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This workshop is tailored for postgraduate researchers interested in applying for small-scale funding opportunities, such as attending conferences or organizing events. Geared towards those with limited or no prior experience, it covers the essential considerations of the funding application process, and includes a hands-on exercise to provide practical insights into evaluating funding applications.
This workshop is a practical introduction to presenting a lecture. It is aimed at those lecturing for the first time, especially PhD students who may be delivering a guest lecture. Participants will have the opportunity to deliver a 10 minute lecture and receive feedback.
This workshop aims to support participants in:
- the practice of giving a lecture
- discussion of different approaches to lecturing
- to incorporate feedback to their own lectures
- to increase confidence
Please note this workshop is focused on lecture delivery and does not cover lecture preparation.
This workshop is aligned with A1, A2, A4, K2, K3, K5 of the UKPSF.
Date | Availability | |
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Wed 30 Apr 2025 | 14:30 | [Places] |
This ONLINE writing retreat is designed to offer structured sessions of academic writing for PhD students with autism and ADHD. You do NOT need to have a diagnosis to attend this retreat. If you feel like you would benefit from an online workspace that accommodates neurodivergence, please come along!
The session will be run on a Discord server which allows you to engage both on video, and via text chat. Before the event, you will be sent instructions for how to join, both in written format and as a video. You can also take a look at the Discord website beforehand, if you like: https://discord.com/
We start the day with an introduction that discusses the kinds of challenges that Autism and ADHD can present in doctoral research, as well as strengths they confer. This is followed by discussion sessions on finding adaptive ways to work when handling executive dysfunction, or issues with your environment. The rest of the day is dedicated to writing, with short sessions to test out new ways to approach your work.
A full schedule for the day will be sent out at least a week in advance.
The Two-Day writing retreat is designed to offer structured sessions of academic writing for PhD students who wish to come and work in a supportive environment, and discuss strategies for good working practices that accommodate neurodivergence. You do NOT need to have a confirmed diagnosis to attend this retreat.
We start the first day with an introduction that discusses the kinds of challenges that Autism and ADHD can present in doctoral research, as well as strengths. This is followed by discussion sessions on finding adaptive ways to work when handling executive dysfunction, or issues with your environment. The rest of the first day is dedicated to writing, with short sessions to test out new ways to approach your work. The second day will be a dedicated writing retreat, with time in a comfortable environment to crack on with some writing! A full schedule for the two days will be sent out at least a week in advance.
You will be writing alongside fellow graduate students. There will be a ‘quiet room’ and a ‘noisy room’ to accommodate various working styles/activities, and attendees are welcome to bring along any fidget objects etc. that would normally help them focus. We will also bring a selection of these to try out!
If you have attended before you are very welcome to come again – feel free to skip the introductory talk or just go get settled in the ‘quiet room’ to start your work.
Lastly, although you will need to arrange your own lunch, coffee, tea, & biscuits will be provided, alongside fruit and cake. Although non-dairy milk, and vegan & gluten-free flapjacks will be ordered, please notify us of any allergies when you make your booking.
Date | Availability | |
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Thu 27 Mar 2025 | 09:30 | [Places] |
Wed 23 Apr 2025 | 09:30 | [Places] |
Mon 28 Apr 2025 | 09:30 | [Places] |
Thu 15 May 2025 | 09:30 | [Places] |
Thu 26 Jun 2025 | 09:30 | [Places] |

Join us for an engaging two-part workshop tailored specifically for PhD students interested in the dynamic world of interdisciplinarity! Delve into the fascinating realm where disciplines intersect and collaborate to broaden your research horizons.
In Part I, we embark on an exploration of the diverse perspectives on interdisciplinary research. From the integrative-synthesis approach, to the subordinate-service, and agonistic-antagonistic views, we uncover the rich tapestry of possibilities. Yet, we also navigate through the limitations of these perspectives, challenging the notion of well-defined disciplinary boundaries. Together, we venture into Thomas Kuhn’s concept of research paradigms, unveiling the hidden dimensions of fundamental research assumptions, which transcend disciplinary confines.
Part II invites you to embark on a historical journey through the evolution of disciplines and interdisciplinarity. Reflect on the emergence of disciplines, pondering whether it signifies a continuous progression, or a series of discontinuous material histories. Through a critical lens inspired by thinkers such as Foucault and Marx, we delve into the intricate interplay of power structures and economic interests, which shape notions of 'legitimate knowing'. This critical perspective complements Kuhn’s paradigm shifts, urging us to consider the positionality of researchers and material ontologies.
*It is NOT essential that you attend Part I before attending.
Date | Availability | |
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Fri 9 May 2025 | 13:30 | CANCELLED |
Join us for an engaging two-part workshop tailored specifically for PhD students interested in the dynamic world of interdisciplinarity! Delve into the fascinating realm where disciplines intersect and collaborate to broaden your research horizons.
