News
Opportunity to join University's Athena SWAN Self-Assessment Team
An opportunity has arisen for a doctoral researcher within a science, technology, engineering, medicine or mathematics (STEMM) discipline to join the University's Athena SWAN Self-Assessment Team (SAT).
The new representative will replace Zoe Hopkins, doctoral researcher in the School of Psychology. I would like to thank Zoe on behalf of the University for her contribution to the team.
The is dedicated to the advancement of the representation of women in STEMM subjects within higher education, and was launched in 2005 with over 100 universities and research institutes - including Sussex - having signed up as members.
The University's Self-Assessment Team consists of members of staff and postgraduate students who represent each STEMM discipline, and includes male and female members, both full and part-time staff, and those with recent experience of the University's recruitment and promotions processes. Responsible for the implementation of the University's Athena SWAN action plan, the SAT normally meets once a month.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please e-mail P.E.Roberts@sussex.ac.uk.
You can find out more on the Athena SWAN pages of the Sussex website.
Paul Roberts, Assistant Director of the Doctoral School
Annual review process
As it's this time of year we thought in might be useful to remind you of the guidance on the annual review process available within the Handbook for Doctoral Researchers . The process differs within each School, so you're advised to check locally on requirements as well. Although you should raise any concerns you may have at any point during the year, the process does also provide an opportunity you raise any problems you may be experiencing, or any areas where you might be better supported by your department and School.
Call for Applications to the Researcher-Led Initiative Fund
We are pleased to announce that the Summer call for applications to the Researcher-Led Initiative (RLI) Fund is now open, for activities that are already in progress.
The Researcher-Led Initiative (RLI) fund supports doctoral researchers and research staff to organise and run their own development events and activities.
The aim is to give researchers greater input into how they are supported and developed, and to compliment the training provided through the Doctoral School and across the wider university.
We are keen to sponsor initiatives that benefit a broad range of researchers (across disciplines and career stages), and which expand or build on current provision for researchers.
Types of activity that might be funded include:
- Career development forum
- Networking event, or regular networking forum
- A seminar or conference programme
- Journal club
- A workshop to address a specific development need (not already offered at Sussex).
The current call is for activities that are already in progress that you are seeking some additional support for.
The funds must be spent by 31 July 2015, and the deadline for applications is Friday 8 May 2015.
If you have any questions or queries, please contact researcher-development@sussex.ac.uk
Sussex ESRC Doctoral Training Centre Advanced Training Modules (Research Methods)
The is running a number of workshops in social research methods this summer. These workshops are designed to develop postgraduate research skills through advanced training in specific methods, and are free to Sussex doctoral students.
Workshops are advertised nationally and attended by doctoral students and faculty members from other institutions, as well as being open to researchers in public, private and third-sector organisations. The full list of workshops is available in the MSc Social Research Methods Summer Term Options Booklet: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/doctoralschool/esrcdtc/internal/msc/summer
Topics include: Systematic Review, In-depth Qualitative Survey: Mass Observation, Social Research in Conflict-affected areas, Qualitative Comparative Analysis and Meta-analysis.
Please email Grace Jones esrcdtc@sussex.ac.uk to book.
Excursions seek book reviewers
, the interdisciplinary Open Access journal based at Sussex, is currently looking for book reviewers.
If you're interested in writing a review from a shortlist on the theme of 'Occupations' then please get in touch with K.Da-Cunha-Lewin@sussex.ac.uk for more information.
Summer graduation deadlines
This year, the summer graduation ceremonies will be taking place on Monday 13th - Friday 17th July in the Brighton Dome. The Research Student Administration Office deadlines for doctoral researchers who wish to be eligible to graduate at these summer graduation ceremonies are:
- Friday 16th May 2015: Deadline to receive the examiners approval that corrections have been made to their satisfaction (please note the examiners will need time to read and approve the corrections)
- Friday 30th May 2015: Deadline by which the award of the degree has to be ratified by the University Senate
- Friday 13th June 2015: Deadline for the Research Student Administration Office to receive a copy of final hard bound thesis, a pdf copy of thesis, and the completed ETHOS Library form.
For essential information, guides and forms for doctoral researchers, visit the Codes, Forms and Handbooks webpages.
Peer Review: The Nuts & Bolts (a free Sense About Science workshop) - Friday 29th May
'Peer Review: The Nuts & Bolts' is a free half-day workshop for early career researchers (including doctoral researchers) in all sciences which explores how peer review works, how to get involved, the challenges to the system, and the role of peer review in helping the public to evaluate research claims. The workshop will take place on Friday 29th May, 14.00-17.00, in central London.
Limited places are available and applications are now open. To apply, send a CV and cover letter, explaining your reasons for applying and stating any affiliations you hold, to Joanne Thomas, jthomas@senseaboutscience.org.
The closing date for applications is Friday 22nd May.
For further information, download the flyer or see
Improving Equality in the Research Environment
A recording of the online Vitae hangout which took place on 26 March 2015 on the topic of equality and diversity in research is available via the . A panel of E&D champions shared their knowledge about the initiatives in place to support equality and diversity and discussed the issues that affect researchers in higher education. This event was part of Vitae ,a series of activities addressing equality and diversity in higher education and research.