Aspire Newsletter - Final

The End of ASPIRE The Beginning of SFRE ASPIRE is coming to an end, but do not despair. We may be saying farewell to ASPIRE but we are at the same time welcoming SKILLS FOR RESEARCH EXCELLENCE (SFRE). Those of you who keep up with such things may have already noticed the changes that are taking place on what was once the ASPIRE webpage. We are in the process of redeveloping and refocusing the skills offered to better support you now while you are engaged in the research process as well as in your future careers. That the skills we can deliver can assist you in your research process is an approach that I have always encouraged and now, after consultation and feedback from the VP for Research and Commercialisation, the Heads of the Graduate Schools, Supervisors and PGRs, we are redesigning our skills agenda to fit the needs identified. So while some of you will be sad to see ASPIRE go please be assured that what is to come will build upon and improve on its successes.

Dr. Allan J. Sim

Upcoming Courses Project Managing your Research Project Parts 1 & 2 Managing your research project is a key element of being successful in your PhD studies (whether arts or science based). This session will outline how you can apply effective project management skills through the setting of research goals, intermediate milestones and prioritisation of activities. These processes will help you manage the PhD process, work independently and be self-reliant. [Next courses are on July 16th & 20th 2009] Getting your Point Across – Negotiation & Research Negotiation is a fundamental part of the academic process. We negotiate with our supervisors; we negotiate with the editors of journals, with grant giving bodies, etc. This course is designed to give you some assistance and experience in arguing your case and making sure your point is heard. [Next course on July 23rd 2009]

Final ASPIRE Newsletter July 2009

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Active Listening: Learn to Listen & Listen to Learn 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Understand what listening entails. Learn to listen and feedback to the speaker. Increase your communication skills. Increase your understanding at interviews and negotiations. Think about how listening affects your research process. [Next course on August 5th 2009]

Where do you get your ideas? – Creativity & the Research Process Research is a creative process and in this course we will both discuss means of enhancing your creativity and give you opportunities to explore those means. Too often we become locked in narrow confines of perception when we are engaged in our research project. The purpose of this course is to create possibilities. To help you think about your work from a different perspective and possibly generate new pathways for your research. [Next Course on 13th August 2009] Using Mind Mapping for your presentations, writing your thesis and memorising "Mind Mapping" is a technique that you can use to improve the way you learn, recall and integrate knowledge. Grounded in current theory of the way the brain operates through neural networks, it involves the creation of succinct representations of knowledge using key words, images, symbols, colour and creative linking of ideas (all on one sheet of paper!). [Next Course on 18th August 2009] Maximising your Research Time • • • • • • •

Assist in understanding approaches to time management. Explore what may be causing you to "waste" time that could be used for research. Look at strategies you can adopt to manage your time more effectively. Examine task prioritization. Deal with distractions. Achieve a better work/life balance Avoid procrastination. [Next Course on 21st August 2009]

There are many other courses currently available on the Skills for Research Excellence website (www.abdn.ac.uk/sfre) and many more in development. We are excited about the new skills agenda that is targeted at the University of Aberdeen’s own agenda of Research Excellence. At the moment we are in a transitional process as we work on a new webpage, new courses and a new ethos. But while that is happening we will continue to provide the high quality of skills training that we have striven to provide it the past. We look forward to seeing you at the courses.

Robin & Allan Final ASPIRE Newsletter July 2009

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