In Part I, we embark on an exploration of the diverse perspectives on interdisciplinary research. From the integrative-synthesis approach, to the subordinate-service, and agonistic-antagonistic views, we uncover the rich tapestry of possibilities. Yet, we also navigate through the limitations of these perspectives, challenging the notion of well-defined disciplinary boundaries. Together, we venture into Thomas Kuhn’s concept of research paradigms, unveiling the hidden dimensions of fundamental research assumptions, which transcend disciplinary confines.
Part II invites you to embark on a historical journey through the evolution of disciplines and interdisciplinarity. Reflect on the emergence of disciplines, pondering whether it signifies a continuous progression, or a series of discontinuous material histories. Through a critical lens inspired by thinkers such as Foucault and Marx, we delve into the intricate interplay of power structures and economic interests, which shape notions of 'legitimate knowing'. This critical perspective complements Kuhn’s paradigm shifts, urging us to consider the positionality of researchers and material ontologies.
Date | Availability | |
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Thu 8 May 2025 | 13:30 | CANCELLED |
This half-day course aims to provide researchers with a dedicated space to explore different communication styles, including their own, and learn more about when and how to use them with impact.
This will be an engaging programme which will give participants the opportunity to build confidence in their own communication approach and develop their self-advocacy, whilst becoming more aware of their strengths and motivations when working with others. The session will provide researchers with the techniques and skills to communicate effectively with supervisors, and colleagues, in difficult conversations, in negotiations, collaborative working, in meetings and when providing feedback.
This training is provided free of charge to postgraduate researchers, however, the cost of providing the course is £30 per participant.
Join this workshop to demystify and re-define the concept of “leadership” and understand the importance of developing your impact and influence in Academia and beyond. We will explore opportunities to increase your visibility and spheres of influence to drive research impact throughout your project and increase your power to pursue your research interests and aspirations. This is an opportunity to uncover what leadership means to you, decide on the type of leader and influencer you want to become as well as help you prioritise the relevant skills and mindsets which will help you progress to the next level of confidence and responsibility. The workshop will cover the following themes:
- Defining “a good leader” in research and beyond: uncovering myths and assumptions
- De-tangling the concept of leadership in the context of research in a post-COVID world: moving towards impact and influence
- Top skills and mindsets which you need to develop to increase your impact and influence in research and beyond
- The art of influence and impact: practical tips on building your leadership experience and how this will support your current research project
The workshop is highly engaging and requires active participation. This is a safe place to share your experience and learn from peers.
Tea, coffee, water, & biscuits will be provided.
This training is provided free of charge to postgraduate researchers, however, the cost of providing the course is £30 per participant.
An interactive and informal session addressing:
- What assertiveness is and isn’t.
- Your own assertiveness – where are you starting from, and what do you want to work on?
- The assertive and the unassertive you – when are you assertive and unassertive, and why?
- Some theory and hints & tips that will help you to work your assertiveness.
- Putting it all into practice.
- Actions for your assertiveness practice.
To enable everyone attending the chance to work and meet each other, the session will contain a mix of small and large group work, and some individual work. The small groups will be changed throughout the session.
Tea, coffee, water, & biscuits will be provided.
This training is provided free of charge to postgraduate researchers, however, the cost of providing the course is £30 per participant.
This is an in-person event.
This training will introduce you to the world of visual communication. We will look at visualising data versus visualising abstract concepts and think about appropriateness! How can you simplify a huge body of research into something that is visually enticing to people outside of your field? In this training you will learn how to create visual metaphors that illustrate your research as well as the basics of frame by frame and stop motion animation so that you may turn these illustrations into short animated gifs.
Have you ever wanted to get creative with your research? To discover how writing can bring a new perspective to your work? How your words can engage with new audiences about the academic research that you are passionate about?
This training will enable you to develop creative ways by which you can use writing to engage with the public; providing you with the resources to be more confident in developing and sharing creative writing responses to your area of research.
The course will introduce creative writing for poetry and prose, and textual writing for exhibition / display. It will discuss developing writing for performance. The aim is to work with you to bring out the creative responses that lay within your own work. There will be the opportunity to receive written feedback throughout the week, and to discuss your work in a 1-to-1 session with the course tutor (if requested in advance).
The training will be led by David Cain. David’s most recent book, Truth Street, was shortlisted for the prestigious Forward Prizes for Poetry (2019). David brings his writing experience together with a passion for public engagement - he currently leads the delivery of the Cambridge Festival.
