Phase 1
How you would assess your written communications skills both in academic circles and to wider publics?
- Are you able to communicate clearly, succinctly if need be and get messages across in an accessible way?
Have you produced written work for an academic audience? Has this work been externally reviewed?
- If yes can you provide some examples and reflect on different formats (e.g., reports, conference abstracts, blog-posts, working papers, publications)
- If no, what courses or activities could you undertake to help you gain this experience and/or expertise?
Phase 2
Have you had the opportunity to have your academic writing reviewed outside of the University (e.g. a conference abstract)
- If yes, record your evidence and reflect on the skills you have developed.
- If no, what courses or activities could you undertake to help you gain this experience and/or expertise in this area?
Have you had the opportunity to write about your research for different audiences (e.g. policy makers, social media and mainstream media outlets)?
- If yes, record your activities and reflect on the skills you have developed.
- If no, what courses or activities could you undertake to help you gain this experience and/or expertise in this area? Have you thought about AU Science Magazine? The Conversation? Blogging?
Have you written or contributed to a successful funding application?
- If yes, please provide some examples and reflect on the skills you have developed
- If no, are there small travel grants, conference grants or other pots of funding (e.g. Researcher-led Initiatives Fund?) you can apply for that will help you in your research but also to develop these skills and evidence for your CV?
Phase 2-3
Have you made a thesis plan and it discussed with your supervisor(s)? Have you agreed timescales for submitting and receiving feedback on drafts?
Are you clear on the University of Aberdeen criteria for PhD assessment?
Do you know the publishing requirements/norms in your field?
Do you understand the publishing process?
If your PhD is funded, are you aware of any Open Access/Open Data publishing requirements?
Have you been able to publish your work in a peer-reviewed journal?
- If yes, reflect on your ability to generate high quality, publishable outputs, do you understand about Open Access and citation metrics?
- If no, what courses or activities could you undertake to help you gain this experience and/or expertise in this area? Have you considered writing for Granite, the University’s Postgraduate Interdisciplinary Journal?
Have you discussed a publication plan with your supervisor(s)?
Have you been able to identify and apply for future funding in your research area (if relevant to your career plans)?
- If no, what courses or activities can you undertake to help you develop skills in this area? See phase 2, also you might want to consider applying for small amount of funding (e.g. travel) or to shadow the grant proposal process with your supervisor or another colleague.