Bristol Clear Bulletin- 15th September

Bristol Clear logo

Friday 15th September 2023


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@bristol.ac.uk

In this bulletin:

UKNPAW 2023- Creating connections and rediscovering joy
Announcements
Training from other providers


UKNPAW 2023- Creating connections and rediscovering joy

What is a “Postdoc”?

How similar/different is this across different disciplines, and with the increased focus on interdisciplinary research, how can we communicate and connect across divides?

Starting with a take on the nuances of words by best-selling author and comedian Dave Chawner (https://www.davechawner.co.uk/), followed by conversations and discussion panel led by Prof Ian Sabroe and Dr Dieter Declercq, hosts of the podcast ‘Conversations about Arts, Humanities and Health’, on how to create collaborative environments, break preconceived ideologies, and rediscover the joy that drives us forward with what we do! On the panel will be researchers Dr Claire Burridge (University of Sheffield, history of health and medicine), Dr Élaina Gauthier-Mamaril (University of Edinburgh, philosophy and bioethics), and Dr Mukti Sigh (University of Manchester, protein structure and function).

When: 18th September, 10.30am (expected run time around 1.5 hours, the event will close latest at 12.30pm)

How: Register here https://lovepostdocs.azurelive.net/registration/creating-connections-rediscovering-joy/

Remember you can catch up on previous recorded events as well! Check out the website https://uk-postdoc-appreciation-week.webnode.co.uk/.


person holding a megaphone

Announcements

Changes to how researchers are costed, appointed and developed

The University published principles and guidance on how Research Associates (RAs) and Senior Research Associates (SRAs) are costed on project proposals, and on how roles are designed with scope for development. The key principles are:

  • Identify what type of researcher role a project requires
  • If in doubt, cost researcher roles at Grade J/level b as a minimum
  • Engage with role profiles to recruit to the right level
  • Design roles with scope for development

Connected to the principles and guidance is the change from the process of “Movement from Level a to b” to Promotion up to Senior Lecturer / Senior Research Fellow from 1st April 2024. In the interim period, all line managers of RAs (grade I/ level a) are encouraged to review if the role and responsibilities of the RA are still commensurate with the role profile a for RAs, or if they actually align with the role profile b for SRAs. If the latter is the case, line managers can make a case for Movement from Level a to b for their RA  by  completing and submitting this form until 31st October 2023.


Forging Successful Collaborations with Industry: An Enterprise Masterclass with Anke Te

Are you engaged with industry or enterprise activity? Would you like to get some advice and guidance on how to build effective partnerships? If so then this event might be of interest:

Anike is the Chief Strategy Officer and member of the Strategy Management Group of Lucideon, an international materials design, development, and commercialisation consultancy. In this global-facing role, Anike advises Lucideon on long-term strategic direction and how to develop and commercialise key new activities around technology trends and drivers of the future. As an Aegis Professor for Engineering Biology at the University of Bristol, Anike helps to facilitate cross-disciplinary and collaborative working. She works with the Bristol BioDesign Institute (BBI) as industrial advisor for the translation of synthetic and engineering biology to applications in industry.

Anike has a wide range of experiences in different sectors and positions, various leadership roles and an extensive international network across a variety of industries, academia, and institutions. In this Enterprise Masterclass, Anike will discuss her career and experience working in various sectors and positions, the importance of partnerships between universities and industry, and how to develop successful partnerships.

Thursday 28th September 10:15- 13:00, Beacon House BS8 1SE. Room 4.06

You can secure your place via eventbrite

Please send any queries relating to this event to claire.wrixon@bristol.ac.uk


Career Journeys: discovering careers outside of academia- 28th September
If you’re considering how to progress your career outside of academia and would like to hear from others who have done just this, then this event is for you!
This informal session is focused on the speaker’s personal stories which demonstrate a variety of approaches of transitioning their career from being an academic to using their skills and experience working in a different field.

This month’s speaker will be Dr Jenny Oliver:

  • Jenny completed an undergraduate master’s in pharmacology (with industry placement year) and PhD at Bath University, before undertaking a 3-year laboratory-based postdoctoral research position at Keele University.
  • She joined Bristol University in 2010 as a Research Coordinator for the Bristol (Children’s) Vaccine Centre where she was initially responsible for facilitating several paediatric vaccine trials and establishing the Immunity and Infection Research Tissue Bank. As the team grew, she took on more managerial responsibilities, overseeing staff as well as research projects, and handling all operational aspects from feasibility assessments through to study completion.
  • Jenny now leads the research support team (“admin team”) arm of the Bristol Vaccine Centre, currently consisting of some 50+ staff, and manages the financial, HR and operational planning across all BVC areas.

Thursday 28th September 12:00-13:00, online

Sign up on Develop now!


An Introduction to Co-Produced Research

Do you want to find out more about co-produced research? Thinking of applying to Brigstow for seedcorn funding?

Join Brigstow and Hannah Mumby for a workshop to explore how to use co-produced approaches in research. This event is aimed at anyone wanting to find out about co-produced research and who might also be thinking of applying for seedcorn funding from Brigstow.
More information and registration.

Wed, 4 Oct 2023 12:30 – 16:00. Room 1.68, Queen’s Building, University Walk Bristol BS8 1TR


How can we improve research culture at Bristol

If you have a suggestion, or any thoughts or comments about research culture at Bristol, let us know through this suggestions box.
Contact: If you’d like to discuss research culture, get in touch with Marcus Munafò, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research Culture at marcus.munafo@bristol.ac.uk


Research Culture Uncovered Series

Leeds University are posting weekly podcasts on all matters relating to research culture. During these conversations, Research Culture Uncovered will be asking what is Research Culture and why does it matter?

