Events

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Here you will find details about our forthcoming events, workshops and
seminars scheduled throughout the year, as well as details of previous events.

Entitlement to Time for Training and Development

The Vitae Researcher Development Concordat states that institutions must provide for researchers to engage in a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.  It has been agreed within both EPS and LES that all PDs and ECRS may have an average of 2hrs per week of work time to undertake activities that will enhance their careers.  This is the equivalent of about 12 days per year.

ECDN Conference 2024 - 7 June 2024

The ECDN Conference 2024 will be held on 7 June 2024 at University House. The conference will feature presenations from people within the University that can assist you in your early career in research or academia as well as talks from some early career peers anbd posters. Registration is free but you will need. Click the link to find out more, submit your abstract and register to attend. 

Resources 

Resources from previous EPS & LES PERCAT events can be can be accessed by postdocs and ECRs in EPS and LES on the EPS & LES ECDN Canvas pages. If you are a postdoc in EPS or LES and do not already have access to these pages then please contact Richard Jones to receive an invitation.

Career Development Competition 2024

I am pleased to announce that the ECDN LES & EPS Career Development Competition is returning for 2024 and is now open for applications. The competition is for funding to support and enhance career development for postdoctoral and early career researchers, academics and late stage PhD Students. You have until 1 April to get your applications in. Full details and application form are availble here on the Career Development Competition homepage.

Pot Luck Cafe 

The ECDN Pot Luck Café scheme aims to provide an opportunity for postdocs and early career researchers in the Colleges of EPS and LES to network and interact with other researchers from outside your research group or school, giving you the chance to once again meet new colleagues and have conversations which enhance our working lives.  Find out more on the ECDN Pot Luck Cafe webpage.

Scriptoria Online Grant Writing 2 Day Course

POD running an online Scriptoria grant writing course in May 2024 and places are available for early career staff in LES and EPS. Booking is essential, as spaces are limited. ECDN will be running this course again very soon so look out for that. 

This workshop gives an overview of grant and fellowship writing, the evaluation process, and also includes several exercises critiquing and drafting parts of proposals. This course is aimed at researchers who have some previous training and/or experience in scientific writing including proposals.

You must attend both session 1 and session 2

Session 1: Tuesday the 14th of May 2024, 9:30 AM – 13:00 PM (GMT)

Session 2: Thursday the 16th of May 2024, 9:30 AM – 13:00 PM (GMT)

Please book through POD here: https://bham.sharepoint.com/sites/POD/SitePages/Grant-Writing.aspx 

ECDN Seminar Series: Professor Rohit Srivastava, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

Thursday 16th November 2023 3-4PM in LG06 Old Gym

The ECDN community is introducing a new seminar series to enhance networking with peers, knowledge exchange, and create research impact across the University. As a part of the event, established international researchers will be invited to develop sustainable collaboration and improve research culture. 
We are pleased to welcome our first seminar speaker, internationally recognised scientist Professor Rohit Srivastava, from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India. He will talk about his experiences in enhancing translational research in India, which would encourage ECRs to believe they too can transform commercially viable ideas into marketable products. He will also share his valuable insights on making an immediate research impact including through public engagement, start-ups and spinouts and patenting. We invite you all to join us in this exciting talk and interact with Professor Srivastava.

Please book your free ticket here through ticketsource. 

Port Postdoc Podcast Series

Listen to the PERCAT Podcast:  podcasts from the members of PERCAT, discussing research, global topics and engaging with postdoctoral matters. Open for everyone.

September 2021 - Clean Air - transition to net zero

In discussion with Dr Manoj Ravi (School of Chemistry), Miss Katherine Woolley (PhD researcher, institute of Applied Health Research), Dr Jyoti Ahuja (Birmingham Law School), and Dr Andrea Mazzeo (School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences).  Hosts: Dr Azar Gholamipour-Shirazi (School of Mathematics) and Dr Pranav Vasanthi (School of Chemical Engineering).

May 2021 - Climate challenges - spotlight on community and stakeholder engagement

In discussion with Dr Susanne Börner and Dr Emma Ferranti (both School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences).  Host: Dr Saikat Dutta (School of Engineering).

