Research Governance and Organisation

This session offers a practical introduction to conducting ethical research across various disciplines. It distinguishes between ethical research practices and the formal process of obtaining research ethics approval. Attendees will explore key principles, including informed consent, confidentiality, data protection, and the responsible handling of individuals and sensitive information in real-world research contexts. Through discussions and case studies, the session will help researchers identify and address ethical challenges throughout the research process—not just during the approval stage.

Session Outcomes
1. Understand the distinction between ethical research and ethics approval.
2. Apply key ethical principles in practice.
3. Address ethical challenges in research.

This session introduces the principles of trauma-informed research, helping researchers design and conduct studies that are sensitive to the needs of participants who may have experienced trauma. Based on the University’s Trauma-Informed Research Guidance and its 10 key principles, the session provides practical strategies to prevent re-traumatization and ensure ethical research practices. Additionally, it emphasises the importance of researcher well-being and offers guidance on managing the emotional impact of working with sensitive or distressing material.

Session Outcomes
1. Understand key trauma-informed research principles.
2. Apply methods to reduce re-traumatisation.
3. Identify ways to support their own wellbeing in sensitive research.

This session will explore a range of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) considerations that all researchers should be mindful of in their various approaches. It will cover three broad areas; (i) the EDI frameworks, responsibilities, policies and literature that researchers need to pay attention to, (ii) how these might affect individuals - researcher, colleagues and data respondents and (iii) what this might imply for research practices, in particular ethics applications, recruitment and data collection. The session will be supported by the use of illustrative applied examples. 

Session Outcomes 
1. Understand core EDI frameworks and responsibilities.
2. Recognise EDI impacts on people in research.
3. Apply EDI principles to research practices.

This session introduces the fundamental principles of open research, focusing on transparency, reproducibility, and impact. The session includes essential practices such as open access publishing, data sharing, and the FAIR principles—Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. Attendees will learn practical ways to incorporate these approaches into their own work and how embracing open research can enhance the visibility, credibility, and societal relevance of research outputs.

Session Outcomes
1. Understand open research principles and the FAIR framework.
2. Implement strategies for transparent and accessible research

This session offers an overview of research funding opportunities and the key elements of effective grant management. Attendees will learn how to identify appropriate funding sources, create competitive applications, and comprehend the responsibilities that come with managing awarded grants. Additionally, the session includes practical strategies for budgeting, compliance, reporting, and enhancing the impact of funded research. 

Session Outcomes
1. Identify suitable research funding sources and opportunities. 
2. Develop competitive grant applications and understand submission requirements. 
3. Apply effective strategies for managing awarded grants, including budgeting, compliance, and reporting.

This session introduces researchers to the processes and opportunities for transforming research outputs into innovative solutions and commercial ventures. Attendees will explore strategies for protecting intellectual property, engaging with industry partners, and developing ideas into marketable products or services. Additionally, the session covers practical considerations for collaborations, licensing, and entrepreneurship, helping researchers understand how to translate their work into real-world innovations.

Session Outcomes
1. Identify opportunities for commercialising research.
2. Protect intellectual property and engage with industry partners.
3. Apply strategies for collaboration, licensing, and entrepreneurship.