Kia ora , 

We hope you had a good long weekend, and for those who have a personal connection to ANZAC Day, we trust it was a very meaningful time for you and your family.

This is a bumper edition of Doctoral News, filled with lots of news, resources, opportunities, and events, including two new Doctoral Drop-In Sessions, where you can come and chat to our SGS Advisers in person. Read on to find out more... and see who you can spot in the photos from this month's Doctoral Morning Tea!

Ngā mihi nui,
Te Kura Akoranga Tohu Paerua | The School of Graduate Studies (SGS)

News

May highlights

Saying "no" could change your life

Renowned speaker Desiree Dickerson has put together an excellent webinar about the power of saying no. She explores why we say yes, what the consequences are, and how to start saying no. Desiree is a former neuroscience postdoctoral researcher and clinical psychologist who supports those striving to perform well under pressure.

Monday 4 May: The Power of Saying No, with Desiree Dickerson (Zoom)
 

Keen for some yummy pizza?

Join SGS and the Auckland University Students' Association – Te Rōpū Kahikatea (AUSA-TRK) for a free pizza lunch, with a wellbeing and connection theme. Come along to make new friends and enjoy a delicious lunch. The event is open to all doctoral candidates at the University and booking is essential as capacity is limited.

Wednesday 20 May: Doctoral Pizza Lunch (City Campus)
 

Strategies to reduce your stress

We're pleased to have popular speaker and executive coach Rachel King back at the University to lead an in-person workshop on practical strategies for renewed wellbeing. Topics include managing your mental load and rewiring your brain to reduce stress and optimise your wellbeing. Space is limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Monday 18 May: Holistic Wellbeing for PhD Students, with Rachel King (City Campus)
 

Virtual tea for off-campus candidates

All part-time and off-campus doctoral candidates, as well as those who aren't able to visit campus often, are invited to our Virtual Doctoral Morning Tea. You'll be able to connect with fellow candidates and share your experiences during this relaxed online session. We'll also chat about the latest online resources and offerings. Don't miss this opportunity!

Monday 11 May: Virtual Doctoral Morning Tea for Off-Campus Candidates (Zoom)
 

Plan your career for peace of mind

This special one-hour webinar for doctoral candidates by Career Development and Employability Services (CDES) will help you to take a strategic approach to your career development during and beyond your doctorate, with practical insights into pathways, planning, and positioning in today's job market.

Wednesday 6 May: Map the Landscape of Your Future Career, with CDES (Zoom)

More events in May

Week One

4 May: Sharpen your Interview Skills (City Campus)
5 May: Connect and Develop: How to Build the Life you Want (Zoom)
6 May: NEW! FMHS and Liggins Doctoral Drop-In (1pm-2pm, Room 505-110A)
6 May: Language Enrichment for Doctoral Candidates (City Campus)
7 May: Academic Skills: Time Management (City Campus)
7 May: Build your Network (City Campus)
 

Week Two

11 May: Crafting your Elevator Pitch (Zoom)
12 May: Level up your LinkedIn (City Campus)
13 May: Writing a Data Management Plan (Zoom)
13 May: Responsible AI in Research (Zoom)
14 May: Valuing Good Research Practice Part 1: Basics and More (Zoom)
 

Week Three

19 May: Publishing your Research (Zoom)
19 May: Literature Review: Organising and Writing (City Campus)
20 May: Crafting your Elevator Pitch (Zoom)
20 May: NEW! Arts & Ed Doctoral Drop-In (10am-11am, Room 201-826): no rsvp needed
20 May: Early Career Researchers: Explore Career Direction (City Campus)
21 May: Valuing Good Research Practice Part 2: Authorship and Publishing (Zoom)
21 May: Risk Assessment (City Campus)
 

Week Four

25 May: 3MT Feedback Session (City Campus)
25 May: AI for Literature Reviews (Zoom)
27 May: SPSS Core Skills (Zoom)
27 May: Presenting your Research (Zoom)
27 May: Early Career Researchers: Explore Career Direction (City Campus)
28 May: Managing Research Data (Zoom)
28 May: Tips on Communicating your Research: Science Media Centre (Zoom)

Helpful hint

Three Minute Thesis

Want to get your research noticed?

Want to get your research noticed, improve your communication skills, meet other doctoral candidates, and win prizes? Then the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition is for you!

Sign up via the links below:

• 8 June: Business and Economics / Law Heat
• 9 June: Arts and Education Heat
• 10 June: Science Heat
• 18 June: FMHS Heat
• 25 June: Engineering and Design Heat
• 29 June: Open Heat

Did you know? All doctoral candidates can register for the 3MT training sessions, even if you don't want to enter the 3MT competition itself. Don't miss this opportunity to learn valuable skills that will stand you in good stead for conferences, job interviews, and handling tricky questions from friends and whānau. Learn more on the 3MT web page.

Scene around

We enjoyed meeting doctoral candidates from FMHS, Liggins and beyond when we took our Doctoral Morning Tea to Grafton on Wednesday 15 April. There was an excellent turnout despite the wet weather, with great conversations happening over warm cups of coffee. Keep an eye out for the next morning tea on the Doctoral What's On web page.

Notices

Fulbright NZ exchange awards

Fulbright NZ offers a range of exchange awards for NZ citizens (who don't additionally hold US citizenship) who would like to study, research, or lecture in the USA. The annual Fulbright Info Session takes place on Thursday 30 April (City Campus). Register here.

Cash prizes for bright ideas

Do you have an idea to solve a social issue, tackle an environmental problem, or seize a market opportunity? The Velocity Ideas Challenge is open to all University of Auckland students and staff. Submit your idea in up to 1,000 words for a chance to win $1,000 from a $20,000 prize pool, receive feedback from industry experts, and take the first step toward bringing your idea to life. The closing date is Monday 11 May. Find out more.

40 digital skills workshops

Research Bazaar Aotearoa (ResBaz) is a free online workshop series which transfers digital skills and methods at the heart of modern research. Over 40 workshops are on offer – everything from programming in Python to designing better posters. You can sign up for as many as you'd like. Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July (Zoom). Register here.

Turn your research into opportunity

This three-day Research to Start-Up Bootcamp at City Campus in July will help you explore how your work can create real world impact. You will learn how to turn research into opportunities, explore venture fundamentals, and connect with a network of innovators. Applications close on Sunday 21 June. Learn more.

E-bike and e-scooter rule change

From Friday 1 May, electric scooters, bikes, and other personal electric transport devices (including their batteries) will no longer be allowed in any University building, due to the fire risk associated with lithium batteries. The ban covers offices, teaching spaces, common areas, halls of residence, and other University accommodation. The devices may only be stored in designated University bike and scooter storage areas and may only be charged where approved charging points are provided. Read more.