Writing an Effective Scientific Research Article

Dr. Umair bin Waheed

Date: January 8 - 12, 2023

The purpose of a scientific article is not the mere presentation of information and thought. Rather it is actual communication. An article describing a great scientific discovery may mean nothing unless a large majority of the reading audience accurately perceives what the author had in mind. Therefore, to improve writing, we must understand how readers go about reading and interpreting texts. Such an understanding is vital for young scientific writers to ensure that their work is well received by the scientific community.  The proposed workshop offers in-class discussion and one to- one conferences with participants on effective scientific writing. The goal is to develop participants’ expertise in four areas central to writing  effectively.

Interviews for Jobs Outside Academia

Dr. Madelaine Chapman -  Imperial College London

Date: January 17, 2023

Interviews outside academia are often quite different to academic job interviews. In this session, you will learn what to expect and how to prepare for these types of interview. Whatever job you are applying for, this session will give you the tools to prepare well and go into the interview confidently to perform at your best.

Get that Paper Written and Published

Dr. David Jones

Date: January 23 & 24, 2023

Learn the skills of writing research papers for international peer-reviewed journals. Many researchers struggle with writing papers. However, there are effective strategies to help you get your research papers written and published. During this webinar, through practical exercises and discussions, you will examine all the steps in the writing process, and start drafting your own paper.

Interview for Academic Jobs

Dr. Madelaine Chapman -  Imperial College London

Date: January 26, 2023

In this session, you will learn what to expect for the different types of academic interviews and what the interview panels are typically looking for. You will find out what interview questions to expect and how to prepare to answer them with confidence.

3-Minute Pitch at Falling Walls

Dr. David Jones

Date: January 30, 2023

To help researchers develop and present a compelling 3-minute pitch at Falling Walls. This 1 hour online workshop is for anyone who is thinking of entering the Falling Walls contest. The workshop will outline how to: 
- Structure the 3-minute pitch
- Immediately hook the audience
- Use engaging and accessible language
- Effectively use images or props
- Emphasis the importance and impact of the research
- create a clear and memorable story to captivate the audience.
By the end of the workshop you will have plenty of good advice on how to write and deliver your 3-minute pitch.

Series of 6 Lectures and 2 Workshops on Communication Skills

Dr. Jean-luc Doumont - Principiæ

Date: 12 - 16 February, 2023

The lectures will give you an introduction to communication theory while also showing you how to use best practices to communicate through several formats (e.g., research papers, graphs, posters and presentations). The workshops will build on the content of the lectures through a directed discussion and, when possible, on the basis of samples (papers, slides, graphs, etc.) provided in advance by the participants. 
Topics: 
- Making the most of your presentation
- Conveying messages with graphs
- Creating effective research posters
- Getting the message across
- The three laws of communication
- Everyone’s favorite mistakes

Career Planning for Postdoctoral Researchers

Sarah Blackford

Date: March 7, 13, 20, 2023

A series of 3 online interactive co-hosted two-hour career education :
- Writing an effective CV and covering letter
- Interview Techniques
- Career planning and making informed career choices

How to Achieve Work Life Balance as a Researcher 

ENAGO

Date: March 27, 2023

Key points covered:
a. Why is work-life balance important?
b. Negative impacts in case of failure
c. How can you balance research productivity and work- life?

Higher Education Teaching Certificate

Harvard University’s Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning

Date: April 4 - June 6, 2023

The Higher Education Teaching Certificate aims to give you the opportunity to engage deeply with and reflect on your teaching practices, portfolio, and teaching journey in the higher education (HE) field. Loosely based on the in-person seminar program currently offered by Harvard’s Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, you now have the opportunity to explore the focus areas of pedagogy, course and assessment design, professional communication, language and culture of the classroom, and reflections on teaching – entirely online, from anywhere in the world.

Writer's Clinic

Dr. David Jones

Date: April 3 - 4, 2023

The Writer’s Clinic consists of 20-minute online slots in which you can discuss your own personal writing issues with Dr. David Jones. The aim of these confidential, 1-to-1 sessions is to give practical guidance to help you move stalled papers forward to final completion and publication. They’re a safe space in which you can discuss problems you may be reluctant to raise with your supervisor or line manager. David can provide independent advice on how to overcome obstacles that are preventing you from publishing your research. Any specific problems to do with the writing of your papers can be discussed. However, please note, the clinics don’t cover experimental design, statistical analysis, or writing grant applications, nor can they provide a technical editing service.

