Training and workshops at the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, offer wide-ranging learning opportunities for staff and researchers. Sessions are designed by various university departments and cover different domains, from research integrity to teaching techniques. Each workshop focuses on helping participants grow professionally and personally within Oxford’s academic environment.
Table of Contents
Training Providers and Their Focus Areas
People and Organisational Development (POD)
- Offers development opportunities for all university staff
- Provides training on leadership, time management, and communication
- Includes sessions tailored for teaching staff
- Encourages personal growth and well-being
- Develops administrative, strategic, and management skills
The Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
- Supports Oxford’s learning environment
- Offers training in innovative teaching methods
- Provides one-to-one guidance and peer learning sessions
- Covers digital education tools and inclusive teaching
- Organizes workshops on assessment and feedback techniques
Careers Service
- Focuses on research staff career progression
- Offers guidance on CV writing and interview techniques
- Helps researchers transition to non-academic careers
- Arranges individual career consultations
- Provides sector-specific job market insights
Research Practice Training
- Designed for all research staff
- Covers topics like research design, ethics, and publishing
- Explains research funding and grant writing
- Emphasizes project management in research settings
- Encourages collaboration and interdisciplinary work
Divisional Training Sessions
| Division | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) | Lab safety, data analysis, grant writing, and computational skills |
| Medical Sciences | Clinical research design, data ethics, biomedical writing, lab protocols |
| Social Sciences | Policy impact training, qualitative research methods, and data visualization |
| Humanities | Archival research, digital humanities tools, and academic publishing |
IT Training and Support
- Offers software tutorials (e.g., Excel, Word, LaTeX, MATLAB)
- Conducts coding and programming workshops
- Supports virtual teaching platforms (e.g., Canvas, Teams, Zoom)
- Provides cybersecurity and data protection training
- Runs open-access IT facilities and online modules
Language Centre
- Offers courses in over 12 modern languages
- Includes Academic English for non-native speakers
- Provides specialist courses for research and teaching staff
- Runs short, intensive workshops and term-long modules
- Supports cultural communication in professional settings
Research Integrity Training
- Focuses on honesty and responsibility in research
- Covers plagiarism prevention and ethical collaboration
- Highlights peer review and authorship responsibilities
- Ensures awareness of data protection regulations
- Encourages transparency in publishing and results sharing
Key Benefits of Training and Workshops
Professional Growth
- Strengthens leadership and communication skills
- Helps in achieving promotions and new roles
- Builds confidence in technical and soft skills
Research Skills Enhancement
- Improves data handling and analysis techniques
- Encourages high-quality publications and conference presentations
- Supports interdisciplinary collaboration
Academic Teaching Support
- Enhances classroom teaching techniques
- Introduces modern tools for blended learning
- Prepares for delivering lectures and assessing student work
Technical Proficiency
- Builds knowledge of programming, scientific tools, and IT systems
- Supports troubleshooting and problem-solving
- Keeps staff updated with the latest digital resources
Language and Communication
- Improves English proficiency for international researchers
- Supports multilingual communication in global projects
- Prepares staff for presentations and writing reports
Wellbeing and Inclusiveness
- Encourages work-life balance and stress management
- Promotes inclusive practices and equality in the workplace
- Builds understanding of accessibility and support systems
Examples of Workshop Themes and Focus
| Workshop Theme | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Time Management | Productivity techniques for researchers |
| Research Ethics | Identifying and resolving ethical concerns |
| Advanced Excel | Data processing and visualization |
| Public Speaking | Effective academic presentation delivery |
| Diversity in Teaching | Inclusive practices in classroom settings |
| Academic Writing | Structuring and publishing research papers |
| Teaching Online | Using digital platforms for remote instruction |
| Career Transition | Moving from academic to industry roles |
Support Systems and Access
Booking and Participation
- Workshops can be booked through the University training portal
- Many sessions are free for staff and researchers
- Some training is offered online for flexible access
- Certificates are available for selected modules
Guidance and Follow-up
- Post-training resources are shared for continuous learning
- Mentors and advisors support workshop participants
- Opportunities for peer discussion and feedback
Customized Training
- Departments can request tailored sessions
- Group-specific workshops address team needs
- Workshops can align with research projects or grant goals
Feedback and Improvement
- Participants are encouraged to submit feedback
- Sessions are regularly updated based on learner input
- New workshops are introduced according to current trends
Key Takeaways
Training and workshops at the University of Oxford’s Department of Engineering Science and across its wider divisions offer targeted and practical support for staff and researchers. These sessions not only enhance academic and technical skills but also ensure a well-rounded professional journey. With continuous development in teaching, research, communication, and personal wellbeing, Oxford’s training initiatives create a supportive and enriching academic environment.
