Early and Mid-Career Researchers

There is a wealth of resources available to EMCRs today. In fact, it can be overwhelming, and we are already running out of hours in the day. So, where do you start looking when you’d like a hand?

UQ has a list of resources available here.  We recommend that all EMCRs, particularly those new to UQ, look through these resources.

Additionally, we have compiled a short list of websites and tools that we have found useful. If you have any suggestions or notice a broken link, please contact us so we can update our lists.

Developing your skills

Grant writing is a skill that can only be developed through a large amount of practice. That doesn’t mean you can’t get a head-start (and plenty of refreshers) with guidance and references!

• NatureJobs has a blog post overviewing generic tips on how to approach grant applications. 21 Feb 2018
• The Research Whisperer has put together a short, 4-step guide to writing grant applications. 27 July 2011
• Although it is not an Australian institution, the NIH has prepared a general guide for preparing and writing research funding proposals.

If you’re looking for more to sink your teeth into, try these in-depth guides to help you with structure and writing:

• Writing successful science proposals, by Andrew Friedland, Carol Folt, and Jennifer Mercer, third edition, New Haven Yale University Press, 2018
• The reader’s brain: How neuroscience can make you a better writer, by Yellowlees Douglas, Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 2015.

Getting funding

• The UQR&I Research Bulletin is a fortnightly newsletter for UQ staff and affiliates that circulates information on funding opportunities, upcoming research events, workshops, and conferences, as well as information on research awards and prizes.
• The UQR&I Mailer circulates important information relevant to researchers who hold or are intending to apply for, grants. This may include, but is not limited to, information on workshops, opening of schemes, major rule changes, or calls for funding.
• UQ provides a variety of resources to help researchers find potential funding opportunities via funding databases.

Boosting your profile

• It’s crucial that EMCRs are visible in the current competitive research environment. Take advantage of UQ researchers and ensure your UQ eSpace is up to date.
• There is a range of other online identifiers such as ORCiD and ResearcherID that make tracking and updating your publication list and promoting yourself via metrics easier; utilise the library guides to ensure your maximum visibility.
• A blog post on The Research Whisperer featuring Deb Brian of the Office of Sponsored Research at UQ has some excellent advice for EMCRs looking to build their track record. 6 February 2018

Non-academic careers

• An editorial in Nature suggests that PhD students are not aware enough of the many career pathways available outside academia. As supervisors, we EMCRs are positioned to educate ourselves and pass on this knowledge. A good place to start is the UQ Graduate School. 25 October 2017
• ‘Young researchers thrive in life after academia:’ Alternative career paths should be celebrated, not seen as a compromise. 27 September 2016, Nature 537
• Nature Jobs frequently features blogs highlighting the transition away from academia, e.g.:
  • ‘How to ask the right questions when transitioning from academia to industry,’ 19 May 2014
  •  ‘From doctorate to data science: a very short guide,’  21 July 2014
• The Individual Development Plan, by ScienceCareers, can help you explore science-based career pathways that suit you. After exploring your options, the site will let you set progression goals and keep you on track.

You’re not alone

• The UQ Early and Mid-Career Academics Committee (EC@UQ) is building momentum. Contact them to find out how you can get involved.  
• Run by EMCRs, for EMCRs, advocating and representing researchers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across Australia is the EMCR Forum.
• Naturejobs postdoc blog series: Insights, options, careers 
• ‘How Australia fails mid-career scientists:’ When the global financial crisis hit, forcing microbiologist Catherine Osborne to return from scientific work in the United States, she found that getting a job in the Australian research industry isn't the hard part—staying in one is. 12 July 2016, ABC
• The EAIT EMCR Committee runs multiple events throughout the year. Join us to get to know like-minded researchers from your Faculty.

Other useful resources

• Looking to use your science and engineering knowledge to create policy change? Check out Science and Technology Australia's 'Science meets Parliament' events to meet people with influence.
• Interested in kick-starting a cross-sector collaboration, but not sure where to start? The EMCR Forum has put together some excellent resources on their ‘kick-starting collaboration’ page.
• Be sure to take your annual appraisal seriously. You can find information about UQ’s appraisal and promotion processes online.