Learn the technical skills you need to make a podcast. Equipment, recording, technical specifications, editing & distribution all covered. During this very practical, hands on course you’ll make a practice 3 minute podcast. You’ll start with equipment advice, then use a microphone & your laptop to record, followed by editing your podcast, and finally, learning how to publish it. No previous experience necessary, but if you do have experience you’ll certainly learn more on this course
If you would like to take part in this in person session and have a specific question, please email me in advance: ch996@cam.ac.uk
This event is online only.
Successful public engagement can benefit research, researchers and the public – but how do you go about demonstrating this change? This workshop will guide you through the best evaluation processes showing you when, why and crucially how, to use evaluation to give you reliable and clear data. Demonstrate success to funders; record Impact for REF; learn how to improve your processes and have a better understanding of the people you are connecting with.
The workshop will be followed by the option of a one-to-one consultation to discuss individual and project specific evaluation approaches. These will take place after the workshop and last for 20 min. Please contact the ER team for information on how to book this session.
Dr Jamie Gallagher is an award-winning engagement professional with over ten years’ experience in the delivery and evaluation of quality engagement projects. Working across dozens of institutions and subject areas he has improved the reach, profile and impact of research engagement in almost every academic discipline.
As a specialist in evaluation Jamie provides consultancy services to charities and universities helping them to demonstrate their impact and to understand their audiences and stakeholders. He consulted on dozens of REF impact case studies in the latest round and works regularly with the vast majority of the Russell Group Universities.
Are you struggling to engage with public audiences beyond the usual suspects? Do you want to widen your professional network? Could you be the authoritative voice in your field? If these questions resonate with you then podcasting could be the answer. This training will give you all the skills, tools and information you need to get started with creating a compelling podcast, keep going after the first flurry of excitement, and increase your overall impact. The training will be led by Dr Anna Ploszajski, an award-winning materials scientist, writer, presenter, podcaster, performer, trainer and storyteller based in London.
This is a training for those in Arts and Humanities.
Impact is now a requirement for numerous grant applications, the REF, and academic life in general. It can make a useful and dynamic contribution to the long term development of many academic projects as well as bringing partnerships and funding opportunities.
This session will discuss how impact is defined according to the AHRC and REF. It will also discuss previous successful impact projects, outline the connections between research and impact, funding strategies, and the differences between pathways to impact and impact objectives. Many different types of impact will be covered, including work with public policy, public engagement, the media, and commercialisation.
Date | Availability | |
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Tue 25 Feb 2025 | 10:30 | [Standby] |
So much of research success relies on collaborations and professional networks. But many of us undersell ourselves and our achievements, or struggle to fit our whole career into a cohesive narrative. This is where personal branding comes in.
In this training, you’ll learn how to define your personal brand, and communicate that effectively through writing, presenting, images, websites and social media. You’ll do exercises which will help you see yourself from an outsider’s perspective, and be given the tools to make you the hero of your own story.
Dr Anna Ploszajski is an award-winning materials scientist, presenter, comedian and storyteller based in London. She’s a materials generalist, equally fascinated by metals, plastics, ceramics, glasses and substances from the natural world. Her work centres around engaging traditionally underserved audiences with materials science and engineering through writing, podcasting, presenting and social media. Having developed her own unique blend of autobiographical scientific storytelling in her first book, Handmade: A Scientist’s Search for Meaning Through Making, she now trains professional technical people to communicate what they do better, through the study of story. In her spare time, Anna plays the trumpet in a funk and soul covers band and is an ultra-endurance open water swimmer. Oh, and it’s pronounced “Por-shy-ski”.
Once upon a time there was a researcher who spun a story so enthralling that it captured their audience’s imagination and they remembered the research for years to come.
Was that researcher you? Would you like it to be?
Telling a good story helps you connect with an audience; brings your research to life, visually and emotionally; and makes it easier for them to listen, understand and remember your research.
This module takes you through the art and science of storytelling: understanding attention, motivation and the evolution of storytelling, the strength of non-verbal connections, dramatic structures and rhetorical devices; to give you the skills to craft an engaging story to communicate your own research.
And if you want to apply this on a specific story of your own, then further support is available through individual coaching.
Sarah is passionate about the art and science of communication and eloquential is her rattle bag of knowledge, skills and experience which she uses to train, coach and facilitate. Sarah collects research from areas such as psychology and neuroscience, along with practitioners’ experience from the performing arts to fill her bag of tricks, tips and advice. Sarah has been involved in public engagement since 2006, working closely with the Cambridge University. She is also a peripatetic teacher of communication and performance skills in schools, and a co-host of a podcast called Gin and Topic
This event is Online only.
Why is YouTube popular? Because people love watching videos. A research video can be a great way to get your message across to your collaborators, your friends, and the wider world as well as being a condition of some funding bodies.