Recent episodes include:

  • Industrial Research Fellowship and the Research Co-Culture podcast
  • The Future of Research Impact Culture
  • The Research Adjacents

See all Research Culture Uncovered Podcasts– also on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and Google


Enhancing Research Culture: post-project case studies

Over 30 research projects were funded by Research England to enhance the research culture at the University. These projects are now reaching their conclusion, and the Enhancing Research Culture team are looking forward to sharing further information on their findings over the next couple of months. Three project case studies are now available to read: Untold Stories – Challenging research behaviours for study of the past; The Inclusive Research Collective; and Supporting Neurodivergent Research Culture. To learn more, visit the Enhancing Research Culture website.


Training From Other Providers

Follow the link above for details on online training courses currently available

Bristol Clear Bulletin

Bristol Clear logo

Friday 19th May 2023

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@bristol.ac.uk

In this bulletin:

Bristol Clear 1:1s

Upcoming Bristol Clear opportunities

Announcements

Training from other providers


Bristol Clear 1:1s

Do you have a work-related issue that you would like to talk through with someone?
Or would you like to take some time to review your career options?

Bristol Clear offer 30-minute coaching-style sessions to researchers on Pathway 2 to give you an opportunity to talk through work/career issues with an impartial member of the Bristol Clear team.
These sessions give you the space to reflect and consider solutions.

Researchers who have made use of our offer have fed back that they value the opportunity to talk through their issue and feel an enhanced clarity about what next steps to take.

Book an appointment now! 


Upcoming Bristol Clear and Other Opportunities

Places are now available on the following courses:

  • 24 May 09:30-13:00- Working Towards a Lectureship (in person)
  • 06 June 09:30-12:45- Being Strategic About Your Career as a Researcher
  • 07 June 14:00-15:30- Intro to Research Funding [Arts & SSL)
  • 12 June 12:00-13:00- Promotion and End of Contract Q&A
  • 14 June 13:30-17:00- Strong Roots (in person) 
  • 15 June 10:00-13:00- Interview Confidence
  • 20 June 10:00-13:00- Developing Your Career Plan (in person)
  • 21 June 13:30-17:00- Working Towards a Lectureship (STEM) in person
  • 28 June 14:00-15:00- Intro to Writing a Grant Proposal (Arts + SSL) 
  • 29 June 10:00-12:30-  How to Peer Review Manuscripts for Journals (in person)

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


person holding a megaphone

Announcements

How can we improve research culture at Bristol
If you have a suggestion, or any thoughts or comments about research culture at Bristol, let us know through this suggestions box.
Contact: If you’d like to discuss research culture, get in touch with Marcus Munafò, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research Culture at marcus.munafo@bristol.ac.uk


Handling Challenging Conversations
Wednesday 24th May, 09.30-12.30
This course will support you to have effective and positive conversations both face-to-face and virtually. We will focus on adopting a coaching approach to these conversations and will use a range of practical tools and techniques to develop confidence. Enrol via Develop.


SETsquared Idea2Pitch event
Do you have a great business idea, but don’t know where to start? Or are you unsure what to do in order to grow your technology company? SETSquared Bristol’s Idea2Pitch will help hone your ideas, and shape them into a pitch for gaining interest or support in your venture. Reserve your free spot here!


Histories of Tobacco
Watershed, 1 Canon’s Road Bristol BS1 5TX
2PM – 5PM
The use and trade of tobacco has a long and complex history, and is intertwined with a number of national and global social issues. The history of tobacco provides an insightful and though-provoking perspective on the past, but also a reminder that what is uncontroversial today may be viewed very differently in the future.

We are delighted to be joined by experts in the field including: Ian Tyrrell, Emeritus Professor of History at the University of New South Wales, who brings a wealth of expertise and academic insight into the sociopolitical history of tobacco use, advertising and subsequent health reforms, and Patricia Nez Henderson, a University of Yale alumna and indigenous North American scholar, who became the first indigenous President of the Society for Research on Nicotine or Tobacco.

Join us to learn about:

  • Tobacco as a sacred product, and its colonization
  • The social history of tobacco
  • The (re)discovery of tobacco’s harms and subsequent education campaign

Register via Eventbrite


Celebrating Technicians
Reception Room, Wills Memorial Building
11:30AM – 2PM

Technicians are a vital part of the research process, supporting and furthering innovative and ground-breaking research endeavours across all Schools and Faculties at the University of Bristol. This event focuses on the past, present and future of the role of technicians in academia.

We’ll be joined by Kelly Vere MBE, Higher Education Engagement Manager and Technician Commitment Programme Director, along with Andy Connelly, writer for Technician Journey, and Catrin Harris, Technical Community Research Fellow for the Talent Project, University of Nottingham. Hear three talks on the role of technicians contributing to the success of research projects across the U.K.’s research landscape.

Join us to;

  • Celebrate the excellent work carried out by technicians in the research space
  • Join the discussion with an expert panel on the importance of technical support in research
  • Network with academic, technical and professional services colleagues and forge new links across the University

Catering (canapes, drinks and snacks) will be provided at this free event.

Register via Eventbrite


MRC Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) 2023 – Deadline 5th July

The MRC IAA is now open for applications! Applicants can now apply for funding that aims to support the translation of scientific discoveries in Bristol’s portfolio intervention with broad, lasting impact on human health.

