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Postdoc Academy Training

Postdoc Academy course timetable

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Tue 18 Feb – Wed 9 Apr

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February 2025

Thu 20
Postdoc Academy Workshop: Planning fundable research using Research Canvas [Places] 10:00 - 12:00 Postdoc Centre@ Mill Lane, Eastwood Room

How can you make your research proposition stand out in a competitive funding landscape?

In the business and start up world, the Business Model Canvas tool is used to help companies work out how they will create, deliver and capture value. The research canvas is an adaptation of this and helps researchers plan and present their case for applying for research funding.

In this workshop, you will learn to use the Research Canvas. You will also have the opportunity to submit your research canvas after the workshop for personalised feedback.

This workshop will:

  • demonstrate the utility of an entrepreneurial tool in a research context
  • enable you to implement a tool for planning and presenting your research
  • give you opportunities to share your ideas and receive feedback from peers and facilitators.

This session will run again in Easter Term. If you would like to be notified of future iterations of this session, please add yourself to the waitlist or register your interest.

Please note: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Fri 21
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 10:00 - 12:30 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Tue 25

Join fellow academics for an engaging session that will elevate your ability to think critically and navigate challenging decision making in academia with confidence.

Learn practical strategies to analyse complex problems, confidently make sound decisions, and enhance your research impact. The workshop will employ logical thinking practice and bring to light common thinking fallacies and assumptions that can undermine quality decision making.

We will focus on three key areas:

  • thinking fallacies and bias
  • challenging assumptions
  • strategic decision making frameworks.

Please note: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the course to your calendar.

Wed 26

How can we establish one boundary today to make work and life easier?

In this mini 30-min session, we will:

  • acknowledge how a lack of boundaries is impacting us at the moment - which one of the main culprits is it for you?
  • plan to set one boundary this week to improve our life situation - make more time for something you need or value.

55% of workers feel that work is getting more intense and demanding, 61% of workers say they feel exhausted at the end of most working days - MHFA

PLEASE NOTE: You must complete the facilitator's Zoom registration form to access your personalised meeting link. See joining instructions for further details.

Please note: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Thu 27
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 14:00 - 16:00 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Please note: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Postdoc Groups Series new [Places] 14:00 - 15:30 Postdoc Centre@ Mill Lane, Eastwood Room

Meet with postdocs, academics and those who support postdocs from a range of departments, to share best practice of postdoc support, learn what others are doing, and identify improvements and future activities.

We will be hosting three sessions throughout the academic year.

This session will:

  • hear of postdoc experiences settling into and navigating Cambridge, and involvement in postdoc groups, networks and committees
  • identify successes, challenges and current needs of the postdoc community
  • inform of a funding scheme for interdisciplinary postdoc led activity and resources
  • provide connections for collaboration in leading postdoc activity
  • form an online space after the session to stay connected if desired.

Please note: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Do you find it difficult to stay on track in the pursuit of your career aspirations? Or would you like to improve your ability to set achievable goals? This session will give you protected time, space and support to develop your goals.

The first 15 minutes of this session will be spent introducing the SMART technique and talking through some worked examples. If you are already familiar with the SMART technique, please feel free to join after this point.

In this one-hour interactive masterclass, you will:

  • learn to apply a well-established goal-setting technique (SMART goals) that will support you in realising your career aspirations
  • have the opportunity to discuss and develop your long- and short-term goals with support from your peers
  • acquire strategies for holding yourself accountable.

By the end of this session, you should have developed at least one goal that will lead to progress within your overall career plan and strategies for holding yourself accountable.

This session will run again in Lent and Easter Terms. If you would like to be notified of future iterations of this session, please add yourself to the waitlist or register your interest.

Please note: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Fri 28
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 10:00 - 12:00 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

March 2025

Thu 6

This masterclass will introduce you to a range of core project management principles which you can apply within your research projects to more effectively plan and monitor your activities.

In this 3-hour online session, you will:

  • examine how to define the scope of a research project, including the delivery of outputs, impact and knowledge exchange
  • discuss how to engage and manage the expectations of stakeholders to enable smooth project delivery
  • explore how your planning and monitoring of research projects is shaped by your methodologies and the expectations of funders
  • learn to use key planning, risk management and monitoring tools to effectively manage research projects
  • identify your own challenges in managing research projects and discuss ways to overcome them.

This session will run again in Easter Term. If you would like to be notified of future iterations of this session, please add yourself to the waitlist or register your interest.

Please note: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 14:00 - 16:10 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Please note: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Tue 11
Making Headlines: How to Get Your Research into the Mainstream Media [Places] 10:00 - 12:30 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Sanders Hall

This workshop offers a practical guide to communicating research to the broadest possible audiences via the mainstream media.

Sarah Collins and Jacqueline Garget from the University’s Research Communications team will take you behind the scenes of the processes and tactics used to get University research reported nationally and internationally in newspapers, online news sites, radio and TV - from identifying a potential news story, to responding to emerging coverage.

We will cover:

  • how University press officers work
  • what makes for an effective media release
  • using assets including images
  • distributing releases and pitching to journalists
  • what to expect from any coverage
  • giving media interviews and how to get your message across effectively.

