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Other programs for researchers

More offerings by the Researcher Development Unit

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The Researcher Development Unit offers a curated selection of rotating skills-focused workshops to complement our flagship programs for EMCRs. These workshops extend our training suite with specialised insights and practical skills. These offerings are scheduled periodically and may change from year to year.

Presenting with Impact

Build your confidence and impact as a presenter in this practical 1-day course delivered by the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA). In a small group of 10, you’ll receive hands-on practice and personalised feedback to strengthen your communication, physical and vocal presence, and storytelling to engage your audience. 

Skill for AEF activities: Discover, create, and disseminate knowledge and understanding; Translate research with impact

Academic staff who are looking to increase their skills and confidence presenting and communicating their research to different audiences in a more engaging and impactful way. Places will be offered through a brief application process.

Eligibility
  • Fixed-term or continuing academic staff
  • Employed by the University of Sydney
  • Able to describe the value of the program for their research

A full 1-day studio-based course covering:

  • See yourself as others see you: Present to camera and review your style.
  • Vocal and physical presence: Actor-based techniques to build confidence and clarity.
  • Planning for confidence: Structure content to engage and inspire.
  • Presentations with impact: Apply techniques and receive tutor feedback.

Each session runs from 9 am-5 pm at NIDA studios in Kensington.

There are four dates available in 2026:

  • Thursday 19 February
  • Wednesday 29 April
  • Friday 19 June
  • Tuesday 11 August

To express your interest in attending, complete the online EOI form including the date(s) you are available to attend.

If selected, you will offered a place and receive a calendar invite. Once confirmed, you will be registered with NIDA, who will send further details.

The Conversation: Pitching and Writing Masterclass

Learn how to translate the narrative of your research and it’s impact to gain public attention and effective coverage through journalistic outlets. In this workshop led by senior Conversation editors, gain practical tips and individual feedback on your own pitch to increase the likelihood of attracting positive media interest.  

Skill for AEF activity: Discover, create, and disseminate knowledge and understanding

Academic staff who are considering pitching for an article in The Conversation or a similar public-facing outlet and want to learn how to pitch and write about their research for different audiences in a more engaging and impactful way. 

Eligibility
  • Fixed-term or continuing academic staff
  • Employed by the University of Sydney
  • Able to describe the value of the program for their research

After submitting a draft pitch via structured online form, participants will attend a 2-hour online workshop that includes individual feedback from a Conversation editor. 

Topics covered include:

  • Elements and structure of a good pitch
  • Adapting your language for a general audience
  • Why structure and timing are crucial when sharing your research with the public
  • What ‘new research’ means to journalists and the public (which isn’t the same as in academia)
  • What details to include to make your story stand out
  • How to handle follow up broadcast interviews

This is a two-hour course delivered online via Zoom.

Four sessions will be run throughout 2026, and dates will be published as soon as these are available.

To express your interest in attending, complete the EOI form below.

If selected and once dates have been confirmed, you will receive a calendar invite and be registered with The Conversation, who will send further details (including link for pre-work form) 3-4 weeks before the date.

Nature Masterclass

This Nature Masterclass on scientific writing and publishing is delivered by Nature Portfolio editors and provides insight into publishing in top journals. It contains a unique overview of the writing process, what to include in each section of the paper and the publishing process. The editors will share their expert insight into what makes an exemplary paper and will discuss how participants can improve their scientific writing skills to create a polished manuscript ready for publication. 

Skill for AEF activity: Discover, create, and disseminate knowledge and understanding

Early- and mid-career researchers from the disciplines of life sciences, physical sciences, clinical research or earth sciences. Places will be offered through a brief application process.

Eligibility
  • Fixed-term or continuing academic staff
  • Employed by the University of Sydney
  • Able to describe the value of the program for their research
  • Has the endorsement of their supervisor

A full 1-day in person course run by two Nature editors covering:

  • What makes a great paper?
  • Figure presentation, titles and abstracts
  • From introduction to conclusion
  • Editorial process and peer review
  • Journal decisions
  • Individual feedback on your abstract

This is one-day course will be delivered in person at Camperdown campus.

At least one session will be scheduled for 2026, with date(s) to be published here as soon as they are available.

To express your interest in attending, complete the EOI form below including your supervisor details for us to obtain their endorsement. Please speak with them before submitting your application.

If successful and once your attendance is confirmed, you will receive a calendar invite and then further details about the pre-work closer to the time.

From Book Proposal to Published

Have you ever thought of turning your research into a scholarly book but don’t know where to start? What makes academic books different to journal articles? Academic publishing can seem hard to navigate but this interactive workshop will address some of the most common questions, misconceptions and Do’s and Don’ts surrounding the publishing process from book proposal to published book. 

Skill for AEF activity: Discover, create, and disseminate knowledge and understanding

Early- and mid-career researchers from the disciplines of sociology, social science, or humanities. Places will be offered through a brief application process.

Eligibility
  • Fixed-term or continuing academic staff
  • Employed by the University of Sydney
  • Able to describe the value of the program for their research

An interactive 90 minute face to face workshop with Palgrave Macmillan Sociology editor Jessica Faecks, covering:

  • Differences between journal publishing and book publishing
  • Navigating academic publishers: University Press or Commercial Publisher?
  • Proposal, peer review, contract, production: Pitching your book idea to an editor
  • Choosing the best book format: How to make your book proposal stand out
  • How to respond to peer reviews

This 90 mintue course will be delivered in person at Camperdown campus.

At least one session will be scheduled for early 2026, with date(s) to be published here as soon as they are available.

To express your interest in attending, complete the EOI form below.

If successful and once your attendance is confirmed, you will receive a calendar invite from the Researcher Development Unit with event details.