Translational research is the application of fundamental research to create innovations in the diagnosis, treatment, management, or prevention of disease.  Applicants can apply for up to £100,000 for translational projects lasting 6-12 months.

If you would like to apply and read more about the scheme, please visit out SharePoint page here. If you would like to speak to one of the team about your project and whether it is eligible for the scheme, please contact lucy.lilwall@bristol.ac.uk


Working with Industry – exciting development opportunity for those who want to work with industry!

We are excited to announce that we will be holding a valuable set of workshop series for technicians and researchers who want to work with Industry. The workshops will be focusing on how to utilise an opportunity with to work with industry, how to engage with industry and how to effectively communicate with industry partners. These workshops are open to technicians and researchers who are interested in furthering their relationship with industry or want start a new one. These workshops are free to attend and have been funded by the Impact Development team.There are three workshops available to attend in June which will be online via Zoom, for more information and a chance to sign up for this extremely beneficial opportunity, please visit this eventbrite page

Any questions, please contact lucy.lilwall@bristol.ac.uk.


Research Culture Uncovered Series
Leeds University are posting weekly podcasts on all matters relating to research culture. During these conversations, Research Culture Uncovered will be asking what is Research Culture and why does it matter?
See all Research Culture Uncovered Podcasts– also on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Google and Develop.


BBSRC FTMA Tools and Technologies Translational Support Fund
Gain exclusive access to an external expert to help you to develop plans for the translation or commercialisation of research tools and enabling technologies arising from research in the BBSRC remit. If you have a research tool or enabling technology project that you would like to progress, this is a unique and worthwhile opportunity for project teams that sit within the BBSRC remit (which must include and ECR) to access 1:1 mentoring with our new Entrepreneur in Resident Tajinder Mattu expert in the relevant field.

We are looking for innovative technologies to address current challenges/bottlenecks in human health & disease, agriculture, and animal health. Supported activities might include:

  • Developing translational plans
  • Understanding industry needs
  • Support for introductory conversations with potential project partners
  • Exploring applications of technologies and markets

If you would like to benefit from this exciting opportunity, please download the application form which can be found on the Sharepoint Page. If you have any questions, please contact lucy.lilwall@bristol.ac.uk and susie.maier@bristol.ac.uk 


Gain exclusive access to an external expert to take your research to the next level!
Would you like to have a free 1-2-1 expert consultation with one of our Experts in Residents?
Taj Mattu and Richard Seabrook are available to offer you specialist advice and support to develop your research through the translational pathway. They both have a combined wealth of crucial knowledge, having experience working in industry and directing their own businesses (360 Biomedical Ltd, Nidor Diagnostics). Both Taj and Richard are more than happy to talk to researchers to help advance their research and offer any advise on licensing, IP and academic translation.
If you would like to set up a consultation with Richard or Taj, please contact lucy.lilwall@bristol.ac.uk


Researcher support tools
The Research Application and Award Lifecycle describes the processes to follow from having an  initial idea for a research project, to securing funding, through to project delivery and using project outputs. To clarify, simplify and strengthen the current process, a suite of researcher support tools is now available on the RED SharePoint site.
These tools will be piloted until early 2023 when engagement will be reviewed with a view to rolling out permanently. If you have any questions or feedback about the tools or the wider End-to-End project, please contact the project manager: katie.glenton-wall@bristol.ac.uk.


Enhancing Research Culture: post-project case studies
Over 30 research projects were funded by Research England to enhance the research culture at the University. These projects are now reaching their conclusion, and the Enhancing Research Culture team are looking forward to sharing further information on their findings over the next couple of months. Three project case studies are now available to read: Untold Stories – Challenging research behaviours for study of the past; The Inclusive Research Collective; and Supporting Neurodivergent Research Culture. To learn more, visit the Enhancing Research Culture website.


Training From Other Providers

Follow the link above for details on online training courses currently available

Bristol Clear Bulletin

Bristol Clear logo

Friday 05th May 2023

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@bristol.ac.uk

In this bulletin:

Access to Teaching Opportunities: please let us know about your experience

Upcoming Bristol Clear opportunities

Announcements

Training from other providers


feedback image

Access to Teaching Opportunities: please let us know about your experience

Have you been involved in teaching activities? Would you like to teach but have not had any opportunity to do so?

Please let us know about your access to teaching opportunities by completing this short survey.

This survey is open to all research staff in a Pathway 2 (P2) role at the University. The focus of this survey is to collect data on access to teaching opportunities for research staff to monitor the implementation of the Policy on teaching opportunities for P2 staff.


 Upcoming Bristol Clear and Other Opportunities

Places are now available on the following courses:

  • 09 May 11:00-12:15- Intro to Research Funding (Health & Life Sciences) waiting list
  • 11 May 10:00-13:00- Presenting with Confidence for Researchers
  • 16 May 19:30-16:30- Project Management Tools for Managing your Research Project (in person)
  • 16 May 10:00-12:00- Optimising your LinkedIn Profile (in person) waiting list
  • 17 May 10:30-15:30- Networking for Researchers- A Strategic Approach (in person) 
  • 18 May 12:00-13:00- Career Journeys: Discovering Careers Outside of Academia 
  • 24 May 09:30-13:00- Working Towards a Lectureship (in person)
  • 06 June 09:30-12:45- Being Strategic About Your Career as a Researcher
  • 07 June 14:00-15:30- Intro to Research Funding [Arts & SSL)
  • 12 June 12:00-13:00- Promotion and End of Contract Q&A
  • 14 June 13:30-17:00- Strong Roots (in person) 
  • 15 June 10:00-13:00- Interview Confidence
  • 20 June 10:00-13:00- Developing Your Career Plan (in person)
  • 21 June 13:30-17:00- Working Towards a Lectureship (STEM) in person
  • 28 June 14:00-15:00- Intro to Writing a Grant Proposal (Arts + SSL) 
  • 29 June 10:00-12:30-  How to Peer Review Manuscripts for Journals (in person)