February 2021 - Global Health challenges – spotlight on physical health.

In discussion with Dr Thomas Hall (Research Fellow, Chemical Engineering) Dr Vivian Lee (Postdoctoral Fellow, Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences) and Dr Erik Hughes (Post-doctoral researcher, Chemical Engineering).  

Follow our podcast series on twitter @PortPostdoc.

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Previous Events

2024

2021

17th December - All PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 17th December

10th December - All PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 10th December

3rd December - All PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 3rd December

26th November - All PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 26th Nov

25th November - PERCAT Webinar: Be Better than Boring Bullet Points - Presenting Your Research Virtually - 25 November 2021

19th November - All PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 19th Nov

16th November - PERCAT Careers Seminar: Careers inside Academia - 16 November 2021

12th November - All PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 12th Nov

5th November - All PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 5th Nov

21st October - PERCAT Careers Seminar: Careers outside Academia - 21 October 2021

20th September - PERCAT Workshop: Research Funding – Where do I Start? 20 September 21

15th September - PERCAT Postdoc Late Summer Social

27th August - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 27 August 21

20th August - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 20 August 21

13th August - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 13 August 21

6th August - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 6 August 21

30th July - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 30 July 21

15th July - PERCAT Careers Seminar: Careers adjacent to Academia - 15 July 2021

1st-2nd July - PERCAT Postdoctoral Researcher Conference 2021

25th June - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 25th June

18th June - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 18th June

11th June - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 11th June

4th June - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 4th June

28th May - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 28th May

21st May - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 21st May

14th May - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 14th May

11th May - PERCAT Careers Seminar: Careers inside Academia - 11 May 2021

7th May - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 7th May

30th April - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 30th April

23rd April - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 23rd April

16th April - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 16th April

9th April - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 9th April

26th March - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read ad Write 26th March

19th March - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read ad Write 19th March

18th March - PERCAT Workshop: Research Funding – Where do I Start? 18 March 21

12th March - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read ad Write 12th March

8th March - PERCAT Workshop - Time for Research: How to Prioritise and Stop Procrastinating

5th March - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read ad Write 5th March

2nd March - PERCAT Workshop: Interview Skills for Fellowship Interviews - 2 March 21

26th February - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 26th Feb

23rd February - PERCAT Workshop: Interview Skills for Non-Academic Interviews - 23 February 21

19th February - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 19th Feb

12th February - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 12th Feb

9th February - PERCAT Webinar: Be Better than Boring Bullet Points - Presenting Your Research Virtually - 9 February 2021

5th February - MDS PERCAT: Remote Read and Write 5th Feb

28th January - PERCAT Seminar: Introduction to Interdisciplinary Research - 28 January 2021

20th January - Policy Engagement for Postdocs - 20 January 2021

14th January - PERCAT Seminar: Introduction to Research Impact


Events 2017-2018

Early Career Research Networking Event

Thursday 12th July 2018, 3-5pm, Marquee, Chancellor’s Court, (Between R1 and R6 on Campus Map).

A special opportunity for postdoctoral and early career research staff from across all the Colleges of the University to network and socialise over food and drinks in the striking surroundings of the University’s historic Chancellor’s Court.  We invite you to join us to enjoy a summer afternoon meeting counterparts from different disciplines in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Food and drinks provided.

Open to all postdocs and ECRs across the University.  For numbers, please email Jennifer Thomson to register your interest.

 


 

PERCAT Careers Seminar: Contracts and Promotions

Thursday 19th July, 11.30am, Murray Learning Centre UG09, (R28 on Campus Map).

Lunch provided.

The short-term contracts which are a key feature of the early stages of a research career mean that it is important that postdocs and early career research staff have an awareness of the issues around contracts and promotions which will affect them.  Representatives from HR and senior academic staff from within the Colleges of EPS and LES will be joining us to provide an introduction for postdocs and early career researchers to contracts and promotions, from what to be aware of at the outset of a contract to what happens at the end of employment.  This will be followed by a Q&A session.

Registration is now closed.

 


 

Postdoctoral Researcher Conference (EPS & LES)

Wednesday 20th June 2018, 9.30am-4.30pm, Nicolson Building, (G11 on Campus Map).

