research Funding [Arts & SSL]
  • 18 April 12:00-13:00- Career Journeys: Discovering careers outside of academia 
  • 22 April- 14:00-16:30- Managing Research Teams (in person)
  • 23 April 10:00-11:00- Costing a Research Proposal 
  • 24 April 10:00-12:00- Introduction to Research Impact (in person)
  • 25 April 14:00-15:00- Introduction to Commercialisation
  • 25 April 09:30-12:00- How to Peer Review Manuscripts for Journals 
  • 01 May 14:00-15:00- Intro to Writing a Grant Proposal [Arts & SSL]
  • 02 May 10:30-15:30- Networking for Researchers- a strategic approach (in person)
  • 09 May 09:30-12:00- Discovering Career Support for Researchers at Bristol (in person)

To book, please sign in to Develop now and search the catalogue for these course titles. To book a place after registration has closed, please email sd-course@bristol.ac.uk

To see a full list of Bristol Clear and Research in Practice workshops, please see our webpage.

Research-related events and initiatives

Our Voices Matter – Staff Experience Survey 2024 – your opportunity to make your voice heard

As you may have seen, the all staff survey is live and open until 20th March. It covers various aspects such as job satisfaction, personal development, and workplace relationships. As Pathway 2 staff, your input is crucial in driving meaningful improvements for yourself and for your colleagues.

You have the option to complete the survey online or in person at drop-in events organised by the Staff Engagement team (tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided):

  • Senate House, 13th March -SU Loft (Upper GF) / 7:30am -1pm
  • Dental School, 18th March- G.42 / 2pm-5pm
  • Senate House, 19th March- SU Loft (Upper GF) / 7:30am -1pm

Your responses are entirely anonymous, and it only takes about 10 minutes to complete. Additional details and resources can be found on the dedicated SharePoint site. Your participation holds immense value in shedding light on the experiences of Pathway 2 researchers here at Bristol. We urge you to take the opportunity to be heard.

BBSRC ICURe Engage – April 2024- (Wales and Southwest of England focused)

Applications for a new opportunity for bioscience research students/post-docs/research staff across the South West and Wales are now open with the call closing on the 12 April 2024.

This 4-week, part-time program aims to introduce participants to commercialization tools and entrepreneurship opportunities in bioscience research, prioritizing applicants from Wales and the South West of England. Similar programs will run in other UK regions throughout 2024 and early 2025. More details available at https://www.icureprogramme.com/icure-engage/

Contact Sabrina Fairchild at s.fairchild@gw4.ac.uk with any queries.

Inclusive Research Toolkit & Opportunity to participate in train-the-trainer programme

The Inclusive Research Toolkit has been developed to support inclusive research practice. We are currently working on further reviewing and developing the content of the Toolkit, and on supporting its use and implementation through a train-the-trainer programme. We would like to invite you to complete this short form to share your thoughts on the toolkit, and to let us know if you are interested in taking part in a train-the-trainer workshop (in person). These half-day workshops will be held in May/June and numbers are limited. The workshops will be designed to support you with using the toolkit most effectively, and to support inclusive research practice across your Schools.

From Cuttlefish to Clinic: The Enterprise Sessions with Dr Shelby Temple

How do you transition from academia to entrepreneurship? In the latest episode of the Enterprise Sessions, Professor Michele Barbour talks to Dr Shelby Temple about founding his company Azul Optics, a medical device company focused on using innovative screening technologies to improve eye health. Shelby shares how he learned he could pursue commercialisation at Bristol through programmes like SETsquared and ICure. Take a look at the latest episode on the Enterprise Sessions website.

Invitation to AI in Health workshops 18 April, 2 and 20 May 2024

The Elizabeth Blackwell Institute is hosting AI workshops in health research, offering insights into various applications of AI across disciplines. These sessions aim to foster collaborations and enhance capacity for major grant applications. Register for the following workshops:

Open to UoB colleagues, NHS members, and others interested in AI and health research. Contact ebi-events@bristol.ac.uk for inquiries.

Opportunity to transition discoveries beyond the lab

The Division of Research, Enterprise and Innovation and Spin Up Science are offering an ImpactLab for ECRs and PhD candidates. ImpactLab will equip you with holistic skills essential for innovation, leadership, and career success. 

