1 May 2020

CaRST eNewsletter

My PhD supervisor had a knack for storytelling and turning the complexities of cell biology and biochemistry into something that anyone could understand. Even at scientific conferences in his field with peers, he captivated audiences by sharing the story behind discoveries-the challenges, the ups and downs, the possibilities-rather than throwing up a bunch of data that can easily cause ‘death by PowerPoint’.

I learned a lot from his techniques, but it took time and practice. The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition, which runs annually across Australia and around the world, is a great opportunity to develop your communication skills while bringing attention to the exciting research you are conducting as an HDR. Registrations are now open for the 2020 3MT competition, which is moving to a virtual format this year. I encourage all HDRs to give it a go!

Dr Monica Kerr
Director, CaRST

 The 3 Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a national competition that challenges Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students to effectively explain their research to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes. The aim is to cultivate their academic, presentation, and research communication skills while celebrating the exciting research conducted by HDR students across the country.

Entry is now open to all HDRs, however, only PhD candidates who have successfully passed their Major Review by the date of their first presentation are eligible to reach the University Final round. For more information and to register, visit the University of Adelaide 3MT website. Registrations close 19 June 2020 - don't miss out!

All interested participants should attend an upcoming 3MT Information Session via Zoom webinar: Monday 4 May, 10:00am or Tuesday 2 June, 3:00pm. Register here.

*In response to current COVID-19 management measures, arrangements are being made to move the competition online in 2020. Additional information will be provided to registered students in due course.

AGC Events

Before registering for CaRST events, please review our no-show policy.

Three Minute Thesis Information Session

Date: Monday 4 May 2020
Time: 10:00am
Delivery mode: Webinar via Zoom

Interested in participating in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition this year? Join us for an information session for everything you need to know about participating in 2020. Register here. Bookings close 30 minutes prior to the session.

Thriving in your Life as an HDR

Date: Wednesday 6 May 2020
Time: 10:00am
Credit: 2 credits, Domain B
Delivery mode: Webinar via Zoom

As the first workshop in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Series, this session will assist you to apply positive psychology science and techniques to feel more engaged, positive, and resilient in your day to day life as an HDR student. Jane Turner Goldsmith will introduce you to the research findings of Positive Psychology, and explore ways to apply this ‘science of wellbeing’ in your life. 
Register here. Bookings close 30 minutes prior to the session.

Handling Difficult Conversations Well

Date: Tuesday 12 May 2020
Time: 2:00pm
Credit: 2 credits, Domain D
Delivery mode: Webinar via Zoom 

It sometimes seems that life is full of difficult conversations! They’re the ones that we put off, avoid or stumble our way through. Join us for this workshop presented by Gary Edwards where you will look at how these conversations arise, ways they differ from “normal” conversations, and how you can use collaborative communication skills to build relationships, reduce conflict, increase learning and improve outcomes. Register here. Bookings close 30 minutes prior to the session.

Other News

Create Your Researcher Profile

This session for academics, HDR students, and titleholders will support you to find, edit, and update your Researcher Profile. Tuesday 5 May, 2.00pm and Wednesday 3 June, 10am via Zoom. Register.

Visualise your Thesis

Registrations are now OPEN for the 2020 Visualise Your Thesis competition! Open to Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students, this is the perfect opportunity to flex your creativity and get your research out there. Winning prize is $1000! Register.

LabArchives Electronic Research Notebook

This session will help researchers and HDR students who want to learn how to collaborate, update, and manage research data using the LabArchive Electronic Research Notebook system. Thursday 14 May, 3.30pm via Zoom. Register.

COVID-19 FAQs for HDR Students

The Graduate Centre has created a Frequently Asked Questions page (FAQs) regarding COVD-19 which will be updated regularly as the situation develops.  Please visit the Adelaide Graduate Centre website for COVID-19 FAQs for HDR Students.

Industry Opportunities

The Industry Engaged PhD (IEP) Program and Scholarship

IEP scholarships are now available to support eligible domestic and international students who undertake an industry placement (including remotely/online) as part of their PhD. The University of Adelaide’s Industry Engaged PhD (IEP) program involves participation in an industry placement of 1-3 months (FTE) in duration, together with the completion of a number of Career and Research Skills Training (CaRST) and other professional development activities. Completion of the IEP, including the CaRST credit courses, will be reflected as a statement on the academic transcript. For information about this program, including the application process, please visit the IEP website.

APR Internship Opportunities Available!

The University of Adelaide is working with APR.Intern to expand the range of placement opportunities available to our PhD students (including internships that can be completed remotely/online). At this time, there are lots of exciting opportunities available for SA. APR.Intern facilitates short term 3-5 month placements for students to apply their research expertise to projects while gaining invaluable industry experience. For current APR.Intern opportunities and program information, please visit their website.

About CaRST

Located within the Adelaide Graduate Centre, CaRST is a specialised training and development program for HDR students at the University of Adelaide. For further information on CaRST visit the CaRST website.