The PERCAT Postdoctoral Researcher Conference (EPS & LES) took place on Wednesday 20th June 2018.  The conference provided postdoctoral and early career research staff in the Colleges of EPS and LES with the opportunity to share their work through oral presentations and posters and to access talks and support on career development and the postdoc journey.  A review of the conference can be accessed here.  

The conference brochure, contains details of the programme, speakers and abstracts for talks and posters.

 


 

PERCAT Careers Seminar: Careers outside Academia

Tuesday 1st May 2018, 2-4.30pm, Metallurgy & Materials Building, Room GC13 (G6 on Campus Map C block, ground floor)

Open to all postdocs and early career researchers in the Colleges of EPS and LES, this seminar provided guest panel talks and a Q&A session giving attendees the opportunity to:

  • Find out about some of the career options open to postdocs.
  • Learn about how the skills and experience gained during a postdoc positon can help you move into a career beyond academia.
  • Make useful contacts for the future

The guest panel:

  • Trevor Sidery, PhD Mathematics and former postdoc in the School of Physics & Astronomy, now Senior Data Scientist at Tesco PLC.
  • Jennifer Morris-Cottell, PhD Microbiology and former postdoc in the University of Guelph, Canada, now Clinical Scientist at Micropathology Ltd.
  • Sandra Starke, PhD Biomechanics and Visual Perception, former postdoc in the School of EESE, now Chief Scientific Officer at GiveVision.
  • Phil Blaen, PhD Hydrology, former postdoc in the School of GEES, now Project Manager at Yorkshire Water.  To view Dr Phil Blaen's slide presentation from this event please click here.
  • Ole Kock, PhD Physics, former postdoc in Physics and Astronomy, now Technical Authority for Quantom Sensors at Teledyne E2V.  To view Dr Ole Kock's slide presentation from this event please click here.

 


 

PERCAT Careers Seminar: The REF – What does it mean for Postdocs?

Thursday 19th April 2018, 11.30am-1.30pm, Mechanical Engineering Building G36 (Y3 on Campus Map)
Lunch provided.

An opportunity for postdocs and early career researchers in the Colleges of EPS and LES to learn more about the REF, the rules governing it, the forthcoming changes to it and what the REF means for postdocs.

Ronni Littlewood, Research Planning Partner for LES, and Gavin McNee, Research Planning Partner for EPS, will be speaking to us on the REF and its implications for postdocs, followed by a Q&A session and lunch, with opportunities to talk informally to Ronni and Gavin over lunch, or to book a 1:1 session with either of them.

Registration now closed.

 


 

PERCAT Workshop: CV Writing and Interview Skills

Thursday 1st March 2018, 9.30am-4.30pm, Nicolson Building, (G11 on Campus Map).

A joint workshop with MDS PERCAT, delivered by Paul Compton, People and Organisational Development Facilitator.

 The focus on this one day workshop is on practice, discussion and personal reflection, including:

  • Developing the structure and format of a CV
  • Identifying your key achievements
  • Communicating key skills and attributes
  • Using the job description and person specification to prepare for the interview
  • Creating specific responses to behavioural questions
  • Understanding the impact of verbal and non-verbal communication.

You will be able to apply your learning to better develop your CV so that it highlights your key skills, attributes and achievements.  You will also be able to identify the ways in which you can prepare for interview by considering your body language, motivation and response to questions.  There will be Hands on practical help to ensure you project yourself at your best both in writing and in person in a recruitment situation.  This course also involves group role-play, allowing you a great opportunity to practice and hone your interview skills.

Lunch and refreshments provided.

Places are limited, for catering purposes please register before 15th February 2018.  Registration details.

 


 

PERCAT Workshop: Fellowship and Grant Writing

 Thursday 15th February 2018, 12-4pm, Metallurgy & Materials, Room 2C28 (G6 on Campus Map)

 Due to the high level of demand for this workshop we have now added an additional date.

 This workshop is aimed at giving a very broad overview of the UK research funding landscape, including an introduction to key funding bodies, the types of grants available and the intellectual and administrative stages involved in preparing a grant application. It will be of interest to postdoctoral and early career researchers who have not yet prepared an application for independent funding.

