As a researcher at Cranfield you will become a member of the Cranfield Doctoral Network, providing you with opportunities to share your research and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment.
The Cranfield Doctoral Network comprises eight doctoral communities, which are aligned with the University’s themes. These communities enable you to participate in a programme of events including seminars, lectures and other initiatives within each theme. The doctoral communities also run events which students from all eight communities are encouraged to attend. These events provide an opportunity for you to develop your interdisciplinary knowledge.
The Cranfield Doctoral Network holds an annual conference where you will have the opportunity to showcase your research and network with your peers from across the University.
The Network looks to enhance and enrich the experience of our researchers, including those who are based off site. Its activities are complimented by extensive resources offered through the Doctoral Researchers' Core Development (DRCD) programme.
Doctoral Researchers' Core Development (DRCD) programme
An important part of your research is developing key skills that will benefit your research and your professional development, ready for your future career. We provide you with opportunities to reach your full potential. We want you to better achieve your aims and ambitions, while ensuring access to the highest quality skills and knowledge development.
We have developed a comprehensive programme delivering core skills which aligns with the recommendations of QAA, UKRI and the Research Council, and delivers high quality, appropriate and innovative training opportunities.
The recommendations cover:
- responsible research and innovation,
- analysing, managing and presenting data,
- thinking critically about problems to produce innovative solutions and create new knowledge,
- planning, managing and delivering projects,
- exercising professional standards in research ethics and research integrity, and engaging in professional practice, including ethical, legal, and health and safety,
- supporting, collaborating and leading colleagues, using a range of communication and networking skills,
- appreciate the need to engage in research with impact and to be able to communicate it to diverse audiences, including the public,
- building relationships with peers, senior colleagues, students and stakeholders in different disciplines with sensitivity to equality, diversity and cultural issues.
Our workshops are underpinned by the which is a professional development framework describing the knowledge, behaviours and attributes required of successful researchers, so helping you realise your potential. It encompasses four key areas of development: knowledge and intellectual abilities; personal effectiveness; research governance and organisation; and engagement, influence and impact.
Delivering the skills provision
The DRCD programme comprises four 1-week units; one week for each key stage of the research journey. Each day has workshops and events on the processes and skills needed to do your research effectively and responsibly. Attending all sessions each week will help you reach your potential and get the most from your time at Cranfield.
Not only that but the benefit gained by being part of a cohort cannot be underestimated and provides opportunities for networking, collaboration, socialising and peer support.
Week 1 - Getting started with your research
This foundational week held shortly after induction helps develop an understanding of the principles of research, completing ethics forms, Equality Diversity and Inclusion, how to search literature effectively, research data planning and management, and personal development planning.
Week 2 - Research development
This week, a few months after induction, provides practical knowledge of the research development stage. It includes using statistics for research, applied and interdisciplinary research, research novelty and impact, intellectual property and commercialisation, and visualising and presenting data.
Week 3 – Research outputs
This week supports the researcher's growing understanding of the variety of different forms of dissemination. It covers aspects of academic writing and publishing papers, making work open access, as well as using presentation skills to disseminate research to a variety of audiences.
Week 4 - Successful completion
Towards the end of research journey, this final week explores the career and alumni opportunities available to the researcher after successful completion of their research and what to expect in a Viva Voce.
Reflecting on your own personal and professional development
Personal and professional development goes hand in hand with your research development; enhancing your skills will help you thrive during your research journey and long-term career.
The reflective process allows you to analyse your own skill set and needs. The first step in the process is to complete a Professional Development Plan (PDP), which highlights your smart goals and plans for your research journey. The DRCD programme will deliver a comprehensive set of research skills but there are other valuable skills that you may acquire as part of your degree journey. The Development Needs Analysis (DNA) tool enables you to consider the skills and expertise needed while undertaking your doctoral research.