But it isn't easy to do well - and this is where this course will make a difference. Come along and learn the skills needed to plan, shoot & edit high quality footage for research videos so that your video can stand out from the crowd. You just need yourself, a camera phone and your enthusiasm!
You will have the opportunity for a one-to-one 30-minute session with the trainer where you can discuss your ideas and questions and get project specific help.
The course will be led by Ryd Cook. Ryd is a multi award winning film director, actor and mentor. His fiction and documentary films have screened in film festivals around the world. He has 15+ years of experience, filming, editing and producing a range of films. He has also been teaching practical filmmaking for over 10 years for all ages. He currently works as a director, cameraperson, actor and mentor.
Are you an academic, researcher or PhD candidate who would like to build a media profile and take your research to a global public audience by writing for The Conversation?
The Conversation is a news analysis and opinion website with content written by academics working with professional journalists. It is an open access, independent media charity funded by more than 80 UK and European universities.
In this interactive session we'll take you through what The Conversation is - our origins and aims; what we do and why.
We’ll look at why you should communicate your research to the public and take you through The Conversation’s unique, collaborative editorial process.
We’ll give you tips on style, tone and structure (with examples), look at how to pitch (with examples) and look at different approaches and article types.
- To book your space head over to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/university-of-cambridge-writing-about-your-research-for-the-conversation-registration-929009972837?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1%2A1fy0m9p%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AMTkzNTU4NDYzMy4xNzE4ODc0MzY1%2A_ga_TQVES5V6SH%2AMTcxODg3NDM2NS4xLjAuMTcxODg3NDM2NS4wLjAuMA..
Date | Availability | |
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Tue 17 Jun 2025 | 14:00 | Not bookable |
This course seeks to help students develop their critical reading skills, and to deploy tactics and strategies that can accelerate the process of literature-based research without sacrificing detail and depth necessary for a doctoral thesis.
Date | Availability | |
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Mon 10 Mar 2025 | 10:00 | [Places] |
Mon 12 May 2025 | 10:00 | [Places] |
Getting published is a central part of being a researcher. Understanding where and why to publisht is crucial to developing an effective stragegy that will help you realise your research and/or career ambitions.
With this in mind, the workshop explores strategy around the question of ‘high impact’, and the various meanings (formal and informal) this implies, the limitations of impact metrics and the importance of understanding publishing cultures across academia, and how these vary..
Date | Availability | |
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Thu 27 Mar 2025 | 10:00 | CANCELLED |
Thu 19 Jun 2025 | 10:00 | [Places] |
Getting published is a central part of being a researcher. Peer-reviewed publications allow researchers to communicate their research to the broader research community, and thus, contribute to the body of work within their field.
This workshop is part 2 of 3, and concerns the process of peer-review manuscript preparation and the submital process, including peer-review.
Date | Availability | |
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Wed 26 Mar 2025 | 10:00 | CANCELLED |
Thu 12 Jun 2025 | 10:00 | [Places] |
This is the first of two workshops designed to develop your understanding of the technicalities and the process of getting your research published.
In this workshop, we examine the technical aspects of writing up your research in a format appropriate for publication. You will learn about the importance of following journal guidelines and house style, and the value of using a clear structure to frame your paper. You will also receive guidance on how to produce clear writing in a register appropriate for the readership.
It is possible to attend this course as an individual workshop, although we would encourage you to attend the second workshop in the series Getting published II: Impact and Peer-review.
Date | Availability | |
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Thu 20 Mar 2025 | 10:00 | CANCELLED |
Thu 5 Jun 2025 | 10:00 | [Places] |
Join this workshop to learn about working in teams and the best ways to collaborate for impact. The ability to work well in teams is an important skill to develop in research and beyond. We will cover the following:
- Your experience to date and lessons learnt
- Characteristics of effective research teams
- Spotlight on
- Setting SMART goals and milestones
- Recognising TEAM roles and our preferences
- The role of communication for success
- Reflection on our shared experience and next steps
The workshop, facilitated by Natacha Wilson, is highly engaging and requires active participation. This is a safe place to share your experience and learn from peers.
This training is provided free of charge to postgraduate researchers, however, the cost of providing the course is £30 per participant.
Do you feel like there are never enough hours in the day to complete your research project? Are you struggling to balance your work and personal life while still making progress towards your career goals? Look no further than this course on Effective Time and Project Management for Postgraduate Research Students.
This course aims to equip you with the tools and techniques required to effectively manage your time and research projects. Through interactive lectures and practical exercises, you will learn how to prioritize tasks, manage your workload, and develop effective time management strategies that can be applied to any research project.
With a focus on project management, this course will cover topics such as setting SMART goals, developing project timelines, and identifying and managing project risks. Additionally, you will learn how to identify time-wasters, manage interruptions, and optimize your work environment for maximum productivity.