EAIT-EMCR Seminar & Panel Discussion: Insights from the Field: Establishing and Building Industry Research Collaborations

When: 2:30pm - 3:30pm, 6th June, 2024
Where: 46-914, Liveris Building (46)

The EAIT EMCR committee are hosting the second event of the year around Industry Engagement. Attendees will gain invaluable insights from those who have navigated the path of university-industry R&D collaboration. Panellists will share their first-hand perspectives around: 
•    How to establish a relationship with an industry partner
•    Understanding corporate R&D drivers and strategic priorities
•    Effectively aligning academic research strengths with industry needs
•    Best practices for initiating and building productive industry relationships
•    Navigating intellectual property considerations in collaborative projects
•    Structuring projects to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes

RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/NgDx3hW1Y9

For any questions, please email us at eait-emcr@uq.edu.au

Past events

EAIT-EMCR: AQIRF Grant Writing Workshop

When: 2:00pm - 4:00pm, 26th March, 2024
Where: 46-914, Liveris Building (46)

This workshop provided an overview of schemes for early and mid-career researchers, with a focus on the Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowships, including perspective from successful applicants.

2023

EAIT-EMCR: End of Year Celebration and Annual General Meeting (AGM)

When: 14 December, 2023
Where: Advanced Engineering Building (49)

The EAIT EMCR committee concluded the year with the AGM and End of Year celebration lunch. At the AGM we celebrated the achievements and highlights of the past year and nominated candidates for the new committee based on a self-nomination process. We had success in recruiting new committee members for 2024.

EAIT-EMCR: Annual Symposium

When: 2nd November, 2023
Where: Room 313A, Advanced Engineering Building (49)

The EAIT Early and Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) Symposium is our annual event to promote networking and collaboration within the Faculty and between new and existing researchers. It is an opportunity to highlight research and have the chance to make that critical step towards generating collaborations and learning about the techniques and facilities within the Faculty.

The aims of this year’s event were for members to:
•    Establish new connections and collaborations.
•    Learn about the techniques and research across the faculty of EAIT. 
•    Increase interest and awareness of the activities of the EMCR committee.

The request was for researchers to present a short overview of their research in a single slide, what they can offer to others and what skills they were looking for collaborators within a 5-minute presentation. In total there were 16 EMCR presentations, with excellent representation from all schools within the faculty. A Symposium booklet was produced to assist internal collaboration and build the EAIT EMCR community.

The event was opened by EAIT Associate Dean (Research), Professor Matthew Dargusch who spoke about Researcher Development at UQ, including the Advancing Your Research Career Workday module, sources of funding to support your research, UQ’s Research Roadmap, and what we might expect in the new ERA.

Thanks to Jeanette Williams and Tracey Powell from the Library on their presentation “Tips to save time and money on your research journey” around Open Access Publishing, Research Identifiers (e.g. ORCiD), and Metrics for grants and promotions.

People’s Choice favourite presentation award:

Dr Clement Chan (School of Chemical Engineering) presenting “Bioplastics and Biocomposites Development for a Circular Plastics Economy”

Runner up: Dr Anwar Orabi (School of Civil Engineering) on “Fire, Structures, and Computers”.

EAIT-EMCR: Panel Discussion: Industry Engagement 

When: 1st August, 2023
Where: Advanced Engineering Building (49)

The third EAIT-EMCR event of the year focussed on Industry Engagement, a critical yet challenging aspect to get started for many Early and Mid-Career Researchers, through a panel discussion format. The objective of the event was to highlight the importance of industry engagement in academia, aiming to bridge the divide between theoretical knowledge and its practical application.

After a networking lunch and introduction from the EAIT-EMCR Committee, Nicky Spijkerman, a member of the Researcher Development Team at UQ, shared a seminar on career development services for researchers and research professionals and the importance of industry engagement in this context.

The discussion was then opened to our esteemed panellists: Ms Nicky Spijkerman, Dr Harry Asche (Design Director at Aurecon), and Dr Heather Shewan (Advanced Queensland Research Industry Fellow) and was chaired by Dr Alina Bialkowski.

Throughout the discussions, our panellists emphasized the importance of industry engagement for both research and career development and the two-way benefits for industry and academia. The panellists discussed how this can be achieved through the integration of real-world industry insights into research, curriculum development, and training.

Key topics included:
•    How to engage with industry, especially establishing first contact
•    How to maintain relationships and funding 
•    What is industry interested in?
•    Academia vs Industry
•    The importance of teamwork and communication
Attendees learnt about the necessary “T shape” skills: broad understanding of society (the crossbar), and strong understanding of the speciality (the upright)

A total of approximately 50 EMCRs across EAIT attended this discussion and a lot of positive feedback was received..

