Bristol Clear Bulletin-29th September

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

This week we’re focussing on

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 workshops

Places are now available on the following workshops:

  • 17 October 10:00-12:30- Bristol Clear 1:1s 
  • 30 October 10:00-12:30- Bristol Clear 1:1s
  • 31 October 09:15-17:00- Writing Retreat (in person and online)
  • 02 November 09:30- 12:00- How to Peer Review Manuscripts for Journals
  • 13 November 09:30-12:00- Discovering Career Support for Researchers at Bristol 
  • 14 November 10:00-13:00- Interview Confidence

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


Research-related events and initiatives

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


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: Library Research Support 

Did you know that Library Research Support offers live training workshops for researchers?

Check the library events page to book a place on a scheduled event, or contact the Research Support mailbox if you’d like the team to run an event for your research group.

Bristol Clear Bulletin

Bristol Clear logo

Friday 16th June 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:

Career Support for Researchers at Bristol
Upcoming Bristol Clear opportunities
Announcements
Training from other providers


Discovering Career Support for Researchers at Bristol

Are you unsure about what development opportunities are available to you? 

This workshop is designed to help Researchers on Pathway 2 become familiar with the personal and career development support that is offered at Bristol. You will hear from the Bristol Clear programme, the Division for Research and Enterprise (DREI) research team and the Library research team. You will also learn more about the Researcher Concordat and what it means for you and be introduced to the work of the Researcher Reps. At the event, you will also have the chance to network with Researchers across faculties. 

Enrol on Develop!


Upcoming Bristol Clear and Other Opportunities

Places are now available on the following courses:

  • 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 waiting list
  • 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) waiting list
  • 06 July 10:00-12:00- Discovering Career Support for Researchers at Bristol
  • 11 July 09:30-13:00- Narrative CV writing bootcamp for Faculty of Science- in person
  • 18 July 11:00-13:00- Working Towards a Fellowship [Arts & SSL]
  • 20 July 09:15- 17:00- Writers’ Retreat (in person)
  • 24 July 14:00-16:00- Thriving in a Part Time Role

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


Career Exploration Month- Events for Researchers
The Postdoctoral Development Centre from Queen’s University Belfast is delighted to invite any interested researcher to their free online Career Exploration Month weekly events in June 2023.

Events will include four panel discussions with former postdocs and PhDs from multiple disciplinary backgrounds now working in a range of roles and sectors. They will talk about their current role, how they managed the transition from academia, which skills and expertise they use from their research background, the advantages and challenges of their position, as well as advice for current postdocs and PhDs interested in similar roles.

List of events (details below and on individual event webpages):


Celebrating Technicians
Reception Room, Wills Memorial Building
19th June 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


Free open online event for AHSS Researchers- 4th July 
You are warmly invited to join Queens University of Belfast for #ECRday2023 on 4th July 2023 (9.30am-7.30pm), a day of online talks exploring life after the PhD for those with a PhD in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Graduate students, postdocs, early (and not so early!) career scholars and interested parties—especially those with supervision or mentoring responsibilities—are all very welcome to join.

The talks will cover a variety of topics, including the skills needed to navigate post-PhD life in academia and careers beyond the university; they will also be joined by a representative from the UK’s Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Director of the Leverhulme Trust, Professor Anna Vignoles.

The day will conclude with an ‘Engaged Research Masterclass’, which will appeal to students and academics at all stages of their careers. *Please note that registration for the ‘Engaged Research Masterclass’ is separate*.

For more information and booking details of both events, please follow this link: https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/pdc/Funding/ECRday2023/


BBSRC Impact Acceleration Account Round 2- deadline for applications  5th July 
We are pleased to announce the second round of BBSRC Impact Acceleration Account call is now open. 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.

  • 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.


Celebrating  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


Research Culture Uncovered Series Narrative CV bootcamp for Faculty of Science- in person
With increasing numbers of funders now opting to use a narrative CV (often described as a Résumé for Research and Innovation (R4RI)) as part of their research funding application process, Science colleagues may be interested in attending this CV bootcamp.  The narrative CV format aims to recognise diverse contributions, backgrounds, and careers, and discourages an overreliance on decontextualised metrics such as Journal Impact Factor.  At the University of Bristol, narrative CVs are also increasingly used for promotions to recognise diverse contributions to the University. Please note this is for Faculty of Science colleagues only.

Enrol on Develop


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:

  • LinkedIn Tips and Strategies for Researchers
  • From Academia to Industry and across 3 Countries
  • A Career Built on Collaboration

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


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 DREI 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