Events for Arts & Humanities researchers

I've just come across two things that are coming up for researchers in Arts and Humanities subjects.

The first, on the 15th Feb, is a focus group at the British Library, designed to gain a better understanding of how BL services meet the needs of Arts & Humanities researchers within the Higher Education community. A payment of £50 will be given to anyone taking part. Each group will last for approximately 1.5 hours, and they will run between lunchtime and 5:30pm.
Anyone interested in participating should email David Mort at IRN Research at dmort@irn-research.com giving details of their subject area, institution, and general research experience (i.e. first-year PhD, early career researcher, established academic) PLUS a telephone number where they can be contacted in advance of the group.

The second event is at King's College London on 28th Feb:

"Graduates’ Day, King’s College London, 28th February 11-4, Anatomy Theatre Museum, 6th Floor, King's Building, King's College London

Refreshments and lunch provided

What is the public value of Arts and Humanities?

It is no secret: There were less difficult times for Arts and Humanities. Time is short and finances are scarce. So: Why study Shakespeare? Why think about politics and the world religions? Why explore national history? Why reflect upon moral issues?

The first Arts and Humanities Graduates’ Day at King’s College London invites PhD students from Arts and Humanities in the University of London to engage with these issues and discuss the importance of Arts and Humanities in the contemporary world. It will also be an opportunity to meet fellow research students working in the field of Arts and Humanities.

This free event will take place on Monday 28th February, 11-4 in the Anatomy Theatre Museum, 6th Floor, King's Building, King's College London, Strand Campus:

http://www.anatomytheatreandmuseum.kcl.ac.uk/location

If you would like to join us for this free event, please email Sarah Hayward (sarah.hayward@kcl.ac.uk) to book your place. Refreshments and lunch will be provided."

UK GRADschools

Information and booking now available for 2009 GRADschools

GRAD schools are three-day residential courses for PhD students run by Vitae. They are open to all PhD researchers in their 2nd year or above, although free places are only available to students with research-council funding. During the three days students take part in all kinds of activities designed to help them reflect on their skills and develop new ones. Much more information is available from the link above.

The website states that 'Our vision is to create an inspirational, challenging and experiential learning environment in which all participants will learn something new about themselves and take away skills, tools or information which will motivate them to complete their studies, further realise their potential, and enable them to make more informed choices about their future careers.'

This may sound a bit vague and "fluffy", but having been on one myself I can safely say that the courses do exactly what they say. While I was very sceptical at first about what a few days of "team-building" activities could possibly do for me, I came away with renewed enthusiasm for my research and also the knowledge that my PhD was helping me to develop a wide range of skills that I previously hadn't been aware of. I actually think my experience at the school helped lead me to my current job here, as it was such a sort of eureka-moment for me (wow - I am actually good at some things that don't involve being tied to a lab bench!) that I really want to help other people in similar situations. On top of all of that, I also made some lasting friendships with PhD students from other institutions that I would never otherwise have met.

If you like the sound of this but aren't eligible for a free place on a GRADschool, or don't fancy the residential aspect, then I will be running a non-residential 3-day skills school at Queen Mary in the summer. The dates are 22nd-24th June. Booking is already open through the ESD course site (see the link on the side-bar), but I will provide more information and reminders nearer the time.

Pitch Your Idea - Business plan training & competition

The 2009 ‘Pitch Your Idea’ business plan competition and training programme is open to all PhDs and postdocs across the College.

This competition is a great chance for you to gain an insight into the business world and to see if you can turn your ideas into a winning business. Everyone is welcome to participate, regardless of discipline and all you need to have is an idea. Your idea can be anything from your research to a hobby or interest you enjoy. Finalists from last year’s competition started with ideas that ranged from developing computer software that could follow drumbeats, to setting up a martial arts club in the local community.

Whatever your idea, in the competition you will gain valuable training and advice from business professionals on how to develop a short business plan. The competition begins with three workshops (3 hours each) held in January and February 2009. Areas covered will include intellectual property, marketing and sales, routes to market, securing finances and writing business plans. Following these workshops you will have a chance to practise ‘pitching’ your idea and getting some invaluable feedback from professionals. Two advice and networking lunches are scheduled for February-March to allow you to finalise the details of your business idea, by seeking advice from experts and some of last years finalists.

After the training stage is over you will be asked to submit a short business plan, and finalists will be chosen based on these. If you are one of the finalists you will have the opportunity to ‘Pitch Your Idea’ to an expert panel of judges at the finale in April, and be in with a chance to win the top prize of £1500 towards conference travel.

Places on the competition are still available, but the deadline for applying for a place is January 14th 2009. If you would like any more information, please do not hesitate to contact me, or to book a place on the competition just send me an e-mail with your details, and a brief description of your idea. Remember, it doesn’t have to be fully formed at this stage – the training programme will help you develop it into a business plan.