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ECR Newsletter - April 2024
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1:2:1 Careers Appointments with Kenneth Howgill – Researcher Development Careers Coach (ECRs)
Unsure of your future career direction either within Academia or beyond Academia? Kenneth Howgill, (Careers Coach for Researcher Development and Research Culture), is available to offer 1:2:1 Career coaching appointments for ECRs. 50 minute online appointments are available by clicking on the button below.
Kenneth can offer advice and discuss how to manage and plan your career and has timeslots in April and throughout May. If you have any queries, please contact ResearcherDevelopment@exeter.ac.uk.
Watch Kenneth's Video (button below) that he's put together introducing our ECR/PGR career coaching services and webinar programme.
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ECR Researcher Development Programme
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Learning and Development Opportunities: University of Exeter and Beyond
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Although Registrations will be kept open, dietary requirements can not be guaranteed for those registering beyond 2 April 2024.
Tuesday 16 April 2024 (11 am - 1 pm) - Streatham Campus, Amory Parker Moot.
Wednesday 17 April 2024 (11 am - 1 pm) - Penryn Campus, ESI Trevithick Room.
Join the GW4 Alliance & University of Exeter colleagues for an engaging information, lunch and networking session, exploring GW4’s strategic priorities, their programmes of work, and the funding, support & career development opportunities they can offer to academic staff, researchers and PGRs across the University. Open to all staff and PGRs, with free lunch and refreshments provided.
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Call for Papers Reminder - Medieval and Early Modern Students Association (MEMSA) Conference 2024
Submission Deadline - Friday 5 April 2024
Conference - 15 - 16 July 2024 (Pemberton Rooms on Palace Green, Durham)
One day left to submit a paper for the 18th Annual MEMSA Conference on the theme of ‘Fear and Loathing in the Medieval and Early Modern World.’
Both the Conference itself and the Association more generally are oriented towards promoting Postgraduate and Early Career research. It offers attendees the opportunity to both present their own research as well as attend panels on current research directions. It also provides crucial networking opportunities for building connections between Early Career and senior academics across a range of disciplines in Medieval and Early Modern Studies.
To apply, please submit a short abstract of no more than 250 words, along with a brief biographical statement, to memsa.conference@durham.ac.uk.
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Help the University become more Nature Positive
Deadline : Monday 8 April 2024.
The University is signed up to becoming a Nature Positive University and restoring nature. A strategy has been started to plan how best this can be done, and your views are welcomed. Please comment on the draft Nature Positive Strategy by clicking on the button below.
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BBSRC ICURe Engage April 2024 (Wales and Southwest of England focused)
Deadline : Friday 12 April 2024
Please note this is a bioscience focused programme for bioscience researchers only. This cohort is Wales and Southwest of England focused.
ICURe (Innovation-to-Commercialisation of University Research) is the UK's leading early stage research accelerator programme.
ICURe ENGAGE is a 4-week, part-time programme tailored for bioscience research students and technicians. This programme aims to identify potential beneficiaries of bioscience research, introduce participants to tools for commercialisation, and foster consideration of entrepreneurship as a pathway for achieving societal impact and a viable career choice. Full schedule of ICURe ENGAGE programme can be found here.
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Career Development Retreat
Tuesday 16 April 2024 (9.15 am - 4.15 pm), in person at Bath Spa Hotel.
Booking Deadline : Wednesday 10 April 2024
Set aside time to focus on your career at this in-person FREE event organised by Bath University. You could receive support on applying for academic roles, work on translating your skills for careers outside academia, practice your interview skills, work on your CV, develop your network and receive 1-1 support. This event is for postdocs/Early Career Researchers. As places are limited, it is important that, if booked on, you turn up on the day (otherwise you could be taking the place from someone else).
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Fostering Cross - Discipline Early and Mid-Career Collaboration
Monday 22 April 2024 and Monday 20 May 2024 (9.30 am - 4 pm)
Streatham Campus, Reed Hall.
Who should attend: Researchers broadly in grades E&F, or grade G on 'R only' Contracts thinking about applying for grants or fellowships with no/limited previous experience.
Join us for a 2-day in-person event aiming to help Early and Mid-Career Researchers across the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences collaborate, prepare and submit funding applications. The workshops will involve discussion of ideas, talks around patient and public involvement, funding sources, processes and timelines to consider before submission, and group work. You will preferably have a research idea to work on during the workshops, however, the event also offers an ideal opportunity to network, develop ideas, discuss plans and collaborate with other attendees.
This activity is a Researcher-led Initiative that has been funded by the University of Exeter Researcher Development and Research Culture team.
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Workshop: Co-Design for Real - what’s really going on in good co-creation?
Tuesday 23 April 2024 (9.30 am - 12 noon)
Streatham Campus, Creative Quadrant.
