It’s officially autumn now, but Canberra can usually be relied upon to give us a few weeks of gorgeous summer-ish weather before the end of March. So, remember to keep up the SPF 50+, especially if you are new to our sunny city. And, if you are new to Canberra - welcome; you have arrived at one of the loveliest times of year.
As of 26 February, my title has changed to Pro Vice-Chancellor (Graduate Research). But, other than being slightly longer than ‘Dean Higher Degree Research’ and a bit more posh-sounding, it is a change in name only. Our new VC has wisely decided to make the names of roles of the University Executive consistent across the portfolios. I have a new email too: pvc.gr@anu.edu.au.
My role is to ensure that you have the best experience at ANU during your time here as a HDR candidate. There are lots of ways that is happening, and something you might notice in the coming months - especially if you are in the first part of your program - is that the Thesis Proposal Review is becoming the Confirmation of Candidature.
We’re doing this after an extended period of consultation, and the main reason for the change is to give you more support and attention at the start of your program. You can read more about it at our Confirmation of Candidature SharePoint site, and watch out for information in your local communications as well.
And, in case you have been focussing on your research and staying off social media, check out our very own singer/songwriter WELI (a.k.a. Dr Weliton Menário Costa), who has a PhD in kangaroo personality from ANU, and who was crowned the international winner of this year's Dance Your PhD competition! What an amazing achievement. Weliton is also a graduate of our excellent Researcher Development Thesis Boot Camps and Simon Clews from the team was part of the crew that advised on the production of the winning entry ‘Kangaroo Time (Club Edit)’.
I can’t think of a better reminder to make time to do some of the training on offer below …
Professor Ann Evans Pro Vice-Chancellor (Graduate Research)
Opportunities
ANU HDR Induction
Welcome to ANU!
All new HDR candidates are invited to attend the HDR new candidate induction program. This is a jam-packed week of face-to-face events and workshops designed to get your HDR candidature off to a flying start. Taking part in Induction Week can make a huge difference to your PhD journey and is highly recommended. More information can be found here.
The Thesis Proposal Review (TPR) - now called 'Confirmation' - is the first big, high- stakes milestone in your PhD journey. The TPR should set out a clear research problem, situate your research proposal in the literature and tell the audience how you plan to carry out the research. This boot camp will give you time and structured support to complete this document to a high standard and plan your oral presentation.
PR for Academics is a workshop series designed to help you develop and maintain a visible presence and share your research with the world. The workshops look at different aspects of generating awareness of you and your research and communicating your message far and wide.
In these sessions Dr Shari Walsh, a registered psychologist, will help you to identify barriers to effective communication, understand different communication styles and show you how to adjust language to optimise communication.
Community of Practice for Obsidian Professor Inger Mewburn (known to all as the @thesiswhisperer) is starting a community of practice for Obsidian. If you are interested in being on the mailing list, email her on inger.mewburn@anu.edu.au
