RDP: Realise
PGR workshops to get you thinking about the organisation and ethics of your research and how it complies with governance, and that tie in with the third Vitae RDF domain.
These workshops will run in March and April.
Explore the workshops on these pages or visit our scheduled events listings for sessions that are currently open for booking. If a workshop isn't bookable, add your name to the waiting list and we'll let you know when registration opens.
- Accessible presentations - At any stage
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We have a professional and legal obligation to ensure that all of our digital content is accessible. In this session we’ll look at what we mean by accessibility and why it is important, then we’ll explore some practical techniques and useful resources for producing and delivering accessible presentations.
Please note that being familair with creating and editing files using Microsoft PowerPoint is a necessary prerequisite for this workshop.
The recording and resources from the last time this session ran can be found on the RDP Canvas site.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the workshop a successful participant should be able to:
- Explain why digital accessibility is important
- Create a PowerPoint slide deck that is accessible
- Apply techniques to make the delivery of your presentations more accessible
- Describe where to find out more information about digital accessibility
Target audience
Postgraduate researchers at all stages and from all disciplines, and ECRs from all disciplines, broadly encompassing research assistants, postdoctoral researchers and research fellows at grades 6-8.
About the facilitators
The workshop is designed and delivered by the Educational Enhancement team.
Booking information
For online workshops, the link to join the session will be shared to your Sussex email address one working day before the event.
- An alternative guide to PGR funding - At any stage
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Are you a current postgraduate student who needs extra funding for fees, living expenses, research, conference or 4th year postgraduate writing-up costs? If the answer is 'yes', then consider attending this session!
It's all about funding from unusual places you probably haven't heard of! As well as explaining the more 'usual' postgraduate funding options available, it's mainly about alternative grant-making bodies in Britain: principally charities, trusts, and foundations. Charities and trusts are seldom used by students, but often make grants regardless of subject, course, or nationality. They are an excellent - but underrated - funding option.
The workshop is based on an award-winning resource called the 'Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding' that all participants will be granted access to!
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, you'll be able to:
- Identify the appropriate alternative funding bodies for you
- Find them via books and the internet
- Apply strongly and correctly.
Target audience
Postgraduate researchers at all stages and from all disciplines.
About the facilitator
The workshop is delivered by Dr Luke Blaxill, who won 45 separate grants from charities and trusts as a postgraduate student and whose story has been featured in several national newspapers and on TV.
Booking information
For online workshops, the link to join the session will be shared to your Sussex email address one working day before the event.
- Copyright and publishing: understanding your rights as an author - At any stage
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This workshop will summarise the principles of copyright and explain the copyright relationship between authors and publishers for both journals and monographs. It will highlight the different Creative Commons (CC) licenses, their uses and potential limitations, and highlight how the University’s Publications and Copyright Policy empowers authors to retain the rights to their work.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the workshop, you will have:
- An awareness of the main principles of copyright
- An understanding of the relationship between authors and publishers with regard to copyright
- An understanding of the benefits and limitations of the CC licences
- An understanding of the university's approach to copyright retention
Target audience
Researchers at all career stages and from all disciplines.
About the facilitators
The Library Research Support team support researchers at all levels across the University.
Booking information
For online workshops, the link to join the session will be shared to your Sussex email address one working day before the event.
- Copyright and your thesis - Mid/late stages
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All PGRs need to understand how copyright relates to their thesis. Prior to publishing your thesis you need to ensure you have obtained permission to use any copyrighted material and, in addition, have thought about the terms under which you will be making your thesis available for others to use.
As well as covering the publication of your thesis on Sussex Research Online (SRO), this workshop will explain the main principles of copyright, consider how and when UK fair dealing exceptions can be applied and establish, if you need to seek permission to use other people’s work in your thesis.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the workshop, you will have:
- An awareness of the main principles of copyright
- Discovered how to correctly use material created by others in your thesis
- Discovered how to publish your thesis on SRO and considered the benefits of open publishing your thesis
- Know where to find support and advice
Target audience
Postgraduate researchers in the mid-late stage of their research degree and from all disciplines.
About the facilitators
The Library Research Support team support researchers at all levels across the University.
Booking information
For online workshops, the link to join the session will be shared to your Sussex email address one working day before the event.
- How to adapt your research degree - At any stage
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It's tough doing a research degree under normal circumstances, but it's even tougher when there’s a lot of disruption and distractions. Your original plan is no longer viable and you’re running out of time.
Flexibility are key skills for postgraduate researchers. In this practical and interactive webinar, you’ll discover ways of getting back on track with your thesis. You'll clarify your aims, map out some alternative routes, and create an achievable plan B.
We'll cover:
- Playing the long game - avoiding quick fixes and pursuing sustainability
- Getting back to basics - looking after your immediate needs
- Starting where you are - re-evaluating your original plan
- Putting first things first - working out your priorities and ditching everything else
- Being kind to yourself - listening to your body
Target audience
Postgraduate researchers at all stages and from all disciplines, and ECRs from all disciplines, broadly encompassing research assistants, postdoctoral researchers and research fellows at grades 6-8.
About the facilitator
This workshop is designed and delivered by Dr Catherine Pope, a self-employed coach and workshop facilitator.
Booking information
For online workshops, the link to join the session will be shared to your Sussex email address one working day before the event.
- Understanding and using publication metrics responsibly - At any stage
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Publication metrics provide a quantitative approach to the analysis of both publications and researchers and can help you with information about the reach and potential impact of your research, as well as inform decisions about where to publish.
This workshop will introduce the benefits and limitations of a number of tools which provide publication metrics for both the individual researcher, research output and for institutional level analysis. It will provide opportunities to discus the importance of the responsible use of bibliometric data and it will also look at the University’s commitment to the responsible use of publication metrics.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the workshop you will have:
- An awareness of recent developments and debates within the field of bibliometrics
- Considered the benefits and limitations of each metric and understand how to use publication metrics responsibly
- Discovered how to use both 'traditional' publication metrics and altmetrics to illustrate the use of your research and that of others
Target audience
Researchers at all career stages and from all disciplines.
About the facilitators
The Library Research Support team support researchers at all levels across the University.
Booking information
For online workshops, the link to join the session will be shared to your Sussex email address one working day before the event.