Join Professor Leon Cruickshank (Lancaster University), for a free interactive workshop to introduce approaches to co-design that will help you undertake your own co-production with more confidence and a greater likelihood of success. With these fundamentals in place the session will also introduce a range of free resources to help you transform your co-production plan into a successful reality.
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Beyond the Goldfish Bowl: Communicating Research Creatively
Three linked workshops to be held on :
Wednesday 24 April 2024 (10.30 am - 12 noon)
Tuesday 7 May 2024 (2 pm - 2.30 pm)
Wednesday 22 May 2024 (10.30 am - 12 noon)
These online workshops are aimed at PhD/Masters researchers, research associates and research fellows but open to everyone. The priority is simplicity. Attendees will leave equipped with practical skills, knowledge of effective collaboration, and strategies for navigating constraints.
Workshop #1: Wednesday 24 April 2024 (10.30 am – 12 noon) - The view from the bridge. Presenters: Dr Noreen Orr and Dr Harriet Hunt, University of Exeter. Book via Eventbrite here
Workshop #2: Tuesday 7 May 2024 (2 pm - 3.30 pm) - In the crow’s nest. Presenter: Professor Jo Thompson-Coon, University of Exeter. Book via Eventbrite here
Workshop #3: Wednesday 22 May 2024 (10.30 am – 12 noon) - Into the wild. Presenter: Dan Porter, Co-founder of Scriberia. Book via Eventbrite here.
This activity is a Researcher-led Initiative that has been funded by the University of Exeter Researcher Development and Research Culture team. Any queries contact Harriet Hunt h.a.hunt@exeter.ac.uk
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Methods for Change - Live Workshops
Methods for Change is offering exclusive early bird discount of 10% off the following courses (using code PYNZJVCX - offer ends 22.2.24).
Using ChatGPT for Data Analysis
Wednesday 24 April 2024 (9 am - 12 noon).
Explore how you can analyse and write up descriptive statistics and qualitative responses from your survey data using ChatGPT. This workshop will equip you with the tools to leverage the advanced capabilities of ChatGPT to enhance your research outcomes.
Using ChatGPT for Funding Applications
Wednesday 29 May 2024 (9 am - 12 noon).
This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and practical techniques to improve the quality and impact of your proposals. Through interactive discussions, hands-on exercises, and real-world examples, learn how to effectively use ChatGPT to address funder requirements and increase the chances of securing funding.
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Monthly Tea, Coffee & Cake - Penryn Campus hosted by ESI Exeter & Arts & Culture Exeter
First Session : Thursday 25 April 2024 (Penryn Campus)
Join researchers from University of Exeter & Falmouth University every month for tea, coffee & cake on Penryn campus hosted by ESI Exeter & Arts & Culture Exeter - a great place for researchers to meet & hear about this year's Funded FX Creative Exchange & others' research through micro talks. Dates & locations are being finalised however you can register your interest by emailing esienquiries@exeter.ac.uk.
Want to engage in creative activities? Follow Tender Acts art commission to connect with free creative activities on Penryn campus.
Image: Robinson Deep Gold Mine, Witwatersrand, South Africa (1900s) - researcher Madeline R. Young (Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter) and photographer Guy Martin (Institute of Photography, Falmouth University) blend archival evidence, visual arts and compelling, sensitive storytelling to explore how colonial-era mining in Africa has impacted landscapes and local communities.
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Developing Business-Aware Academics Workshops
Tuesday 30 April 2024 (1.45 pm - 5 pm) - Streatham Campus, Reed Hall.
Developing Business-Aware Academics is a new project offering doctoral and Early Career Researchers (from across all disciplines) the knowledge, skills and networking opportunities to engage effectively with industry. PGRs, ECRs, PhD supervisors and researcher developers are invited to come and find out more about the opportunities within the Developing Business-Aware Academics project and explore some of the experiences, challenges and barriers that face doctoral and ECRs in collaborating and working across academia and industry.
Afternoon tea will be provided.
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Call for Papers: Visions Unveiled – Unfolding Narratives of Art History, Visual Culture, and Modern Languages
Deadline for Submissions : Friday 17 May 2024
Conference Date : Friday 14 June 2024
This year's Art History & Visual Culture / Modern Languages PGR Conference is entitled "Visions Unveiled".
Submissions are welcomed that encourage vibrant dialogues in a diverse range of artistic periods, cultures, language complexities, analytical theories, and visual narratives beyond the confines of a specific epoch or geographical setting. Whatever area of research, your interpretations of the theme is welcomed.
Proposals in any format from ECRs and PGRs from all disciplines Potential topics could include, but not limited to:
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Translations across Linguistic, Cultural, and Visual Boundaries.
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Art, Identity, and Language.
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Cultural Dialogue Through Art.
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Digital Art: Reshaping Visual Culture and Contemporary Language.
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Transcending Borders and Barriers.