The session will include practical tasks as well as an opportunity to ask questions and share experiences. It will be co-hosted by CCTL and the Postdoc Academy.

Please note: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Wed 12
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 10:00 - 12:00 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Fri 14

Do you know when it is appropriate to negotiate, and how to do this effectively? Would you like to improve your skills in communicating with influence?

This interactive session will introduce you to key principles of influencing and negotiation that can be applied in workplace situations.

In this 90-minute session, you will:

  • explore key principles of negotiation
  • identify the difference between asking and negotiating
  • gain practical techniques for communicating with influence
  • identify the appropriate negotiating style for your context.

You will have the opportunity to practice some of these skills in the session. To make the most of this session, we recommend that you come prepared to participate in discussions and activities.

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Mon 17
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 09:35 - 17:00 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Thu 20
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 10:00 - 12:00 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Mon 24
Postdoc Welcome Event [Places] 13:00 - 14:30 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Sanders Hall

The Postdoc Academy provides welcome events specific to postdocs joining the University of Cambridge - these are open to postdocs affiliated with the University, Colleges and University Partner Institutes.

These sessions include presentations from the Postdoc Academy, PdOC and Careers Service, followed by a Q&A and then networking.

You will be given information on how to navigate life as a researcher in Cambridge and then have the opportunity to network with other new postdocs and University services.

During the session, postdocs will learn about:

  • interacting with the Postdoc Academy
  • attending professional development activities and accessing the Careers Service
  • connecting to the wider postdoc community at Cambridge
  • accessing resources available to postdocs as staff members.

Please note: it is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

If you have any questions or problems with signing-up, please email events.pda@admin.cam.ac.uk.

Tue 25
Postdoc Academy Workshop: Cultural Intelligence in Leadership new [Places] 10:00 - 13:30 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Sanders Hall

How can developing intercultural competence and embracing diverse perspectives increase psychological safety and therefore drive results? In today's diverse workplaces, speaking the same language is just the beginning. Our cultural backgrounds profoundly shape how we connect, collaborate and influence, impacting team performance. This session will explore the vital role of intercultural competence in inclusive leadership. It will help you understand:

  • how international diversity can impact team dynamics
  • what are the different layers of ‘culture’ and the role of cultural intelligence for leaders
  • how to cultivate inclusive leadership skills to foster collaboration and synergy among diverse teams

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Wed 26
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 10:00 - 12:00 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Thu 27
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 14:00 - 16:00 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Fri 28
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 10:00 - 12:00 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Mon 31
Postdoc Academy Open Hour new [Places] 11:30 - 12:30 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Multi Function Space

These informal sessions give you the opportunity to talk to members of the Postdoc Academy, helping you to figure out how you can begin interacting with us and the wider University community.

There will be the opportunity to ask questions within the small group or speak to us one-to-one.

These sessions provide:

  • an introduction to our services, programmes and resources
  • guidance on interacting with the wider community, including college affiliations
  • signposting to the relevant areas of the University for any advice you may need
  • connections to members of the Postdoc Academy team.

Please note: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

April 2025

Tue 1
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 09:35 - 17:00 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Please note: It is important that when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, click on Add to Calendar to start the process of importing the course appointment to your calendar.

Wed 2
Postdoc Academy Workshop: Becoming Assertive new [Places] 10:30 - 13:30 Postdoc Centre @ Eddington, Sanders Hall

Are you able to express yourself clearly and appropriately so you can ask for what you want and be heard?

Do you find yourself saying ‘yes’ to others but ‘no’ to yourself? Or perhaps you feel as though you have to shout at others to get things done?

Join us to explore what assertiveness looks and sounds like, and have the opportunity to practice.

This interactive workshop will give you the opportunity to:

  • understand what being assertive means
  • recognise the differences between assertive, passive and aggressive behaviour/communication styles
  • develop awareness of your own communication style
  • understand and apply strategies for communicating assertively.

You will also have access to additional tools and resources if you want to extend your learning and practice beyond what is covered on the day.

Please note: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Thu 3
Virtual Writing Retreats [Places] 14:00 - 16:10 Online

Do you have a deadline coming up or a piece of writing that’s long overdue? Or maybe some data analysis that keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list?

Our online retreats give you time, peace, and space to think and write. Each session will provide a friendly and constructive environment in which to meet like-minded peers, discuss challenges, and work in a focused way using the Pomodoro technique.

These virtual retreats are being hosted collaboratively across several institutions to encourage researchers across career stages and institutions to come together in a sustainable writing environment.

The retreats will take place several times per month throughout the academic year and you can attend as many as you like (within booking limits for each session).

Please note: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

Wed 9

This short, interactive workshop will introduce you to practical tools that will help you test and refine how you are articulating your research vision.

We will not generate ideas for new research projects in the session but, rather, explore what makes a potential research topic compelling. We will also explore how you can assess whether your ideas add up to a vision that is bold, exciting, coherent, and – hopefully – fundable.

This session would benefit researchers at the initial stages of developing a proposal for funding, and may work well as preparation for one of our sessions on Writing Fellowship Grants with Impact.

We will not review specific funding schemes or application materials in this workshop.

Please note: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.