 Lunch and refreshments provided.

To register for this workshop email: Jennifer Thomson.  Deadline for registration is the 5th February 2018.  Places are limited so registration is essential.

 


 

PERCAT Workshop – How to Shine in Fellowship and Grant Interviews

Tuesday 27th February 2018, 9.30am-4.30pm, GEES Room 125, (R26 on Campus Map).

This highly practical course will help you develop a clear, authoritative and authentic interview style that allows the strength of your ideas to shine through. By the end of this session you’ll be better able to:

  • Present yourself, your work and your ideas in a compelling way
  • Maintain your composure
  • Engage the panel and win their trust
  • Handle interview questions

Lunch and refreshments provided. 

Who can apply

The workshop is for postdoctoral and early career researchers who will benefit from the training and who:

  • Have been shortlisted for interview by a funding body
  • Have submitted a grant application that has an interview as part of the selection process

or

  • Intend to submit an application in the next twelve months

To apply for the workshop email Jennifer Thomsonwith details of the funding scheme, proposed submission deadline and how far you have progressed with your application. Applications will be prioritized.  Deadline for applications is Monday 12th February 2018.  

 


 

PERCAT Workshop: Fellowship and Grant Writing

Tuesday 30th January 2018, 12-4pm  – Chemical Engineering G03 (Y11 on Campus Map)

 This workshop is aimed at giving a very broad overview of the UK research funding landscape, including an introduction to key funding bodies, the types of grants available and the intellectual and administrative stages involved in preparing a grant application. It will be of interest to postdoctoral and early career researchers who have not yet prepared an application for independent funding.

 Lunch and refreshments provided.

To register for this workshop email: Jennifer Thomson.

Deadline for registration is the 16th January 2018.

Places are limited so registration is essential.

 


 

Pies and Post-Docs

Monday 18 December 2017, 2-4pm 
Venue – Biosciences Undercroft (R27 on campus map)

A talk on the Concordat on Early Career Researchers from Vince O’Grady of POD, with mince pies and drinks.

Meet your PERCAT Post-Doc Reps and College Research Support Teams and find out more about PERCAT

Open to all Post-Docs and Early Career Researchers within LES and EPS.  To register for this event email: Jennifer Thomson.

Events 2016-2017

Research Grants: Where Do I Start

LES & EPS PERCAT Workshop - Research Grants: Where do I Start?

Thursday 22 September 2016, 9.30am to 1.30pm 
Venue - GEES, Room 125

This workshop is aimed at giving a very broad overview of research funding. The session will include:

  • General introduction to the funding landscape
  • Details about specific funding schemes (including early career Fellowships)
  • Discussions on what makes a good funding application
  • Application processes and timeframes

To register for this workshop emailJelena Majerhofer
Deadline for registration is 9 September 2016
Places are limited so registration is essential

 


 

 

How to Shine in Fellowship & Grant Interviews

PERCAT LES & EPS Fellowship & Grant Interview Coaching Workshop

Wednesday 21 September 2016
Venue - GEES, Room 125

The way candidates conduct themselves, present ideas and respond to questions has a powerful influence on the way they are perceived. Interview assessment panels are often looking for leadership potential as well as academic distinction.

The communication skills that the strongest interviewees display can be acquired through specialist coaching. This highly practical workshop will help you develop a clear, authoritative and authentic interview style that allows your ideas to shine through.

The aim of the workshop is to -

  • Present yourself, your work and your ideas in a compelling way
  • Maintain your composure
  • Engage the panel and win their trust
  • Handle interview questions

Who can apply?

The workshop is for postdoctoral and early career researchers who will benefit from the training and who:

  • Have been shortlisted for interview by a funding body
  • Have submitted a grant application that has an interview as part of the selection process

or

  • Intend to submit an application in the next twelve months

To apply for the workshop email Jelena Majerhofer with details of the funding scheme, proposed submission deadline and how far you have progressed with your application. Applications will be prioritized.

Deadline for applications is Monday 29 August 2016

Information about external events is available on the LES PERCAT intranet portal – staff login required.