Academic

You might have come across the idea of achieving a Win-Win in a situation, which maps quite neatly with the Drama Triangle. This matrix shows the four possible outcomes based on who wins or loses in a conflict or disagreement: The Win-Win Matrix If you make an unreasonable demand on your supervisor, you become a Persecutor. Although you might win in the short term because they become a Victim or Rescuer and concede to you, it’s not going to be an effective long-term solution. They’ll probably feel resentful and might then also become a Persecutor. Then you have a vampire battle on your hands. ...

Developed by Stephen Karpman, the Drama Triangle provides a social model of human interaction. Specifically, it describes the connection between personal responsibility and power in conflicts, revealing the shifting and often destructive roles people play. These roles form a ’triangle’ because people typically cycle between them, with each role triggering the others in a self-perpetuating pattern. These unhelpful behaviours occur in many situations, including supervisory relationships in the workplace. The three roles are the Victim, the Rescuer, and the Persecutor: ...

The supervisor-student relationship is one of the most important factors in PhD success, yet many researchers struggle to make it work effectively. This interactive workshop helps you build a productive professional relationship with your supervisors. You’ll explore how to establish clear expectations, communicate your needs effectively, and adapt your working relationship as you develop greater autonomy throughout your PhD journey. Through practical frameworks and group discussions, you’ll learn to navigate the transition from dependent student to independent researcher. ...

Academic writing is hard at the best of times. It’s especially challenging when there’s so much going on. With many competing priorities, we struggle to consistently make time for writing. In this interactive session, you’ll discover tools, strategies, and techniques for making writing more manageable (and even enjoyable). Whether you’re tackling a journal article, a book, or a thesis, you’ll get insights and practical tips on getting started and maintaining your momentum. ...

You’ve passed your viva and got your life back. Now everyone keeps asking, “When are you going to publish your PhD?” You’re vaguely aware of what’s involved in writing a monograph, but you’re not sure where to start. There are so many options, decisions, and conflicting experiences. What’s right for you? And, more importantly, how long will it take? This interactive workshop demystifies the process so you know exactly what’s involved at every stage. ...

Are you struggling to turn your research or thesis into journal articles? You have lots of ideas, but it’s hard converting them into a structured piece of writing. You’re so focused on the details, you can’t see the bigger picture. In this interactive and supportive session, you’ll discover essential strategies and tips to conquer writer’s block, break free from perfectionism, and unleash your creativity. With the help of an experienced facilitator, you’ll follow a 5-step plan for transforming those ideas into finished articles. ...

In this interactive session, you’ll discover how AI-powered tools can help you write faster, improve clarity, and streamline your process. From grammar and style enhancements to structural organisation, you’ll explore a wealth of possibilities. Here’s what we’ll cover: Evaluating AI-powered writing tools. Overcoming writer’s block. Capturing your ideas quickly. Improving clarity, coherence, and flow. Retaining your academic voice. You’ll also get the opportunity to try out the tools in a supportive environment. ...

Are you ready to share your research with a wider audience but unsure how to move beyond traditional academic publishing? Your work deserves to reach people who can benefit from it, but navigating the digital landscape can feel daunting. This interactive workshop focuses on sustainable, long-form approaches to digital scholarship that can amplify your impact and build your reputation in your field and beyond. You’ll explore how to maximise the discoverability of your publications through Open Access communities, transform complex academic concepts into compelling blog posts, and bring your research to life through storytelling on podcasts and videos. ...

Are you ready to take control of your research? As an academic, you’re probably juggling multiple projects, requiring effective planning and execution. As an academic, you probably also lack the time to devise a proper strategy. In this interactive session, you’ll discover the core elements of project management and how to apply them in your research projects. There’s no complicated methodology, just practical tips and templates you can apply right away. With the help of an experienced facilitator, you’ll establish an approach that’s right for you. ...

There’s so much to fit into your final year, and it’s hard to plan without a clear direction. This interactive workshop provides a clear roadmap and guidance so you can create an action plan. With the help of an experienced facilitator, you’ll understand the challenges ahead and how you can confront them. We’ll cover topics including: Finishing your thesis Choosing examiners Getting your thesis ready for submission Preparing for your viva What happens after your viva? Please note, there are separate sessions that go into much more detail on preparing for the viva and editing your thesis. ...