For better or worse? How much will the REF affect your research?

The first of the Hive seminars was held today and focused on REF 2014: the Sussex perspective.  Next Monday at the first of the Hive discussions there is an opportunity to explore some of the issues which arose today that are relevant to us as doctoral researchers - and things we need to be aware of if we are planning to pursue a career in academia.

What kind of things may we want to talk about?

One of the surprises for me was learning that the number of PGRs who have *achieved* their doctorate by 31st July 2013 is important as successful candidatures are counted and included in the REF figures.

• What are the implications of this for those of us who plan to submit our thesis during the coming months?
• What kind of pressure might we be under to complete more quickly than we expected to?
• What support can we expect from supervisors? 
• What should supervisors be doing to enable completion?
• What is the potential impact for continuation students?

Our supervisors are engaged in the REF process now. Some of them may be writing additional papers in order to improve their REF profile - and in some schools they may have a reduced teaching load or study leave to enable this.  What does this mean for us?

The main purpose of REF is to inform funding allocation, but it also affects the University's standing in league tables, etc. What are the implications for us?

During 2013, Sussex will not only be working on REF, but teaching will undergo QAA. What will be the effects of these two evaluation processes for PGRs?

How is REF likely to affect the research agenda in the future?

What is a DORKE and do we know our DODS?

Sarah Robins-Hobden will be joining us for the first part of the discussion, which will take place in the Hive on Monday, 6th February, 2012 between 1pm and 2pm. Do email if you plan to attend so we can sort out the seating. researchhive@sussex.ac.uk.

PLEASE NOTE - WE PLAN TO HOLD THIS EVENT IN THE MAIN HIVE ROOM

Hive Discussions

This term, there is a seminar series in the library exploring issues of current relevance to the research community. You can learn more about the seminar series and book a place to attend by following this link to the Research Hive Seminars.

We are expecting lots of ideas to emerge from the seminars which are interest to doctoral students. The Hive Scholars are providing an opportunity to explore these ideas by facilitating discussions around the topics focused on in the seminars. These discussions will be held in the Hive and are open to the research community at Sussex, and, in particular, to doctoral researchers. The planned discussions are:

Monday 6^th February 1-2pm
For better or worse? How much will the REF affect your research?
Tuesday 21^st February 11:30-12:30

Copyright in the digital age – does it offer increasing freedoms or restrictions?

Monday 5^th March 1-2pm

Does your research engage with the public and if not are you in trouble?

Wednesday 21^st March 1-2pm

You snooze, you lose: The rapidly changing environment for researchers

We are looking forward to some lively discussions over the rest of the term, and do hope as many people as possible will join in and share ideas, concerns and solutions to potential problems.

Spring Term in the Hive

The main activity in the Library Research Hive this term is a series of seminars and related discussions.

The seminars, which will be held between 12noon and 2pm on Tuesdays in the library meeting room are as follows:

January 31st – REF 2014: the Sussex perspective
February 14th – Copyright in the digital age and what it means for you as a researcher
February 28th – Increasing the impact of your research through public engagement
March 13th – Terraforming – the changing landscape of our research environment

This year, in addition to the seminars, there will be associated discussions. These will be held in the Research Hive on the following dates and times.

Monday, 6th February, 13.00 - 14.00

Tuesday, 21st February, 11.30 - 12.30

Monday, 5th March, 13.00 - 14.00

Wednesday, 21st March, 13.00 - 14.00

The discussions will provide an opportunity to explore how the themes raised in the seminars impact on our activities as doctoral researchers within the university and to discuss related issues. More details to follow.

Booking details for Hive discussions to follow. To book a place at the seminars, use this link http://www.sussex.ac.uk/library/staff/research/seminarsandevents/seminars2012