Spin Up Science offers a 1-day training for ECRs and PhD students in life sciences, focusing on developing groundbreaking technology, transitioning discoveries beyond the lab, and mobilizing innovation resources. Hear from local bioscientists about transforming breakthroughs into impactful technologies. Attendance unlocks access to the Bioscientist MBA, a program for validating technology and meeting senior leaders, business owners, and investors.

 Thursday, 9th May, from 09:00 to 17:00, Augustine’s Courtyard, AUGC G-0.9 A & B 

Please contact Diane.Clark@bristol.ac.uk to register your interest. 

Career Development Residential Retreat

This retreat offers Research Associates and Senior Research Associates without an established position at the University of Bristol a chance to focus on career development and connect with peers. Through two days of workshops, participants will clarify their goals, gain confidence, and identify actions to advance their careers. Priority will be given to those facing barriers, including those impacted by Covid-19, and applicants from Black heritage backgrounds. Interested individuals should email Claire Wrixon (Claire.wrixon@bristol.ac.uk) with a 1-page expression of interest. Expenses, including travel and childcare up to £150, can be claimed via the school budget, see the expense policy. Limited spaces available; allocation will be via lottery if oversubscribed.

 Tuesday 14th (overnight) and Wednesday 15th May 2024 (please hold in your diary if you’d like to express interest).

Career development resources from other providers

The Theory of the Postdoc Evolution 

“The Theory of the Postdoc Evolution” podcast, by the Postdoctoral Centre at Queen’s University Belfast, offers career planning insights for postdocs. It features interviews with former postdocs discussing their career journeys and roles post-PhD. Recorded at live events, it covers topics like fellowships and open access.

Listen now!

Bristol Clear Bulletin- 01st March

Posted on by josie.dunne

Your development matters!

Issued every fortnight, this bulletin for Researchers at Bristol brings you the latest news about personal and career development opportunities, both from inside and outside of the University.
If you have any queries or feedback, please contact the Bristol Clear team, bristol-clear

Focus on

Our Voices Matter – Staff Experience Survey 2024

As you may have seen, the all staff survey is now live and is running from February 27th to March 20th. It covers various aspects such as job satisfaction, personal development, and workplace relationships. As Pathway 2 staff, your input is crucial in driving meaningful improvements for yourself and for your colleagues.

You have the option to complete the survey online or in person at drop-in events organised by the Staff Engagement team. Your responses are entirely anonymous, and it only takes about 10 minutes to complete. Additional details and resources can be found on the dedicated SharePoint site.

Your participation holds immense value in shedding light on the experiences of Pathway 2 researchers here at Bristol. We urge you to take the opportunity to be heard.

Upcoming workshops

Places are now available on the following workshops:

  • 05 March 14:00-15:00– Closing Down a Research Project
  • 11 March 10:00-12:30- Bristol Clear 1:1s
  • 12 March 11:00-12:00- Introduction to Research Ethics
  • 13 March 10:00-12:30- Working Towards a Fellowship [Arts & SSL] 
  • 13 March 11:00-12:00- Recruiting Research Staff 
  • 14 March 14:00-15:00- Open Research: Research Data Management and Open Access
  • 20 March 14:00-15:15- Intro to Writing a Grant Proposal [Health and Life Sciences]
  • 21 March 10:00-12:30-Working Towards a Fellowship [Health and Life Sciences] 
  • 25 March 10:00-12:30- Bristol Clear 1:1s
  • 09 April 14:00-15:00- Introduction to Research Data 
  • 17 April 13:30-15:00- Intro to Research Funding [Arts & SSL]
  • 18 April 12:00-13:00- Career Journeys: Discovering careers outside of academia 

To book, please sign in to Develop now and search the catalogue for these course titles. To book a place when registration has closed, please email sd-course@bristol.ac.uk

To see a full list of Bristol Clear and Research in Practice workshops, please see our webpage.

