Opportunities to carry out research in Japan

Every year the Canon Foundation grants up to 15 fellowships to European and Japanese researchers. European fellowship holders pursue a period of research in Japan (between 3 and 12 months). These fellowships are open to researchers of any discipline who have gained a PhD or a Master's degree within the last ten years.

More details and application forms are available here, and the closing date is 15th September 2009.

Science on-line

If you're interested in finding out about how the web is affecting the work of researchers, science communicators, journalists, students, etc, or how you can make the best use of the growing number of online tools, then you should think about heading along to the Science Online London conference on 22nd August at the Royal Institution (a great venue for a meeting - I was there yesterday - especially if you get time to look round their museum).

Registration for the conference will open soon and places are limited, so keep an eye on the website to see what's going on.

On a related topic, the conference is sponsored by Nature Network, which has some very interesting and useful forums, blogs, local and international networks etc. Definitely worth a look!

Leadership in action - free course!

Vitae are running a 3-day leadership skills course at the end of July in the Lake District. Places are free for PhD students from anywhere in the country, and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Click on the link for more information and booking details.

This sounds like an excellent course for anyone wishing to develop their leadership skills and style, gain confidence and identify how leadership skills can benefit them now and in the future. It is also a great opportunity to meet other researchers and spend a few days in a beautiful part of the country!

Social Science Work Experience Programme

If you're a PhD student from any social science discipline, and are looking to get some work experience, you might want to look at the Social Science Work Experience Programme. Vacancies for summer placements are being advertised now, and you can find more information here.