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


person holding a megaphone

Announcements

How can we improve research culture at Bristol
If you have a suggestion, or any thoughts or comments about research culture at Bristol, let us know through this suggestions box.
Contact: If you’d like to discuss research culture, get in touch with Marcus Munafò, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research Culture at marcus.munafo@bristol.ac.uk

Developing Effective Conversations (Coaching skills)
This interactive programme (2 x face-to-face half days and 1 x 2hr online session) will empower and equip you to use this style in your management/leadership role. For more information please click here.

Workshop dates (3 parts)
•    Workshop 1 (face-to-face): Tues 9 May, 9:30am-1pm
•    Action Learning (online): Mon 12 June, 11am-1pm
•    Workshop 2 (face-to-face): Thurs 20 July, 2pm-4:30pm


BBSRC Impact Acceleration Account – deadline for applications 11th May 
The Division of Research, Enterprise and Innovation are pleased to announce the BBSRC Impact Acceleration Account call is now open for 2023. Two competitive awards will support projects which de-risk early translation, explore potential markets, advance the translation of research or engage relevant partners.  All pathway staff may apply.  Funding must be spent by 31st March 2024. The application form and guidelines can be found on the SharePoint page here.

  • Concept Development Award – Concept development awards of up to £10,000 for pilot studies to demonstrate the concept of a proposed solution to a societal need.
  • Impact Plus Award – Awards of up to £40,000 For projects with a clear opportunity and route to market; and for projects with a clear route to external funding such as BBSRC Follow On Fund. Projects will be developed with our Commercialisation Managers and will include a statement on commercial potential and IP position, cash/in-kind contributions from industry and/or a market analysis to ensure value for money and a strong position for further investment..

If you have any questions regarding the call, please contact lucy.lilwall@bristol.ac.uk.


Grab a slice of the media limelight…
Are you an academic, researcher or PhD candidate who wants to highlight your research and expertise to a global public audience?
The Conversation is a popular news analysis and evidence-based opinion website featuring content written by academics, with editorial support from professional journalists. The articles, routinely picked up by other major national and international media titles, have a monthly audience of 14 million in the UK and more than 64 million across the world. To help you make the most of this great opportunity, a one-hour online media training session is being held on Wednesday, 17 May at 2pm and everyone is welcome.
The interactive session will:

  • Give pointers on how to create a winning written pitch
  • Explain different approaches and article types
  • Offer tips on style, tone, and structure for writing the piece.

Plenty of examples will be provided for illustration and you’ll also be walked through The Conversation’s editorial process. The session is free to attend – simply sign up here to secure your place. Numbers are limited so book in now!


Healthtech social 17th May 
To celebrate the first theme in this year’s Event Series exploring all things healthtech, join DREI on Wednesday 17th May for an informal get together with folk from the cluster. Come along to share your healthtech related thoughts, challenges, asks and advice, all helped along with refreshments and pizza.

Whether you’re a digital health startup looking to make new connections, a biotech scaleup seeking investment, a funder seeking promising projects, or an academic looking to collaborate with industry innovators, register today to connect, innovate and collaborate.

To sign up for this event, please visit this eventbrite page.


Handling Challenging Conversations
Wednesday 24th May, 09.30-12.30
This course will support you to have effective and positive conversations both face-to-face and virtually. We will focus on adopting a coaching approach to these conversations and will use a range of practical tools and techniques to develop confidence. Enrol via Develop.


SETsquared Idea2Pitch event
Do you have a great business idea, but don’t know where to start? Or are you unsure what to do in order to grow your technology company? SETSquared Bristol’s Idea2Pitch will help hone your ideas, and shape them into a pitch for gaining interest or support in your venture. Reserve your free spot here!


Rapid Research funding for interdisciplinary health research
The Elizabeth Blackwell Institute has short-term funding available to support interdisciplinary health-related research activities (including development of approaches and connections, coordination work or research) in preparation for external grant applications.
Full details and application form are on the Institute Funding page. Application deadline is midday 25 May 2023 and funding needs to be spent by 31 July 2023. We are supporting health-related research in any context, encourage participation of colleagues from all Faculties and are particularly interested in the following areas:

  • equitable and sustainable health
  • climate, environment and health
  • infectious disease research
  • mental health

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Nina Couzin, to discuss ideas, or Sarah Blackmore on ebi-health@bristol.ac.uk for process queries.


Working with Industry- exciting development opportunity for those who want to to work with Industry
We are excited to announce that we will be holding a valuable set of workshop series for technicians and researchers who want to work with Industry. The workshops will be focusing on how to utilise an opportunity with to work with industry, how to engage with industry and how to effectively communicate with industry partners. These workshops are open to technicians and researchers who fit within the BBSRC remit, and who are interested in furthering their relationship with industry or want start a new one. These workshops are free to attend and have been funded by the Impact Development team. There are three workshops available to attend in June which will be online via Zoom, for more information and a chance to sign up for this extremely beneficial opportunity, please visit this eventbrite page.

