Researcher Development Unit
Researcher Development News
Support, training, opportunities
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EMCR networks across the UniversityGet involved with your peer community
EMCR networks create essential community and support for their members. Whether the network is University-wide, at the faculty, school, or MDI level, or grouped by shared research interests, researchers at the University of Sydney get together in multiple spaces to share knowledge and build their skills together.
To showcase the importance of these peer-led networks, the Researcher Development Hub is publishing a feature EMCR Networks Series that will highlight a range of EMCR networks at the University. Each article in the series will profile a different network and share how the network operates, what they offer their community, and key lessons and advice for other networks and the wider researcher community.
The series is designed to showcase EMCR leadership in action, strengthen our research culture and researcher development, increase visibility and connection across faculties, and encourage engagement with our incredible EMCR communities; an invaluable resource for every researcher.
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The Westmead Research Hub EMCR Committee
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We're reaching out to EMCR networks at the University of Sydney to profile in this series.
Email us if you'd like your network to be profiled.
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Leading SEMCAN into a new eraA conversation with newly-appointed Co-Chairs
Established in 2017, the Sydney Early to Mid-Career Academic Network (SEMCAN) is a unique University-wide network that unites and advocates for EMCRs across all disciplines. After being selected through an expression of interest process, the committee has new leadership to take this EMCA network into the next two years.
Dr Niamh Chapman and Dr Mehala Balamurali are stepping into the roles of Co-Chairs for the University-wide network and are committed to enhancing EMCA skills and also a feeling of belonging amongst the cohort.
Read our conversation with them about what they hope to bring to SEMCAN – and how much they have already gained from being involved.
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Programs and offerings
from the Researcher Development Unit
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Introducing the EMCR Peer Development Awards
We are thrilled to launch the inaugural EMCR Peer Development Awards to recognise the transformational contribution early to mid-career researchers can make upon one another's career development. From establishing training opportunities for their cohort to providing crucial support through one-to-one mentorship, the ways researchers can make an impact are varied and profound. These awards provide acknowledgement for the role peers place in each other's careers and include three nomination categories: Leadership in Researcher Development, Innovating Peer Training Design, and EMCR Community Impact.
Applications are now open and close Monday 11 May 2026.
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Leading your Academic Career program - opening soon
Learn strategies and skills to advance your research and career vision in this series of workshops for Level A and Level B researchers. Over three half-days, learn how to clarify your career vision, navigate complexity, and build leadership skills.
— Monday 18 May 2026: Career vision and planning
— Monday 25 May 2026: Navigating complexity to advance your research and career
— Monday 1 June 2026: Leading self and others
Applications open Thursday 2 April and close Monday 27 April 2026.
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The Conversation: Pitching and Writing MasterclassTuesday 10 May 2026
10 am-12 pm
Online
Learn how to translate the narrative of your research and its impact to gain public attention and effective coverage through journalistic outlets.
Nature Masterclass
Tuesday 2 June 2026
9 am-5 pm
In-person, Camperdown
This Nature Masterclass on scientific writing and publishing contains a unique overview of the writing process, what to include in each section of the paper and the publishing process.
From Book Proposal to Published
Thursday 4 June 2026
11 am-2 pm (including light lunch)
Camperdown
This interactive workshop explores how books differ from journal articles and covers key questions, misconceptions, and practical Do’s and Don’ts—from book proposal to publication.
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| Upcoming eventsin the Researcher Training Calendar
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Academic headshots 2026Tuesday 31 March 2026
9 am–4 pm
Camperdown
Get a new academic headshot to update your Sydney Profile! Your session will take approximately 10 minutes. Bold colours work well on camera.
Introduction to tendersTuesday 21 April 2026
2–3 pm
Online
Designed for academics who want to get started with tenders or refresh their knowledge, and professional staff who support tenders. The workshop also provides an overview of the tender processes and support available.
HDR supervisor as coach (Serendis)
Monday 11 May 2026
9:30 am–1pm
Online
In this practical workshop, you will be provided with frameworks and approaches that you can apply towards critical elements of the supervisory relationship.
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Communicate your science to the community
To increase impact and take research into the community, events such as Pint of Science are an amazing opportunity for EMCRs to showcase their research to a wider audience. Researchers are encouraged to submit expressions of interest until the end of March 2026 for 15-20 minute talks on the following themes:
— Atoms to Galaxies: physics, chemistry, maths and astronomy
— The Mind: neuroscience, psychology and psychiatry
— The Body: medicine, human biology and health
— Society: law, history, politics, policy and languages
— Planet Earth: geosciences, botany and zoology
— Technology: biotechnology, robotics, computers and AI
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New one-stop-shop for research contract requests
From 1 April 2026, the Research Portfolio will introduce a new one‑stop-shop for research contract service requests via the Service Portal. A new Research Contracts Menu will replace multiple request forms with a single, streamlined entry point, making it easier for researchers to select the correct contract type. The menu also provides access to fast-tracked pathways for eligible contracts. Researchers will have greater visibility in the Service Portal to track the progress of their request - from submission to execution by the Post Award Research Contracts team.
The new Research Contract Menu will launch on 1 April 2026, and support commonly required contracts for non‑competitive research activities, including:
— Commissioned research
— Collaborative research
— Consultancy, expert witness, and testing services
— Confidentiality and non-disclosure
— Material and data transfers
— Pre-approved templates
— Glycemic Index (GI) testing services
— HDR student participation
— Variations and terminations for existing agreements
“We heard from researchers that submitting research contract requests can be confusing and time-consuming,” says Associate Director, Research Contracts Kate McGeoch. “This new one-stop shop simplifies the process with a single-entry point and clearer options, making it easier to submit requests and track progress while reducing unnecessary administration.”
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Ensure your EMCR colleagues have access to these opportunities by suggesting that they subscribe.
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