Research-related events and initiatives

Inclusive Research Toolkit & Opportunity to participate in train-the-trainer programme

The Inclusive Research Toolkit has been developed to support inclusive research practice. We are currently working on further reviewing and developing the content of the Toolkit, and on supporting its use and implementation through a train-the-trainer programme. We would like to invite you to complete this short form to share your thoughts on the toolkit, and to let us know if you are interested in taking part in a train-the-trainer workshop (in person). These half-day workshops will be held in May/June and numbers are limited. The workshops will be designed to support you with using the toolkit most effectively, and to support inclusive research practice across your Schools.

Career Development Residential Retreat

This retreat offers Research Associates and Senior Research Associates without an established position at the University of Bristol a chance to focus on career development and connect with peers. Through two days of workshops, participants will clarify their goals, gain confidence, and identify actions to advance their careers. Priority will be given to those facing barriers, including those impacted by Covid-19, and applicants from Black heritage backgrounds. Interested individuals should email Claire Wrixon (Claire.wrixon@bristol.ac.uk) with a 1-page expression of interest. Expenses, including travel and childcare up to £150, can be claimed via the school budget, see the expense policy. Limited spaces available; allocation will be via lottery if oversubscribed.

 Tuesday 14th (overnight) and Wednesday 15th May 2024 (please hold in your diary if you’d like to express interest).

GW4 Event- Tuesday, 12th March

Join the GW4 team at the Claverton Rooms, University of Bath from 13:00- 15:00 on 12th March 2024 for an informative and engaging session, where you can learn more about GW4’s strategic priorities, programmes of work, funding schemes and the audience groups who they work with and support. For further information see https://gw4.ac.uk/events/gw4-roadshow-2024-university-of-bath/

Free lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Please register to attend by 5th March 2024.

UKRN Open Research Train- the- Trainer Opportunity

Interested in Open Research?

Join the free train-the-trainer courses offered by the University of Bristol in partnership with the UK Reproducibility Network, who are recruiting future trainers to lead sessions on pre-registration of studies, open data, preprints, and more. No expertise required—just a passion for learning!

What’s in it for you? Enhance your teaching skills, boost your CV, and receive UKRN accreditation upon completion. Plus, contribute to the development of your colleagues and gain recognition for your professional development. How does it work? Attend a train-the-trainer workshop, deliver at least one training session, and provide supplementary materials. You’ll receive continuous support from the Research Culture team and join a community of Open Research Trainers.

Interested? Contact Marcus Munafò at pa-apvc-researchculture@bristol.ac.uk by Thursday 7th March.

The Elizabeth Blackwell Institute Lunchtime LINKS

Join The Elizabeth Blackwell Institute (EBI) for their upcoming EBI Lunchtime LINKS sessions, designed to foster learning, innovation, networking, knowledge sharing, and support among researchers. Their next session will focus on integrating public engagement into research projects, featuring a guest speaker and Q&A session. Join them on Wednesday, 13th March,  from 12:00 to 13:30 at the Verdon Smith room in Royal Fort House. After the talk, enjoy a light lunch and networking opportunities with peers and representatives from EBI and the Division of Research, Enterprise, and Innovation (DREI). Visit the EBI Events page for more details and to sign up. Stay updated on future EBI LINKS sessions through our intranet site.

Discover SETsquared

Calling all early-stage aspiring entrepreneurs and academics looking to commercialise your research. SETsquared Bristol’s acclaimed incubator is opening its virtual doors on Thursday 14 March, 11am-12 pm. 

Book to attend to find out how its bespoke business support programme can help you grow your business and make an impact in the world. Includes talks from Director, Kimberley Brook, Entrepreneur in Residence, Anna-Lisa Wesley and Sarah Bolt, CEO and Co-founder of alumni company Forth.

Training from other providers

Talking to Titans Podcast

Presented by UCL Minds, Talking to Titans is a podcast delving into gender equality in academia. Hosts Cathy Giangrande and Professor Gudrun Moore engage with seven accomplished women in senior roles at UCL. They explore their diverse career journeys, work-life balance strategies, and insights on navigating challenges.

The podcast tackles key questions on diversity, inclusion, and career advancement. Discussions range from overcoming obstacles in male-dominated environments to the benefits of mentorship and timing for family planning. Each episode features candid conversations and valuable advice from UCL’s senior leadership team.

Listen now!