EAIT-EMCR: EAIT-EMCR Research Project Management Workshop: Seize your future

When: 29th June, 2023
Where: Advanced Engineering Building (49)

Our second event was designed for attendees to enhance their project management skills and ensure project success into the future. The event was facilitated by Dr Peter Worthy and provided an opportunity to empower researchers in project management, which is becoming an increasingly critical area for research and career development.

Key aspects of the workshop covering project management skills for research included:
i)    learning to plan, organize, and execute research projects effectively.
ii)    managing time, resources, and stakeholders efficiently. 
 
Overall, some of the highlights of the workshop were learning about the: 
i)    Fundamentals of project management for research.
ii)    Creating effective project plans and timelines.
iii)    Utilizing online project management tools or software like Trello.
iv)    Identifying and managing project risks.
In addition, there was a short presentation delivered by Jeanette Williams from the UQ library on the topic: Discover how the University Library Supports Researchers. The presentation revealed valuable resources and services available to researchers and expert guidance on data management, and publishing.

EAIT-EMCR: Researcher Development Framework (RDF) Workshop

When: 21st April, 2023
Where:  Advanced Engineering Building (49)

To begin the year, the EAIT-EMCR Committee organised its first event on 21th of April 2023. The event was a workshop around the Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF), to help unlock people’s full potential as researchers. The workshop was designed to benefit researchers looking to enhance their proficiency and achieve their career goals, in an interactive format. The event was coordinated by:
•    Professor Jason Stokes, Deputy Associate Dean Research (Research Training), EAIT, and
•    Professor Alastair McEwan, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), UQ.
The event commenced with an overview of the Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF), which served as the foundation for evaluating participants' research skills and mapping their proficiency levels across three main domains: knowledge and intellectual abilities, personal effectiveness, and career development. Through the interactive format and discussion, participants developed a clearer understanding of their current research skills and goals and how these map to the UQ Annual Performance and Development (APD) process, empowering participants to express their achievements and aspirations in line with UQ's broader goals and how to unlock their full potential as researchers.

2022

EAIT-EMCR: End-of-year celebration and Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Wednesday 14 December, 2022
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm (5 Foyer/Terrace of the Advanced Engineering Building)

The EAIT Early and Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) celebrated the end of 2022 and planed positions, events, and reviewed the highlights of the year on Wednesday 14 December.

EAIT-EMCR Symposium 2022

Thursday 3 November, 2022
1:00pm - 5:00pm (50-N201)

The EAIT-EMCR Symposium is a unique event to promote networking and collaboration within the Faculty. Join to highlight your research and have the chance to make that critical step towards generating collaborations and learning about the techniques and facilities within your Faculty.

EAIT-EMCR Panel Discussion: Navigating your career pathway in an uncertain future

Tuesday 5 July, 2022
2:00pm - 4:00pm (78-343)

This event is a panel discussion that will explore how people with diverse backgrounds and experiences from our faculty have navigated their careers. It's an opportunity for you to join in a discussion about navigating career paths in our uncertain world.

Panellists:
Associate Professor James Vaughan (School of Chemical Engineering)
Dr Mingyuan Lu (School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering)
Dr Fred Fialho Leandro Alves Teixeira (School of Architecture)
Dr Chelsea Dobbins (School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering)

A recording of this panel discussion can be found here:

https://uqz.zoom.us/rec/share/8H2ZLX68aupcSxOygH1fPwy31olSowvInu0wSeDnL6253LfScOb2xaqJixPIG0NO.joIpnwI7PXDvN05U

EAIT-EMCR Digital World Mysteries: Rethinking collaboration & teaching

Wednesday 20 April, 2022
1:00pm - 3:00pm (78-343)

We are pleased to announce our first event for 2022.

This event is a seminar that will provide you with a quick tour of two not-so-secret but definitely mysterious digital tools that we think are more than helpful: the UQ Research Data Manager (RDM) and Miro, a very popular online collaboration tool.

2021

Inaugural EAIT-EMCR Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Wednesday 08 December, 2021
3:30pm - 5:00pm (46-441)

The EAIT-EMCR committee is holding its inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the election of new 2022 term committee members followed by a networking event.