How to Prepare Impressive Research Presentations include (Add-on session - Present Your Research Idea in 3 Minutes

ENAGO

Date: May 3-4, 2023

Key points covered:
a. Key Elements of an Academic Presentation
b. How to Organize Key Sections of Your Research Presentation
c. Common Errors While Preparing a Presentation
d. Technical Aspects of a Presentation
e. Tips for Designing an Effective Presentation for Lab Meetings
f. Strategies for Delivering an Impressive Presentation

 

How to Peer Review Manuscripts for Journals

Dr. David Jones

Date: May 8, 2023

Are you being invited by journal editors to review research manuscripts? Do you find reviewing a time-consuming, difficult or stressful activity? This webinar explains how the peer review system works, and what is expected of reviewers. It describes best practice for reviewers, based on the recommendations of 116 editors of medical, psychology, biology, chemistry, physics, maths, engineering and earth science journals.

Advanced Presentation Skills 

Dr. David Jones 

Date: May 15-16, 2023

This webinar will provide you with tools to improve your presentation skills. Learn how to prepare and deliver an engaging and effective presentation. This webinar is highly interactive, fast-paced and fun. It consists of practical exercises and brief discussions focused on specific skills used by good speakers. There will be opportunities to make short presentations, after which you will receive constructive feedback. By the end of the webinar you will understand how to:
- Control your nerves to be more relaxed and confident when presenting on stage and online
- Connect with your audience and keep them engaged
- Use storytelling techniques to create a compelling narrative
- Structure your presentation so it flows logically
- Design your slides to achieve the impact you want
- Pitch your material to different audiences
- Turn dry facts into accessible and entertaining material.

Making Job Applications

Dr. Madelaine Chapman -  Imperial College London

Date: May 17, 2023

Learn how to make your application materials for jobs outside academia effective. You will find out how employers look at CVs and how to make yours catch their attention.  You will also learn about the purpose of a cover letter, how to write one well and how to approach application forms.

A Step-by-step Guide to Write a Winning Research Grant Proposal

Dr. Fiona Murphy, University of Oxford

Date: May 21- 25, 2023

This five-part interactive series will focus on sharing effective strategies and tips on various critical aspects of grant proposal writing, submission, and resubmission. The schedule of the sessions is as follows:

1. How to Formulate a Convincing Rationale of Your Research Project.

2. Finding the Right Funder: Strategies for Prudent Selection!

3. How to Create a Comprehensive Project Management Plan.

4. How to Write a Persuasive Grant Proposal.

5. Understanding the Process of Grant Proposal Submission and Resubmission.  

Planning for Success Beyond your Postdoc

The Postdoc and Fellows Development Center (PFDC) at Imperial College London

Date: June 14 - 15, 2023

This course is designed to help experienced postdocs (usually with two to four years of postdoc experience) to take their next career step, academic or otherwise. During the course, you will be encouraged to explore your career options and develop an action plan to achieve the next step whilst enhancing your job application and interview skills.

Lectureship CVs: What You Need to be Working Towards Now to Succeed in 5 Years

The Postdoc and fellows Development Center (PFDC) at Imperial College London

Date: August 15, 2023

This course is designed to provide postdocs with useful information to help them prepare for the next stage of an academic career. Is a lectureship the right thing for you? Are there other options? Most importantly, can you make your academic career ambitions a reality? If you want to explore the answers to these questions, then this is the course for you.

Writing an Effective Scientific Research Article

Dr. Umair bin Waheed

Date: August 20 - 24, 2023

The purpose of a scientific article is not the mere presentation of information and thought. Rather it is actual communication. An article describing a great scientific discovery may mean nothing unless a large majority of the reading audience accurately perceives what the author had in mind. Therefore, to improve writing, we must understand how readers go about reading and interpreting texts. Such an understanding is vital for young scientific writers to ensure that their work is well received by the scientific community.  The proposed workshop offers in-class discussion and one to- one conferences with participants on effective scientific writing. The goal is to develop participants’ expertise in four areas central to writing  effectively.

Time Management for Postdocs

The Postdoc and fellows Development Center (PFDC) at Imperial College London

Date: August 30, 2023

"I don't have time to get it all done."
"I don't have time to write that paper."
"My PI/students/family keep asking me to do things"
 

Being a postdoc can be a frantic, reactive and stressful time but it doesn't need to be, this course is aimed at those who would like to take back some control over their time.

Get that Paper Written and Published

Dr. David Jones

Date: September 6 - 7, 2023

Learn the skills of writing research papers for international peer-reviewed journals. Many researchers struggle with writing papers. However, there are effective strategies to help you get your research papers written and published. During this webinar, through practical exercises and discussions, you will examine all the steps in the writing process, and start drafting your own paper.

