Researcher Development Program
The 2024 Researcher Development Program for graduate researchers has been developed by the Graduate Research School's Training and Development Team, and the Researcher Development Unit. This program was also established in collaboration with HDR candidates, academic and professional staff, and support services at UOW.
HDR Fair Game
The HDR Fair Game initiative aims to inspire, facilitate, and reward HDR candidates who develop their capabilities and assist their peers. HDR candidates can earn points for completing developmental activities that enhance their research, emotional, social, cognitive, and career skills. Candidates can then utilise these points to receive a range of privileges and services.
Higher Degree Research Development Hub
This site contains information about upcoming academic and professional development opportunities for young researchers. We'll also post information about the various support services available to HDR candidates, including academic and wellbeing support.
All HDR candidates are encouraged to engage with the content of this site, and to contact the Researcher Development Unit if you have any questions or suggestions for future training.
We aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment at UOW where you can spend time with other HDR candidates studying and completing any work you may need to get done. To keep up to date with activities organised by the GRS, please regularly check your student email for key information. HDR candidates are automatically subscribed to the GRS email list where you will find out more about our events and ways to connect.
HDR Communities of Practice
Would you like to join a Community of Practice to meet other HDR candidates, develop your skills, and improve your circumstances? If so, the Graduate Research School has 7 Communities of Practice where candidates have the opportunity to get together and discuss a topic of shared interest.
What are communities of practice?
Communities of practices are networks of candidates who:
- Meet approximately once a month, sometimes in person and sometimes online,
- Discuss a shared interest, such as AI, qualitative research, or mental health.
Sometimes, a specialist on the topic might launch the community. But then, over time, one or more candidates might facilitate or coordinate these discussions.
The Graduate Research School has developed the communities of practice for the following topics:
- Writing
- Mental Health
- Candidate Outside Wollongong
- A Better Society
- Generative AI
- Qualitative Research
- First Nations Candidates
For more information about these, or if you are interested in joining a community of practice, please email graduateresearch-training@uow.edu.au.
Write and Connect
Write and Connect workshops for HDR candidates are offered during recess breaks and in between sessions. These workshops focus on writing and encourage HDR candidates to learn from UOW academics about different writing processes and skills, connect with one another, and have dedicated time to write your PhD in a supportive space.
Social activities
Faculty and School HDR student committees or groups offer social activities for HDR candidates.
These activities are usually posted on each Faculty or School Facebook or Twitter page. If you would like further information, please contact your Head of Postgraduate Studies or School HDR Representatives.
HDR Facebook Community
The UOW HDR Community Facebook group aims to strengthen the HDR community at UOW and encourage candidates to connect, collaborate, encourage and support each other. We want to generate a culture of knowledge sharing among HDR candidates and GRS will from time to time use the group to share events and initiatives for HDR candidates.