The End of ASPIRE

The Beginning of SFRE

ASPIRE is coming to an end, but do not despair.
We may be saying farewell to ASPIRE but we
are at the same time welcoming SKILLS FOR
RESEARCH EXCELLENCE (SFRE). Those of
you who keep up with such things may have
already noticed the changes that are taking place
on what was once the ASPIRE webpage. We are
in the process of redeveloping and refocusing
the skills offered to better support you now while
you are engaged in the research process as well
as in your future careers.

That the skills we can deliver can assist you in

your research process is an approach that I have
always encouraged and now, after consultation
and feedback from the VP for Research and
Commercialisation, the Heads of the Graduate
Schools, Supervisors and PGRs, we are
redesigning our skills agenda to fit the needs
identified.

So while some of you will be sad to see ASPIRE

go please be assured that what is to come will
build upon and improve on its successes.

Dr. Allan J. Sim

Upcoming Courses

Project Managing your Research Project Parts 1 & 2

Managing your research project is a key element of being successful in your PhD
studies (whether arts or science based). This session will outline how you can apply
effective project management skills through the setting of research goals, intermediate
milestones and prioritisation of activities. These processes will help you manage the
PhD process, work independently and be self-reliant. [Next courses are on July
16th & 20th 2009]

Getting your Point Across – Negotiation & Research

Negotiation is a fundamental part of the academic process. We negotiate with our

supervisors; we negotiate with the editors of journals, with grant giving bodies, etc.
This course is designed to give you some assistance and experience in arguing your
case and making sure your point is heard. [Next course on July 23rd 2009]

Final ASPIRE Newsletter July 2009 1

Active Listening: Learn to Listen & Listen to Learn

1. Understand what listening entails.

2. Learn to listen and feedback to the speaker.
3. Increase your communication skills.
4. Increase your understanding at interviews and negotiations.
5. Think about how listening affects your research process. [Next course on
August 5th 2009]

Where do you get your ideas? – Creativity & the Research Process

Research is a creative process and in this course we will both discuss means of
enhancing your creativity and give you opportunities to explore those means. Too
often we become locked in narrow confines of perception when we are engaged in our
research project. The purpose of this course is to create possibilities. To help you think
about your work from a different perspective and possibly generate new pathways for
your research. [Next Course on 13th August 2009]

Using Mind Mapping for your presentations, writing your thesis and memorising

"Mind Mapping" is a technique that you can use to improve the way you learn, recall
and integrate knowledge. Grounded in current theory of the way the brain operates
through neural networks, it involves the creation of succinct representations of
knowledge using key words, images, symbols, colour and creative linking of ideas (all
on one sheet of paper!). [Next Course on 18th August 2009]

Maximising your Research Time

• Assist in understanding approaches to time management.

• Explore what may be causing you to "waste" time that could be used for
research.
• Look at strategies you can adopt to manage your time more effectively.
• Examine task prioritization.
• Deal with distractions.
• Achieve a better work/life balance
• Avoid procrastination. [Next Course on 21st August 2009]

There are many other courses currently available on the Skills for Research Excellence website
(www.abdn.ac.uk/sfre) and many more in development.

We are excited about the new skills agenda that is targeted at the University of Aberdeen’s own
agenda of Research Excellence. At the moment we are in a transitional process as we work on a
new webpage, new courses and a new ethos. But while that is happening we will continue to
provide the high quality of skills training that we have striven to provide it the past.

We look forward to seeing you at the courses.

Robin & Allan

Final ASPIRE Newsletter July 2009 2