Any questions, please contact lucy.lilwall@bristol.ac.uk.


Research Culture Uncovered Series
Leeds University are posting weekly podcasts on all matters relating to research culture. During these conversations, Research Culture Uncovered will be asking what is Research Culture and why does it matter?
See all Research Culture Uncovered Podcasts– also on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Google and Develop.


BBSRC FTMA Tools and Technologies Translational Support Fund
Gain exclusive access to an external expert to help you to develop plans for the translation or commercialisation of research tools and enabling technologies arising from research in the BBSRC remit. If you have a research tool or enabling technology project that you would like to progress, this is a unique and worthwhile opportunity for project teams that sit within the BBSRC remit (which must include and ECR) to access 1:1 mentoring with our new Entrepreneur in Resident Tajinder Mattu expert in the relevant field.

We are looking for innovative technologies to address current challenges/bottlenecks in human health & disease, agriculture, and animal health. Supported activities might include:

  • Developing translational plans
  • Understanding industry needs
  • Support for introductory conversations with potential project partners
  • Exploring applications of technologies and markets

If you would like to benefit from this exciting opportunity, please download the application form which can be found on the Sharepoint Page. If you have any questions, please contact lucy.lilwall@bristol.ac.uk and susie.maier@bristol.ac.uk 


Gain exclusive access to an external expert to take your research to the next level!
Would you like to have a free 1-2-1 expert consultation with one of our Experts in Residents?
Taj Mattu and Richard Seabrook are available to offer you specialist advice and support to develop your research through the translational pathway. They both have a combined wealth of crucial knowledge, having experience working in industry and directing their own businesses (360 Biomedical Ltd, Nidor Diagnostics). Both Taj and Richard are more than happy to talk to researchers to help advance their research and offer any advise on licensing, IP and academic translation.
If you would like to set up a consultation with Richard or Taj, please contact lucy.lilwall@bristol.ac.uk


Researcher support tools
The Research Application and Award Lifecycle describes the processes to follow from having an  initial idea for a research project, to securing funding, through to project delivery and using project outputs. To clarify, simplify and strengthen the current process, a suite of researcher support tools is now available on the RED SharePoint site.
These tools will be piloted until early 2023 when engagement will be reviewed with a view to rolling out permanently. If you have any questions or feedback about the tools or the wider End-to-End project, please contact the project manager: katie.glenton-wall@bristol.ac.uk.


Enhancing Research Culture: post-project case studies
Over 30 research projects were funded by Research England to enhance the research culture at the University. These projects are now reaching their conclusion, and the Enhancing Research Culture team are looking forward to sharing further information on their findings over the next couple of months. Three project case studies are now available to read: Untold Stories – Challenging research behaviours for study of the past; The Inclusive Research Collective; and Supporting Neurodivergent Research Culture. To learn more, visit the Enhancing Research Culture website.


Training From Other Providers

Follow the link above for details on online training courses currently available

Social Media – What value for me, and my career?

What value for me?

If you are itching to Tweet and Post and B/Vlog and Snap and Tik and… you might want to go straight on to the next section.

However, we think that, before you do, it’s a good idea to pause and consider how Social Media can benefit you and your career. That’s because, although Social Media can support you at all stages of the research cycle, it requires an investment of time (although not as much as you may fear). So, it’s important to minimise confusion and wasted time by working out why you might engage with it, so that you can engage most effectively.

A useful analogy for many of the sites we’ll consider is to view them as an empty room into which you will invite people or a room full of people with a shared interest. You have control over who to invite into your empty room and control over which rooms you enter, but little control over what people say in them – just as in physical environments.

What do you need?

With this in mind let’s start by thinking about what you need to hear and see in those rooms to help you.

  • Do you need to find out how to be a researcher, meet others who will support you to move to research independence, or address an audience of people eager to hear from you as a leader in the field?
  • Are you looking to discover and join academic and other professional networks? Share knowledge with them? Or recruit people to help set up new networks from scratch?
  • Are you trying to explain your ideas to a new audience? Challenge existing ideas?
  • Do you need to be recognised for what you share? Or are you just ‘giving things away’?

Where you’re up to in your career, and where you want to go next will shape what you do… for example:

Doctoral researchers need to manage the demands of their PhD, keep on top of literature and developments in their field, disseminate their work, maintain their momentum, develop their employability, write a thesis, prepare to defend their work in the viva and prepare for the transition into whatever will follow.

  • Who could help you find ways to tackle these demands?
  • What information would help you understand academia and research?

Postdoctoral and contract based research staff need to develop a research profile, develop their independence, disseminate their work and ensure it has maximum impact, understand the funding landscape, develop links to future collaborators, be aware of opportunities and again, be ready for the end of their contracts and what will follow.

  • Who needs to be aware of you and your work?
  • What information or opportunities would help you be more successful?

Established researchers need to develop new research ideas, publish work which is important and influences their field, attract new students and staff, build relationships with partners to enhance impact, manage their time and prioritise effectively, add value to their institution and research community, find partners for projects and proposals and demonstrate their esteem in their field and community.

  • What individuals or communities do you want to connect with? 
  • What kind of influence and impact would you like to have?

Deepening your knowledge of academic careers

Given that you will be building your profile and contributing material potentially for many years, you also need to look ahead in your career and think about future challenges and demands.

Many online resources are available to help you think about these demands and broaden your thinking about your current situation. Note that these aren’t solely focused on social media although we discovered them through social media – either through the individuals or organisations that produced them or seeing them recommended and discussed by others.

