Transferable Skills Workshop I

Workshop Overview

The Nestor team at Aston University hosted a three-day Transferable Skills Workshop (TSWI) to strengthen research, communication, and project management skills. The sessions provided practical tools to support high-quality research, increase visibility and impact, and develop transferable skills essential for doctoral study and future careers.

Date and Venue

20 – 22 May, 2025, Aston University

Sessions Highlights

This session focused on developing effective academic writing skills, including structuring research papers, refining arguments, and clearly communicating complex ideas for scholarly publication. The training was delivered by Dr Egor Manuilovich, Senior Research Fellow at the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies, who drew on his research and academic experience to share practical approaches to high-quality scholarly communication. Doctoral candidates gained actionable techniques to improve clarity, coherence, and confidence in their academic writing.

 

 

Delivered by Dr Eleni Tseligka, Teaching Fellow and Professional Development Advisor for Research, this workshop provided practical guidance on academic publishing and navigating the journal landscape. Drawing on her experience as a journal editor and peer reviewer, the session covered publication strategies, peer review processes, and identifying and avoiding predatory journals. Doctoral candidates developed greater confidence in selecting appropriate journals and managing the publication process effectively.

This full-day session was led by Dr Jamie Gallagher, an award-winning engagement specialist with extensive experience supporting researchers across disciplines. The training focused on maximising research visibility and impact through effective engagement and the strategic use of social media. Doctoral candidates learned how to develop compelling impact narratives, communicate their research to wider audiences, and apply practical tools to enhance the reach and profile of their work.

Delivered by Matt Williams, an experienced project and change management professional and accredited trainer, this session introduced the P3.Express methodology, a minimalist project management framework adapted to research workflows. The training focused on the P3.Express cycle, guiding doctoral candidates through key stages of initiating, planning, delivering, and closing research projects, with practical application in planning and reporting. Participants developed transferable project management skills to support more structured, efficient, and effective research delivery.