For more information, contact VisionsUnveiled2024@exeter.ac.uk
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Human Tissue Act Training and Informed Consent Training
Upcoming Sessions:
Human Tissue Act Training
Tuesday 21 May 2024 (10 am - 11 am)
Mandatory for anyone new to research/starting a new research project involving human tissue samples.
Informed Consent Training
Tuesday 21 May 2024 (11.15 am - 12.15 pm)
Essential for anyone taking informed consent from study participants.
Both sessions are open to everyone at all levels, and encourage attendance from those who would like to refresh/update their knowledge of the Human Tissue Act. Please contact Christine at hta-return@exeter.ac.uk who will send you a Teams invite to either or both sessions.
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Catalysing Impact: Empowering Health and Life Sciences Early Career Researchers for Commercialisation Success
Tuesday 21 May 2024 (9 am - 4 pm) Streatham Campus, LSI.
Registration closes on Wednesday 15 May 2024.
🌟 Unlock Your Research Potential! 🚀
Are you an Early Career Researcher or PGR Student in Health and Life Sciences (HLS) at a UK University? Don't miss this chance to amplify your research impact and commercial success! Our Breakthrough HLS Impact Project aims to empower you to:
🎯 Recognise and translate real-world impact.
📅 Engage in Business Engagement, Commercialisation, and Impact Day.
🌐 Experience diverse perspectives through Cross-Faculty Collaboration.
🔍 Learn from renowned speakers for tangible outcomes
👐 Refine ideas in hands-on workshops.
🌱 Develop professional skills for long-term impact and pitch your ideas.
This activity is a Researcher-led Initiative that has been funded by the University of Exeter Researcher Development and Research Culture team.
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GenAI and its influence in Research
Kelly-Louise Preece, Head of Educator Development, has shared a YouTube video of her presentation on this topic. The presentation acts as an introduction to the key isues and frameworks for considering its use. Within the video, she mentions a list of useful links which can be found by clicking here.
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Advanced Impact and Evidence Planning Workshops
Enhance your academic impact with the Advanced Impact and Evidence Planning Workshops. Specifically designed for departmental groups, this 2-hour long workshop delves deeply into effective impact planning by utilising the Theory of Change framework. Participants will develop their impact and evidence planners as they draw on their own impact goals to reflect on new and existing stakeholders, explore relevant engagement strategies, and identify appropriate means to evidence the impact they create. By the end of the workshops, attendees will have developed personalised impact planners and evidence trackers, helping them to effectively communicate, plan, and measure their own impactful research. Attendees are also offered the chance for a one-on-one drop-in session to further discuss their plans. Access our workshop timetable for 2024 by clicking on the button below and sign up via
Eventbrite. For more details, reach out to impact@exter.ac.uk.
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Impactful Researcher Essential Series
Dive into the core of research impact with the Impactful Researcher Essential Series. This session provides straight-forward answers to questions surrounding research impact, including guidance on stakeholder analysis, theory of change, and knowledge-exchange activities. Through a combination of pre-recorded sessions and live activities, participants will learn why research impact matters, how to plan for it, and practical steps to achieve it. This training is available to all career levels but is best suited to those at the start of their impact journey or those wishing to brush up on their impact knowledge. For more details, reach out to impact@exter.ac.uk.
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The Concordat - something all ECRs should know about!
What is the Researcher Development Concordat? The University of Exeter has signed the Researcher Development Concordat which commits to support the career development of its Researchers.
You can also get the latest Concordat updates and events by signing up to their newsletter when registering with their website.
Already registered and want to receive Vitae News? Contact Vitae direct
See the latest news updates on the Concordat.
Hot off the Press! The University of Exeter has retained its HR Excellence in Research Award after its 12-year review!
What is The HR Excellence in Research Award? It is an important mechanism for implementing the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and in retaining their Awards these UK institutions have demonstrated their long-term commitment to the career development of researchers. There are currently 85 Vitae UK member institutions with the Award.
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Research Grants, Funding & Competitions
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Seedcorn funding available from the Health Technologies @ Exeter research network
Deadline : Monday 15 April 2024
The Health Technologies @ Exeter research network is pleased to announce availability of seedcorn grants of up to £2500. Applications are invited for funding to carry out a pilot project with the aim of developing a large application grant in the near future. Please note that funds cannot be used to pay for academic staff but can be used for consumables, datasets and research staff time. All funds must be used by 31 July 2024, so the network is looking for short pilot projects that can start soon. With regret, if a project requires ethical approval but has not yet obtained this, it is not eligible for a grant. For any enquires contact researchnetworks@exeter.com.