The University of Manchester’s “An Academic Career” site includes advice and insights into the demands and opportunities ahead.

Jobs.ac.uk includes a substantial careers advice section with many different articles and a series of e-books on different aspects of academic careers

Oxford University’s Apprise site brings together resources from a range of projects aimed at those in the early stages of an academic pathway and includes prompts for personal reflection.

The Wellcome Trust offers a guide detailing the kinds of things to think about for those returning to academic careers after a break, or other time away.

Vitae, a national organization for researcher development, has published a series of reports on the destinations and subsequent career paths of doctoral graduates.

There are also offline sources, like Liz Elvidge, Emma Williams and Carol Spencely’s “What every postdoc needs to know” (summary here) – a book that breaks down the whole postdoctoral career journey, and asks challenging questions that you might want to consider.

What are the challenges that you’re facing now? At the next stage? In 5 years? In 10 years?

With these challenges in mind, if you now feel ready to explore the role of social media in your career, the next section will provide an overview of social media and the platforms available.

If you aren’t ready to move on yet, you can work through the more detailed questions in the worksheet and arrange to discuss your thoughts about your career challenges with a colleague or mentor.

Social Media – A series for researchers

Social Media offers researchers huge potential to communicate with a range of audiences. Researchers who have developed an effective social media presence will talk about the ease with which they can engage people, strengthen their networks and receive key information. Reaping the benefits requires an investment of time, but just as with established networking, there are strategies to hit the ground running, to benefit more quickly and have a greater impact.

Current limitations on social interaction, and focus on working from home means that not only is Social Media particularly useful now to maintain visibility for present and future posts, but that researchers may have more time than before to engage in developing a Social Media presence.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be publishing a series of blog posts to help researchers to better understand the potential of social media to enhance their research activities and develop a strong, credible profile. We’ll look at the key sites and tools, and guide you through a process to evaluate any new networks you encounter.

If you’re familiar with social media, the posts will help you reflect on your communication style and career objectives, investigate unfamiliar platforms and learn from the experiences and advice of other researchers.

The posts are structured into five sections. Each will include an overview, links to resources which explore the topic in more detail and a worksheet designed to help you reflect on your approach and set clear objectives. The sections are written to help you:

  1. Reflect on your career and how social media might add value
  2. Navigate both generic and research-based social media options
  3. Relate the potential of social media to your career and research goals
  4. Communicate effectively, efficiently and appropriately online
  5. Evaluate and develop your online impact and ambitions

This resource is designed be a relatively concise starting point to the world of social media, so it covers the headlines for each topic and where necessary points to the detail available in a range of articles, books and guides on the web. These will all vary in depth, perspective and age, so you can choose how much to dig into the detail.

Watch this space for the next post… !

Online Writers’ Retreats… what you do when you can’t meet up!

If you search the Internet for writing retreats, you’ll find all kind of images that involve groups of people sat, with laptops, around a table… like this:

group of writers around a table, each with their own laptop

There’s a very good reason for this. When Rowena Murray did her initial work on structured retreats back in 2009, she found that key to success was the ‘doing together’ that comes from all being in the same place at the same time.

Writers on our retreats have told us the same.

“It helps me push through, when I get stuck and I might get distracted and give up, being with others who are also writing means I don’t stop… I keep trying, and eventually I work out how to get past the problem and I can move on.”

What do you do, then, when – like now – you can’t be in the same room? (more…)

Creating the best culture for researchers to thrive

…is the aim of the recently updated “Concordat to support the Career Development of Researchers”. In an earlier blogpost we offered some of our reflections and thoughts on what the 2019 version of the Concordat might look like. Now that the updated Concordat is published, and we as the University of Bristol have signed up to it, what does it actually mean?

We are all responsible for creating a positive environment to thrive in

The Concordat sets out that the responsibility for implementing the Concordat, and therefore the responsibility for creating a positive culture in which researchers can thrive, is a joint responsibility. We are all responsible for creating this change. We, that is institutions (the University), funders, managers of researchers (PIs, Heads of Schools), and last but not least researchers (you!).

This means that the University of Bristol will be working to create the work environment, policies and practices which will allow researchers to thrive. The University is developing an action plan for the implementation of the Concordat, which it will be held accountable for.

We will be working with managers of researchers to offer support and information to help them support you effectively.

And we will be supporting you as researchers directly, by continuing to offer you development opportunities, career support and clarity, and by working closely with you to identify what support you need the most.

But no support, no policy, no action plan will make any difference if individuals don’t play their part in the story. Only if we all work together towards this goal of creating a positive and supportive culture is there a chance for it to become reality.

 

What can you do?

As a first step, familiarise yourself with the Concordat and reflect on its expectations of you. Start having conversations with your PI/manager about the Concordat, and explore together how you can use this as a framework to create this positive environment, and to develop your career.

You may want to map your skills against the Researcher Development Framework and use this as a starting point for your continuing development. Check for staff development opportunities, 1:1 appointments, find mentors if you haven’t got any already (you may want to use the Bristol Clear Mentoring Scheme which has 2 cohort intakes per year), and talk to your Rep if you have any suggestions or would like to highlight any issues.

We believe that together we can make a difference, so we are looking forward to continuing to talk to, and work with, you over the coming weeks and months.

 

Find your Why…

We all know that we’re researchers… and that researchers research stuff… But, if I asked you to tell me why you do what you do in one sentence, could you tell me?