Seminar Series #5: Applying for Promotions

Monday 1 November, 2021
11:00am - 1:00pm (50-S201)

Seminar Series #4: Brittle Solids - from Physics and Chemistry to Materials Applications

Friday 13 August, 2021
10:00am - 10:45am (via Zoom)

Seminar Series #3: Engangement & Impact Evidence

Wednesday 5 May, 2021
10:00am - 10:45am (via Zoom)

Seminar Series #2: Consultancy projects

Wednesday 10 February, 2021
2:00pm - 2:45pm (via Zoom)

2020

Seminar Series #1: Strategic management of your EMCR Career

Wednesday 25 November, 2020
2:00pm - 2:45pm (via Zoom)

Managing your career is one of the key issues that many of us are struggling with at the moment. This seminar aims to provide you with some guidance and ideas for support with this challenge.

This seminar will cover:

• Introduction to the EAIT-EMCR Committee

• UQ@EMCR Overview & Being Strategic with your Career

2019

EMCR Symposium 2019

When: 1:00pm - 4:30pm, Thursday 31 October 2019
Where: Room 309, Steele Building (3)

The EAIT Early and Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) Symposium is a unique event to promote networking and collaboration within the Faculty and between new and existing researchers. This event provides a great opportunity to highlight your research, generate collaborations and learn about the techniques and facilities within your Faculty!

Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowships Workshop

When: 2:00-5:00pm, 11 June 2019
Where: 05-213
Speakers: Dr. Chris Leonardi (current AQIRF) presentation, followed by panel discussion and Q&A with Dr. Chris Leonardi, selected AQRFs and Ms. Kimberley Nunes (EAIT Research). If possible, we might also be able to have someone from the Advance Queensland Programme subject to their availability for the panel discussion.

The EAIT EMCR committee is excited to offer its inaugural Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowships Workshop. This workshop aims to provide both an overview of this scheme and specific examples of how to strategically identify opportunities to make an application. The event details are as below and please also see our attached flyer for distribution.

Following this workshop, we will be asking for interested applicants to sign-up to our mentoring programme to be supported by current Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellows at UQ in fine-tuning their applications, keeping in mind that this scheme is very different from the typical ARC type of research applications.

EAIT Researchers Start of the Year Event

When: 5:00pm - 8:00pm, 15 February 2019
Where: Level 5 Terrace, Advanced Engineering Building (49)

It is time to celebrate the beginning of 2019 together! Let’s get together and catch up or get to know new EMCRs in the Faculty and find cool opportunities to collaborate by networking in a relaxed setting.

The event will be opened by a very brief overview of the EAIT EMCR Committee’s focus and a showcase of upcoming events in 2019 by the Co-Chair Dr. Anand Veeraragavan. Then, it’s up to us to enjoy the BBQ food, drinks, and social/networking activities!

2018

EAIT Researchers End of Year Social & Networking Event

When: 3:00pm - 5:00pm, 29 November 2018
Where: Room 301, Advanced Engineering Building (49)

It’s that time of the year again! Let’s get together and catch up or get to know new EMCRs in the Faculty and find cool opportunities to collaborate by networking in a relaxed setting. The EAIT Early and Mid-Career Researchers (EMCRs) Committee would like to continue the tradition we established last year, so join us for a drink and meet some of the EMCRs from around the faculty.

The event will be opened by a very brief overview of the EAIT EMCR Committee’s focus, a synopsis of our activities for 2018, and an outlook for next year by the Co-Chair Dr. Anand Veeraragavan. This will be followed by the Executive Dean Professor Vicki Chen giving a short presentation about EAIT and how EMCRs fit in, and share her future outlook. Then, it’s up to us to enjoy the food, drinks, and social/networking activities!

EMCR Symposium 2018

When: 1:00pm - 6:00pm, 20 July 2019
Where: Room 360, Physiology Lecture Theatres (63)

We are inviting the Early to Mid-Career researchers of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology to share your knowledge and skills, connect with others, and boost your research potential via 3MT-style presentations.

EAIT-EMCR Targeted Workshop on Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowships

When: 1:30-3:00pm, 22 June 2018
Where: 47A-141

Event details: The EAIT EMCR committee is excited to offer its inaugural Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowships Workshop. This workshop aims to provide both an overview of this scheme and specific examples of how to strategically identify opportunities to make an application, specific to EAIT researchers. The structure will include talks from Dr. Brad Scholz (Qld Govt), Dr. Anand Veeraragavan (current AQRF) followed by panel discussion and Q&A with Dr. Scholz, select AQRFs and EAIT/UQ R&I staff. Following this workshop, we will be asking for interested applicants to sign-up to our mentoring programme to be supported by current Advance Queensland Research Fellows at UQ in fine-tuning their applications, keeping in mind that this scheme is very different from the typical ARC type of research applications. Light afternoon tea will be provided after workshop.

