Connect with other Researchers
Your higher degree by research will necessarily involve a great deal of independence as you investigate and develop new knowledge in your field. It is an intellectual journey that you pilot yourself. However, part of that autonomy will involve you displaying initiative and self-motivation to connect with others along the way.
Disciplinary Experts
Your School will provide opportunities to connect with established researchers in your field. Discipline groups hold regular seminars where researchers present their conference papers and other research projects. Research students are invited to attend these seminars via email.
One of the roles of your supervisor is to encourage and support you to publish your work. Once you begin to publish, you will open up exciting new possibilities for collaboration and scaffolding of knowledge. Another of your supervisor’s responsibilities is to assist you develop the necessary skills for peer review. In so doing you will be preparing for increasing interconnectedness with your discipline.
Connecting with other HDR Students
Along with your supervisors, other established researchers and methodology experts, you are advised to connect with your peers in order to make the most of the rich intellectual and social opportunities at the University.
Your peers are uniquely placed to empathise with the current stage of your research journey. Across the university they may also challenge you in ways that others cannot; by introducing you to transdisciplinary methods and innovative ways of working that will expand your horizons and help develop your skills beyond the disciplinary field.
For this purpose, the University has established a network of Student Peer Advisors (SPA). The SPA scheme offers free one-on-one sessions for research students to access support and advice from former of senior research students about a variety of topics, including use of social media in research, maintaining a positive supervisor relationship, a variety of research methods and much more. Make your connection at: https://uongraduateresearch.simplybook.me/v2/.
The Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT) is an opportunity for PhD students to share their emerging research with peers and to talk to candidates from other Schools about their research. It’s also a chance to win $5,000 for research related expenses and a fully paid trip with their supervisor to attend the Asia-Pacific 3MT competition!
Presenters have just three minutes to deliver an engaging presentation to an audience of non-specialists. The skills of public speaking, conciseness and pursuant opportunities for collaboration are beneficial to all researchers.
Heats are held by each School annually, with the University Final taking place around August. Local community, industry and business representatives are invited to attend the final and the networking event after the competition.
It is an important to contribute to the intellectual debates and community of practice in your area by presenting your own research to your peers and other Faculty researchers. Each College has a Colloquium; an annual forum for research students to present their ongoing work.
Your School will also invite you to attend other students’ Confirmation seminars. These will help you to understand more about the Confirmation process and to meet and support others along the way.
As a postgraduate student, you are a member of the University of Newcastle Students' Association (UNSA). UNSA supports postgraduate students in a number of ways, including academic and skills-based workshops, social events, clubs and societies.
Interacting with Industry
A higher degree by research will give added impetus to your chosen career path. It will also open up exciting new pathways for you to explore. At the University of Newcastle you will be located within a dynamic research precinct interconnected with local, national and global industry.
Explore the opportunities for developing world-class innovation through the Doctoral Training Centres, which are opening up new possibilities for researchers and research trainees to collaborate in their research and make lasting impact.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.