If you can’t – then perhaps you need to find your why.

Find your Why’ is a concept created by Simon Sinek who believes that each of us has a ‘why’ at our core. Our ‘why’ affects the decisions we make and is the inner driver for why we do what we do. Our ‘why’ is the reason we get out of bed in the morning, the thing that makes our lives worth living.

Sinek believes that most of us know what we do…. “I’m a Research Associate”

He believes that we know how we do it … “I run tests in a lab / I create new technologies /I look at the worlds history/ I study the earth etc….”

But most of us never stop to think about why we do what we do.

Finding your ‘why’ is all about digging deep to explore who you are as a whole and find that unique ‘why’ that makes you tick.

Why is ‘why’ Important?

Why is important for you on a personal level because you’ll find energy a lot more sustainable if you act in harmony with your why. When you are faced with choices, if you are making a decision that aligns with your why, then that decision is likely to bring you greater fulfilment and contentment than a decision that goes against your ‘why’. Knowing your why can help you to show up as who you want to be in the world.

But why is also very important for us as researchers because the ‘why’ of research is what hooks people’s interest and gets them to back what we do.

Consider these examples:

“I analyse microbes. My research is ground-breaking. It could change the world.”

“I change the world. I do it by carrying out groundbreaking health research. I analyse microbes.”

Who would you rather listen to?

How to discover your why…

Whys are strange things – because they tend to float to the surface in everything that you do.

Simon Sinek’s why is “To inspire people to do the things that inspire them so that, together, we can change our world”, and this has come out in all the different areas of work that he’s been involved in.

So, sometimes it’s enough to just look back and see if there’s a common thread.

Mike – for example – has worked in education, in a bank, for a charity, with children, and now with researchers… but in all those situations, he’s found himself challenging people to recognise that the way things are isn’t the way that they have to be… and to see that change is possible.

Katie – for example – has worked in a museum, for a council, as a self-employed artist, and now as a researcher development advisor… but in all those situations, she’s gravitated towards supporting people to make the most of the opportunities that they have.

What if it’s not that simple?

If you can’t see a common thread, then you can start to ask yourself…

What do you do?

… Why?

… And why is that important?

… And why is that important? 

… And… (guess what?)… why?

Or start to ask yourself deep questions (!)

“If you knew you were about to die, what’s the one message you’d like to leave behind for people to think about?”

Or more superficial ones.

“If you went to work in a [insert completely different sector here], what’s the job that you’d really like to do there?”

Try and write a ‘Why statement.’

When you have some ideas, then try and write a ‘why statement’.

Mike: “I believe Higher Education could be radically different… so I try to model new forms of research environment at the UoB… I work in researcher development”.

Katie: “I believe that people are important… so, I set up opportunities for people to develop… I organise the Bristol Clear mentoring scheme”.

You: “I believe that… so I …. I do…  ”

Start living your why

Some people may find their ‘why’s’ quite quickly but for others it may not be so obvious or instant (Katie still struggles to find hers). It may be something you need to explore for weeks, months or years in order to clarify it, and that’s ok.  The closer we get to finding our ‘why’s’ then the more we can live in harmony with it.

Finding your why can potentially be quite alarming. You may find that you have strayed away from your why and that you are doing something that you don’t want to do or behaving in a way you don’t want to behave. It may require you to make a change in some area of your life which can be scary. However, by taking steps towards living our why it will always lead to a more purpose filled life.

So next time you have a big decision to make, an event where you’ll be networking with others or you’re thinking about how to start your grant application… consider starting with why.

Resources:

Simon Sinek webpage

Find your why Book – by Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek – Ted Talk

Bristol Clear – Year round up

And…. that’s a wrap! This week saw the last workshops that Bristol Clear will run for this academic year. Here is a round-up of what’s been on offer since our launch last October, and what we’ve learned for next year.

Before that, though, we have to say thank you… to you! If you didn’t attend the training, participate in writing retreats, book onto 1:1’s, sign up for mentoring, complete our surveys, or read any of our emails, we’d be finishing the year empty-handed. But because you get involved, we have masses to show for the last year.

Training

We’ve run 36 training sessions across the year and trained 530 people. (that’s over a third of the entire research staff community at Bristol!).

This year’s training was similar to last year’s, covering a range of topics that draws on the full scope of the Researcher Development Framework. Topics like careers, grants, writing & publishing, engagement, policy, communication & impact, research project management and personal effectiveness.

What we did differently this year was release the training schedule further in advance to allow you to sign up earlier. This has encouraged people to plan their training better… so we’ll be doing that again next year.

What we also need to do next year is let you know more about what’s coming up closer to the date. So that you can book on, and take advantage of any drop-outs, if you missed the original call.

Careers drop-in

Careers drop-ins were a new initiative this year, 19 were run across the latter half of the year. These sessions give you space to do your own careers research, check a CV, ask a question, or work on job or grant applications. We make laptops available so that you can explore online careers tools, a growing bank of our own online guidance, books and other resources aimed specifically at postdoctoral career level and a quiet space for you to focus.

These have been growing in popularity, but we think we can do more to advertise them… after all, you told us in CROS that you don’t have time to develop your career outside of your normal daily work – and these drop-ins provide just that opportunity.

Writers Retreats’

A day where you can step out of your norm and focus solely on writing – what a luxury! We saw how much you valued these sessions and so this year upped the number of writers retreats’ to one a month. We ran 9 in total at nearly full capacity each time!

Just think what you could achieve by taking out just one full day a month to write!

