The Researcher Development Programme (RDP) have opened for registration a number of workshops and events taking place over May and June, see below some of the upcoming workshops and view the full schedule and details via our webpages.
Please note that workshops are added on a rolling basis so do keep checking our webpages for new additions throughout the Summer term.
An introduction to structural equation modelling (ONLINE)
Date: Thursday 11 May 2023
Time: 10:00-12:00 (UK)
Workshop description: Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is a powerful multivariate statistical technique which enables researchers to examine several regression equations simultaneously. This session will provide an introduction to the key concepts involved in SEM, including latent, exogenous, and endogenous variables and their graphical notation. The session will conclude with a demonstration of how to interpret the output of an SEM analysis and to report the findings/revealed model correctly using both text and appropriate diagrams/figures.
Book now via SussexDirect
Improve your literature searching skills (CAMPUS)
Date: Friday 12 May 2023
Time: 13:00-14:00 (UK)
Workshop description: Literature searching is an essential part of doctoral research. This workshop explores how to effectively apply search strategies and techniques to online databases in order to find the most relevant literature to support your research. Using the multidisciplinary databases Scopus and Web of Science as examples, the facilitators will demonstrate effective search techniques and discuss the development of literature searching strategies for doctoral projects. This session includes time to develop and test your own search methods.
Book now via SussexDirect
Keeping up to date in your subject (ONLINE)
Date: Wednesday 17 May 2023
Time: 15:00-16:30 (UK)
Workshop description: There are a number of quick & effective ways to keep yourself up to date with the research going on in your subject area. This workshop will explore the tools and techniques available. By the end of the workshop you will have learnt how to set up database alerts to discover newly published articles and track relevant citations and authors, and discovered services for keeping up to date with new issues of journals and tools for discovering forthcoming conferences.
Book now via SussexDirect
Introduction to reference management software (ONLINE)
Date: Thursday 18 May 2023
Time: 12:00-13:00 (UK)
Workshop description: There are a number of software options available, and choosing the right reference management tool for you will depend on your personal preferences and technical requirements. This session will outline the principles behind reference managers and introduce three specific tools: Zotero, Mendeley and Endnote. The workshop will also signpost you to some self-guided training materials to enable you to set up the software of your choice.
Book now via SussexDirect
Becoming a doctoral researcher: Skills, strategies and support (ONLINE)
Date: Thursday 25 May 2023
Time: 14:00-17:00 (UK)
Workshop description: Pursuing a PhD isn’t just about knowledge – you need to manage yourself, too. Make a successful start to your doctorate with this practical workshop designed to prepare you for the journey ahead. You’ll get the opportunity to meet researchers from across the University and will gain an insight into the necessary skills to thrive during your PhD, as well as consider strategies in time management and how to seek and build meaningful support networks.
Book now via SussexDirect
Planning, structuring and writing your thesis in the Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences (ONLINE)
Date: Friday 26 May 2023
Time: 10:00-13:00 (UK)
Workshop description: With essential advice and guidance on writing a thesis in the Arts & Humanities or Social Sciences, this practical workshop is suitable for doctoral researchers who are about to start writing as well as those who have already begun. The emphasis is on planning and structuring your thesis, and motivating yourself to start writing.
Book now via SussexDirect
Finding dissertations and theses for your research (ONLINE)
Date: Friday 26 May 2023
Time: 10:00-11:30 (UK)
Workshop description: Theses and dissertations form a valuable body of work that can be really useful for your own research, and there are a range of tools available for finding these resources in your research area.This session introduces several online tools that can be used to access dissertations & theses from academic institutions within the UK and beyond.
Book now via SussexDirect
Preparing for your Science viva (CAMPUS)
Date: Friday 02 June 2023
Time: 10:00-13:00 (UK)
Workshop description: The doctoral viva can be a daunting experience for which you need to be well-prepared. This workshop will de-mystify the viva process & requirements, & provide you with useful guidance on preparing for the big day. You’ll also hear examples of real questions & experiences from recent successful vivas across different Schools, & benefit from the opportunity to participate in a mock viva.
Book now via SussexDirect
Using Elements – your Sussex research profile explained (ONLINE)
Date: Friday 02 June 2023
Time: 12:00-13:00 (UK)
Workshop description: This workshop will demonstrate the university’s central research management system, Elements. Explore the benefits of building your digital profile to showcase your research and teaching activities. Please note this workshop is not relevant to Doctoral researchers within BSMS.
Book now via SussexDirect
Introduction to ethics (ONLINE)
Date: Wednesday 07 June 2023
Time: 14:00-15:00 (UK)
Workshop description: Join Lauren Shukru and Tim Parkinson from the university’s ethics team for a brief introduction to the ethics review process and how to start thinking ethically about your research from the outset. There will be a short presentation after which we encourage you to ask questions relating to ethics and your research.
Book now via SussexDirect
Presentation Skills for Doctoral Researchers (ONLINE)
Date: Monday 12 June 2023
Time: 10:00-12:00 (UK)
Workshop description: Giving presentations comes high on most people list of ‘least favourite things to do’, but with a few simple tricks and a structure to help you plan, you can counteract your fear of presenting. This short, interactive session will cover 4-steps to planning that give your presentation a clear focus, designing slides that add value and don’t detract from your presentation, ways to open and close with panache, and top tips for managing nerves and remembering what you want to say.
Book now via SussexDirect
One-day Academic Writing Retreat (CAMPUS)
Date: Tuesday 13 June 2023
Time: 09:30-16:30 (UK)
Workshop description: Are you struggling to get started with your academic writing? Or have you hit a block? If so, this intensive one-day writing retreat can help you get back on track and make significant progress with your article or book. You get the time and space to focus. With guidance from an experienced facilitator, you’ll set realistic goals and achieve them in a supportive environment.
Book now via SussexDirect
Open Research for PGRs (ONLINE)
Date: Thursday 15 June 2023
Time: 14:00-15:00 (UK)
Workshop description: Would you like to know more about open research? This workshop will look at the concept of open research, and explore opportunities for implementing open research principles into your own practice. Content will include open access publishing, open data, open science, open source software, open peer review and tools and techniques for the discovery of open access materials.
Book now via SussexDirect
Researcher Development Team
Doctoral School | University of Sussex
Sussex Researcher Development Programme
@SussexDocSchool
Doctoral Connections 