31 March 2022

CaRST eNewsletter

In the next several updates, I’m going to focus in on each Domain of the Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF), which all CaRST activities are mapped against. I’ll also give some tips on how to ensure professionalism in your approach to CaRST. Taking a professional approach to your development through CaRST will benefit you, and your fellow HDR students. These tips also align with professional expectations in most workplaces.

Focus on: Domain A (Knowledge and Intellectual Abilities)

Domain A activities focus on the knowledge and intellectual abilities needed to be able to carry out excellent research. Subdomains include Knowledge base, Cognitive abilities and Creativity.

Sometimes students struggle to identify activities to complete in Domain A, while others hit the maximum credits very quickly. Here are some ideas for you to consider in planning how to achieve your Domain A goals in CaRST:

• CaRST workshops and online learning opportunities
• Workshops offered by partner providers, such as Intersect workshops (see below for some upcoming sessions)
• University Library training on sourcing literature and managing references
• Joining journal clubs or discussion groups in your discipline
• Attending or presenting at a postgraduate symposia or research seminar in your school or faculty
• Undertaking training related to your discipline – for example master classes, technical skills sessions or similar.

When considering your needs for Domain A, consider what skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your research degree, and in your future career. In addition to the suggestions above, speak to your supervisor, and to fellow HDR students in your discipline to see what opportunities may be available.

Focus on Professionalism: Attendance

Your registration for a workshop, lecture or other development activity is a commitment. When considering which activities to register for, make sure you are considering both your development needs, and your calendar. Some activities have capped attendance, and may have a waiting list, so if you aren’t able to commit to attending, please don’t register. We understand that things happen, so ask that if you are no longer able to attend a planned session, that you cancel your registration as early as possible, and at least 24 hours in advance, to allow another student to benefit from the place.

Best,

Katy Dolman
Manager, CaRST

Training & Development Events

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

IT Tools for Researchers: What, Why, How and Where

When: 4 April 2022, 3:00pm - 4:00pm (Note time change)
Credits: 1 credit, Domain A
Delivery mode: Zoom webinar

This session will provide an overview of the many IT systems and tools on offer to make the most of your research, from building your research profile to managing your data and promoting your outputs. It will cover what is available, where to find them, and where to find more help and training when it is needed. Register here.

Media Training for Scientists

When: 5 April 2022, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Credits: 2 credits, Domain D
Delivery mode: Zoom webinar

Dealing with the media can be a challenge. In this workshop, the Australian Science Media Centre will explore how scientists can get the most out of working with the mainstream media. It will focus on making tricky science accessible, avoiding jargon, and how to communicate your message to a broad lay audience. Register here.

How to Plan your PhD

When: 7 April 2022, 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Credits: 2.5 credits, Domain C
Delivery mode: Zoom webinar

A PhD is a major undertaking, yet many people spend more time planning a weekend away than they do planning the next three years of their life. If you want to finish on time and enjoy the process along the way then it is important to have a good plan. Presented by Hugh Kearns, this session will teach you how to develop your own PhD Planning Toolkit and guide you in how to use it to plan your PhD. Register here.

Other Training & Events

How to write for The Conversation

Academic staff and HDR students are invited to attend a one-hour session with Editor Jane Howard on how and why to write for The Conversation. Monday 4 April, 3–4 pm. Horace Lamb lecture theatre, North Terrace campus and online via Zoom webinar. Register to attend in-person or online.

Learn to Program: R

R is quickly gaining popularity as a programming language of choice for statisticians, data scientists and researchers. Getting started can be challenging, particularly if you've never programmed before. That's where this introductory course organised by Intersect and CaRST comes in. Zoom meeting, 7-8 April, 9:30am – 12:30pm. Register for waitlist.

English Language Series for HDRs

Presented by the English Language Centre, this series of workshops focuses on the preparation of the research proposal and the appropriate language of academic writing. These workshops are best suited for international students and students with English as a second language; however, all students are welcome to attend.

• Planning your Research Proposal: 12 April, 2:00pm - 5:00pm. Register here.
• Writing the Introduction and Literature Review Sections of your Research Proposal: 19 April, 2:00pm - 4:30pm. Register here.
• Writing the Theory, Methodology and Summary Sections of your Research Proposal: 26 April, 2:00pm - 4:30pm. Register here.

* These workshops are designed to be completed together, so please consider attending all three trainings in the series. All courses will be held online via Zoom.

**Though delivered online, this is a workshop, not a lecture, and breakout rooms will be used so that students can interact with each other. Please ensure audio and video is configured so you can participate. We recommend using a laptop or desktop computer, not a phone for this to work well. 

Data Capture and Surveys with REDCap

Would you like to enable secure and reliable data collection forms and manage online surveys? Would your study benefit from web-based data entry? Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) might be for you. This course will introduce you to REDCap, a rapidly evolving web tool developed by researchers for researchers. Zoom meeting, 20 April, 9:30am – 12:30pm. Register here

Keeping Research Data Safe: Data Ownership and Management

This webinar is for researchers who want to know how good research data management can support project success and keep their valuable research data safe from all kinds of data loss. We will highlight good data ownership and management practices at each stage of a research project lifecycle that will assist you in safely collecting, organizing, preserving and sharing your data. Lastly, we will share services supporting research data at your institution. Zoom webinar, 19 April 1:00pm – 2:00pm. Register here

News

Raining Poetry in Adelaide

Are you interested in helping to brighten grey, gloomy days? The Coetzee Centre are looking for volunteers to assist with a wide range of activities, including managing submissions, the selection and tagging of the poems, assisting with our launch event, and social media promotion. Further information and how to apply

About CaRST

Located within the Adelaide Graduate Research School, 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.