1:1’s

75 of you have taken advantage of a half-hour coaching session with one of our staff development officers. These are often about careers decisions. But we’ve also talked about things like prioritising writing, negotiating the authorship position you want on a paper, and planning a tricky conversation with a PI.

Mentoring

In September 2018 we launched the Bristol Clear Mentoring Scheme. We’ve run two cohorts so far (Sept 2018, and March 2019) and created 37 (you tell us ‘high quality’) mentor/mentee matches. The scheme will open to all faculties come September 2019 and we’d expect it to then grow considerably.

Alongside one to one matches, we’ve run Academic journeys events, where academics talk candidly about their own journeys through mentoring. We’ve also run several peer to peer events when staff could practice mentoring with each other and gain the benefits of being mentored by a peer.

Writefest

In November, we worked with the Bristol Doctoral College to run a month focused on academic writing. Throughout the month there were 3 video shorts containing 9 writing tips, 9 book reviews on how to write books, 5 weeks of activities, 4 drop-in writing days, 4 writing workshops, 3 thesis boot camp days, 3 writer’s retreats and 373,000 (approx) words written! Phew… roll on WriteFest2019!

The Post Doc Residential

In May 2019 we ran a 2-day residential for new postdocs. Those who attended spent two days, away from their everyday work, thinking about questions like: Where have you come from? Where are you heading? What are your values? Why do you do what you do? How can you be as productive as possible, and What do you need to do next?

Feedback was generally very positive, with some good ideas about how to improve the experience. One person found it truly transformative, saying

It was fantastic! I came away completely different, I’ve never had a professional development experience like this, it changed the way I feel about my career. I would like more early career staff to be able to experience this

More Communication:

In addition to these events, we’ve renewed and reshaped some of our communication. We’re now using Twitter (@UoB_Researchers), and have introduced this blog – which has run 35 blog posts through the year. We’ve also introduced the weekly Friday bulletins to keep you all up to date with what’s going on.

And other things:

And then there are lots of other things that we also do that are probably less visible: support the Reps network and the work of the Research Staff Working Party, meet with Heads of School, run the CROS survey, etc.

They are hugely important, though, as they support everything else that we aim to do.

This summer, particularly, we’ll be working on analysing the CROS data, and getting an action plan ready for next year.

And that will also detail our programme for next year, so look out on our webpages and blog for updates on what we’ll be doing for 2019/2020!

NEW Early Career and Post PhD funding for Industry engagement and skills training from the BBSRC

Forwarded from RED:

BBSRC have awarded the University of Bristol £251K to run a Flexible Talent Mobility Account (FTMA 2) until 31st December 2021.

The FTMA is targeted at talented early career researchers (ECRs), postdoctoral researchers, PhD students who have submitted their thesis and those early in their career who are equivalent to BBSRC David Phillips Fellows or equivalent from industry (PGRs) who have the potential to be the next generation of leaders within UK academic and industrial research.

(Translation: This means that the UoB has been given funds to support researchers to spend time training and preparing to move (or to be ready to move) outside of academia and into industry (usually) – see below for what can be applied for – usually secondments, placements, or other specific ‘mobility’ training).

The deadline is the 11th February.

The focus areas are:

1) Innovation Fellowships. Through awards of up to £20,000 we will support the mobility of talented ECRs and industrialists to realise the potential of their research and innovation. Secondments will take place in areas which align to Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) themes of: ‘early diagnosis and precision medicine, leading-edge healthcare, transforming food production, and manufacturing and materials’. The duration and nature of each secondment will be determined case-by-case. Secondments may be up to 6 months, carried out as a block of time or a series of shorter visits, to maximise exposure to different research environments and technologies and to facilitate new interactions or support established collaborations. Inward secondments to the University will be designed to align with company needs. International mobility: 25% of the funding available is ring-fenced as part of the Rutherford Fund, to recruit researchers from outside of the United Kingdom (including UK Nationals) to live and work in the UK for the duration of their award. See Guidance and Innovation Fellowship Application form.
Funded Awards need to be spent by 31/12/2021.

2) Innovation Placements. These awards are up to £15,000 to support Submitted Postgraduate Students (S-PGs) to second into Industry for up to 3 months. Projects should align to the ISCF themes given above. We are looking for novel ideas that develop new collaborations with Industrial partners and have a transformative impact on the careers of our talented students. See Guidance and Innovation Placement Application form.
Funded Awards need to be spent by 31/11/2020.

3) Prospective Engagement Awards of up to £1,000 to support ECRs on short visits to companies of interest in the UK and abroad to explore secondment and collaboration opportunities. We want this fund to help develop ECR’s/PGR’s own relationships with Industry and develop their own network and understanding of industry prioritises, aiming to create the next generation of Research Industrialists. Eligible costs are travel and subsistence. See Guidance and Prospective Engagement Application form.
Funded Awards need to be spent by 31/12/2021.

4) Skills Development and Training awards enabling ECRs to take training opportunities tailored to their development needs: these may be internal or external courses and seminars. The ambition of the fund is to create a step change in the translational culture of our ECRs by enabling them to acquire new translational skills, recognise innovative starting points for translation. Eligible costs are course, travel and subsistence costs. See Guidance and Training Application form.
Funded Awards need to be spent by 31/12/2021.

If you are interested, then please contact lisa.kehoe@bristol.ac.uk, RED, Knowledge Exchange Associate (KEA) for Life Sciences to discuss your ideas for secondments, prospective engagement and/or training.