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Glaucoma UK: new 3-year post-doc fellowship into glaucoma
Expressions of Interest - Friday 31 May 2024 (5 pm)
Full Applications Deadline - Sunday 22 September 2024 (5 pm)
Glaucoma UK, the charity for people living with glaucoma, has a new fellowship to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
The fellowship is a 3 year post-doctoral career development fellowship and includes salary costs and up to £20,000 additional costs each year. The fellowship is open to any post-doctorates working in a glaucoma-related field, so that could be ophthalmologists, pharmacists, nurses, optometrists, vision scientists etc.
Glaucoma UK has other grant funding available on their website.
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JSPS London Pre/Postdoctoral Fellowship for Foreign Researchers (Short Term)
Application Deadline: Monday 3 June 2024 (23:59)
Fellowships must start between 1 November 2024 - 31 March 2025.
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) offers a Pre/Postdoctoral Fellowship for Foreign Researchers (Short Term) that provides the opportunity for short-term visits for UK, European, North American and Canadian researchers ordinarily based in the UK or Ireland to do cooperative research with leading research groups at Japanese Universities and Institutions. The programme is designed to provide researchers with first-hand experience of the research and living environment in Japan, whilst expanding academic exchange between Japan and the UK or Ireland. Researchers from any field are eligible to apply. Awards will cover visits of 1 to 12 months.
Eligible applicants need to be either within 2 years of finishing their PhD at the time of applying to start their fellowship in Japan or have obtained their PhD at a university outside of Japan within the last 6 years (on or after 2nd April 2018). Read more from former JSPS Fellows who have taken part in the programme.
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MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 - Call Information Webinars
Session 1 : Tuesday 14 May 2024
(10 am - 12 noon)
Session 2 : Wednesday 15 May 2024
(10 am - 12 noon)
The UK Research Office (UKRO), in its capacity as UK National Contact Point (NCP) for the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), is holding two information webinars for organisations and individuals interested in applying to the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 call (call deadline 11 September 2024).
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MSCA Doctoral Networks 2024 Call Information Webinars
Session 1 : Tuesday 2 July 2024
(10 am - 12 noon)
Session 2 : Wednesday 3 July 2024
(10 am - 12 noon)
The UK Research Office (UKRO), in its capacity as UK National Contact Point for the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), is holding two information webinars for organisations and individuals interested in applying to the 2024 MSCA Doctoral Networks Call (call deadline 27 November 2024).
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Andrew Cunliffe has created this Funding Finder platform which signposts hundreds of funding opportunities that will be of interest to current community members looking to undertake research, fieldwork, conference visits or exchanges with our partner organisations worldwide. It has easily searchable listings and awards ranging from £100 to £10,000,000.
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Research & Researcher Networks
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CYP Wellbeing @Exeter Research Network Annual Symposium - ECR poster competition
Deadline for applications and receipt of posters - Friday 12 April 2024.
Network Symposium - Friday 10 May 2024 (Streatham Campus, Reed Hall)
NEW THIS YEAR is the ECR Poster competition and there are prizes available!
This is a chance to display your work relating to Children & Young People’s wellbeing and for discussion with other researchers and people interested in this field. The Network will cover the cost of poster printing and there are £50 Love2shop vouchers available for the top two posters. Posters will be displayed and prizes awarded during the day.
To enter please complete THIS form and email your poster design to cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk. There are limited places available and these will be awarded on a first come first served basis.
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The Cornwall Wellbeing Network
The Cornwall Wellbeing Network is open to ECRs, PGRs and staff from Exeter, Falmouth and FXPlus and offers a chance to meet and chat with new people. After 6 months of being a “bring-your-own” event, toasty drinks and tasty treats are now provided (please just bring your own mug)! For more information on the Network contact Natasha Hammond (nh510@exeter.ac.uk).
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Research & Researcher Blogs
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ECR Hub Webpages - Feedback Required
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We are currently updating and developing the ECR Hub webpages so that we can improve the information and support we provide you. Our aim is to make the Hub a one-stop-shop to help reduce the time you spend searching for key information and support, along with streamlining our communications to you.
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Organising an Event & Need Help?
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Health, Wellbeing & Support
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Free Mindfulness Sessions for Colleagues
Mindfulness is a powerful practice of training our attention and an evidence-based way to tackle anxiety, stress and low mood. If you’re interested in exploring more, there is a variety of free internal options available for all colleagues.
Sessions from the internal Mood Disorders Centre mindfulness team include: an eight-week MBCT-L course (2hrs weekly), an eight-week ‘deeper mindfulness’ course for those who’ve completed the MBCT-L course and bespoke ‘healthy mind’ sessions for whole teams, which can be delivered in-person or online.
You may also be interested in trying mindful meditation in 30 min online sessions each Thursday lunchtime. This is a secular practice run by the Chaplaincy.
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April is Stress Awareness Month. Here are some tools available to colleagues and managers to help develop and maintain good mental health at work.
Find out how the University can support Early Career Researchers. The page includes support from the University, Spectrum.Life as well as a list of networks to support staff wellbeing.
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