Leadership in Research: Vision, Strategy and Team Culture  

The Postdoc and fellows Development Center (PFDC) at Imperial College London

Date: September 11-12, 2023

What does leadership in research look like? How can you provide vision and strategy alongside the day to day management of an expanding research group? Working with early career research leaders we will explore leadership and management using a mixture of case studies, advice from senior academics and theory. We will cover topics such as leadership styles, creating a group culture, raising the visibility of yourself and your group, conflict resolution and strategic thinking. An overarching theme will be your own personal career development. The course will be highly participative with group work and the opportunity to benefit from one-to-one coaching. 

Career Planning for Postdoctoral Researchers

Sarah Blackford

Date: September 18, 25, 28, 2023

A series of 3 online interactive co-hosted two-hour career education :

  • Writing an effective CV and covering letter
  • Interview Technique
  • Career planning and making informed career choices

Preparing Successful Fellowship Applications 

The Postdoc and fellows Development Center (PFDC) at Imperial College London

Date: October 2, 2023

This course introduces postdocs to fellowship funding and the process of making a fellowship application. During the course you will learn where to look for appropriate fellowship funding, how to apply and how to prepare a written application. Additionally you will take part in a practice exercise providing insight into the writing and peer review processes.  Successful applicants and panel members from Imperial will share their experience of applying for fellowships in a question and answer session. 

Interviews for Jobs Outside Academia

Dr. Madelaine Chapman -  Imperial College London

Date: October 3, 2023

Interviews outside academia are often quite different to academic job interviews. In this session, you will learn what to expect and how to prepare for these types of interview. Whatever job you are applying for, this session will give you the tools to prepare well and go into the interview confidently to perform at your best.

Planning for Success Beyond Your Postdoc 

The Postdoc and fellows Development Center (PFDC) at Imperial College London

Date: October 9 - 10, 2023

This course is designed to help experienced postdocs (usually with two to four years of postdoc experience) to take their next career step, academic or otherwise. During the course, you will be encouraged to explore your career options and develop an action plan to achieve the next step whilst enhancing your job application and interview skills.

      Interviews for Academic Jobs

      Dr. Madelaine Chapman -  Imperial College London

      Date: October 12, 2023

      In this session, you will learn what to expect for the different types of academic interviews and what the interview panels are typically looking for. You will find out what interview questions to expect and how to prepare to answer them with confidence.

      Networking to Net Job 

      Sarah Blackford

      Date: October 16, 2023

      In this workshop we will explore different types of networking and the ways in which postdoctoral researchers can make themselves more ‘visible’ to different communities depending on their career aspirations. There will be an opportunity for participants to learn about a range of networking opportunities, and to consider where, what and how they can position themselves for the most effective outcomes regarding their career intentions. 

      Writer's Clinic

      Dr. David Jones

      Date: October 17- 18, 2023

      The Writer’s Clinic consists of 20-minute online slots in which you can discuss your own personal writing issues with Dr. David Jones. The aim of these confidential, 1-to-1 sessions is to give practical guidance to help you move stalled papers forward to final completion and publication. They’re a safe space in which you can discuss problems you may be reluctant to raise with your supervisor or line manager. David can provide independent advice on how to overcome obstacles that are preventing you from publishing your research. Any specific problems to do with the writing of your papers can be discussed. However, please note, the clinics don’t cover experimental design, statistical analysis, or writing grant applications, nor can they provide a technical editing service.

       A Step-by-step Guide to Write a Winning Research Grant Proposal

      Dr. Fiona Murphy, University of Oxford

      Date: October 22 - 26, 2023

      This five-part interactive series will focus on sharing effective strategies and tips on various critical aspects of grant proposal writing, submission, and resubmission. The schedule of the sessions is as follows:

      1. How to Formulate a Convincing Rationale of Your Research Project.

      2. Finding the Right Funder: Strategies for Prudent Selection!

      3. How to Create a Comprehensive Project Management Plan.

      4. How to Write a Persuasive Grant Proposal.

      5. Understanding the Process of Grant Proposal Submission and Resubmission.  

      Academic Mobility

      Sarah Blackford

      Date: November 9, 2023

      Studies show that the majority of professors and research group leaders moved around prior to applying for permanent positions during their careers, demonstrating a greater likelihood to fast-track into an academic position. In this workshop, participants look at the why, what, who, where and how of academic mobility, including types of academic mobility, case studies, funding sources, support sources and strategies for a successful experience.

          Overcoming Challenges in Academic Writing: Tips for Writing Articles

          ENAGO

          Date: November 14-16, 2023

          Key points covered:
          a. Overview of language and grammar rules for academic writing
          b. Using the correct tense in different sections of the manuscript
          c. Correct usage of abbreviations and acronyms
          d. How to use parallelism in research writing
          e. How to effectively paraphrase in a research paper
          f. Expert tips on improving academic vocabulary for researchers
          g. Quick tips for editing and proofreading the manuscript