Early Career Academic Q&A Panel / Development Workshop (Facilitated by Jodee Allanson)

When: 9:30am - 12:00pm, 25 June 2018
Where: 50-C207

Event details: The EAIT-EMCR Committee, in partnership with Organisational Development, has developed a 3-hour workshop based on the ECA Development Program focussed on the needs of EAIT postdocs. Joining you for this special EAIT event will be Dr. Karen Steel, Prof. Peter Halley, Dr. Liza O’Moore, and Prof. Joe Shapter. Through the experiences of this panel of academic leaders, you will have the opportunity to learn about:

• Appraisals and promotions
• Teaching
• Career planning and strategies
• Work-life balance / wellbeing
• Leadership and management styles
• Professional networking
• Funding and tenders
• Shadow CVs / resilience

We are also including a morning tea and opportunities to network with the panellists and researchers from across the faculty.

Take the opportunity to ask those questions that have been simmering on the back of your mind and develop your academic career!

2017

Adopting a Balanced Approach to Leadership

When: 10:30am - 12:00pm, 16 November 2017
Where: Room T203, Hawken Engineering Building (50)

Kristyn Haywood, Director of People for Success, joins us to provide an inspiring workshop, where you will learn a balanced approach to leadership. This workshop will put you ahead as a top, innovative research leader

EAIT Researchers Social & Networking Event

When: 3:30pm - 5:30pm, 18 August 2017
Where: Room 313A, Advanced Engineering Building (49)

Do you wonder about the research going on around you? Who is in the office next door, and what cool facilities are downstairs? The best way to find out is, of course, to have a conversation! The EAIT Early and Mid-Career Researchers (EMCRs) Committee decided we would like to get to know more of you so join us for a drink and meet some of the EMCRs from around the faculty.

Executive Dean Professor Simon Biggs will give a short presentation about EAIT and how EMCRs fit in, followed by a quick introduction of the newly formed EAIT EMCR Committee by Co-Chair Dr Luigi Vandi. Then, it’s up to us to enjoy the food, drinks, and social/networking activities!

EMCRs are invited from across EAIT, including:

• Advanced Water Management Centre
• Centre for Coal Seam Gas
• School of Architecture
• School of Chemical Engineering
• School of Civil Engineering
• School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
• School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering

As this is a social event, feel free to invite a friend.

Building Bridges: Engaging Industry in Research Projects

When: 2:00pm - 4:00pm, 8 June 2017
​Where: Room T203, Hawken Engineering Building (50)

Panellists:

• Bronwyn Laycock, DOW Centre
• Andrew Garnett, Centre for Coal Seam Gas
• David K. Martin, AusIndustry – Innovation Connections
• Ashok Mishra, ConocoPhillips
• Michael Heitzmann, School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering

A panel of successful academics with strong links to industry as well as industry representation came together to discuss examples regarding how they got started, what worked well, what aspects could have been improved, and their achievements. The panel discussion concluded by an interactive Q&A session.

Time Management Workshop

When: 14:00-15:30pm, 24 January 2017
Where: Seminar Room, Level 5, Advanced Engineering Building (49)

The EMCR Committee, in collaboration with the UQ Organisation Development Unit, presents the first seminar for 2017: “Time Management Workshop.”

The Organisational Development Unit along with interns from the Master of Organisational Psychology program have designed a fun and interactive session on time management for Early Career Researchers (ECRs). At the session you will learn practical, evidence based strategies to manage your time effectively. The key objectives of the session are:

• Support you to effectively manage your time as an ECR.
• Provide proven and effective evidence based time management models and theories as they relate to your role as an ECR.
• Provide practical strategies, tips and techniques to effectively manage your time.
• Provide opportunities to engage and participate in a range of fun, relevant and interesting learning activities.

2016

How to translate your ideas into a grant proposal

When: 2:00pm - 3:30pm, 29 September 2016
Where: AIBN Seminar Room

The School of Chemical Engineering would like to invite you to a session entitled "How to translate your ideas into a grant proposal". Come and hear from experienced and knowledgeable researchers about their tips and the lessons they learnt over the years on how to make your ideas attractive and competitive for a grant. There will also be a Q&A session where you can ask your questions to the panellists.

To continue the discussion, the event will be followed by an afternoon tea in the AIBN courtyard.