12-month curriculum
A deliberate progression from research identity to research leadership
Each month combines a cohort masterclass, guided practice, accountability, independent work and mentor feedback. Quarterly development gates make progress visible.
Month 1
Research identity & career direction
Baseline capability assessment, researcher identity, Individual Researcher Development Plan (IRDP), goals and mentoring constellation.
Month 2
Research problems & questions
Problem framing, research gaps, question quality, feasibility and resource-aware research design.
Month 3
Literature searching & synthesis
Search strategy, source evaluation, synthesis, reference management and literature-to-question alignment.
Month 4
Methods, ethics & reproducibility
Methodological fit, ethics, privacy, data-management planning and reproducible workflows.
Month 5
Data & digital research practice
Data organisation, analysis planning, documentation and appropriate low-cost/open tools.
Month 6
Academic writing & publishing
Manuscript architecture, journal selection, authorship, peer review and response-to-reviewers practice.
Month 7
Responsible AI for researchers
AI-assisted workflows, verification, disclosure, research integrity and human accountability.
Month 8
Collaboration, networking & sponsorship
Developmental networks, outreach, collaboration agreements, visibility and sponsorship.
Month 9
Grants & fellowships
Funding-call screening, concept notes, work plans, budgets and reviewer-oriented proposal development.
Month 10
Research communication & translation
Presentations, public communication, policy/industry translation and pathways to impact.
Month 11
Research leadership & mentoring others
Research-informed teaching, team habits, peer development and the mentor-multiplier model.
Month 12
Portfolio, continuation & graduation
Portfolio completion, development review, post-programme plan and graduation/closing event.
Quarterly development gates
Months 3, 6, 9 and 12 include formal progress reviews against the IRDP, outputs, research skills, network growth and next-quarter priorities. The final review culminates in the research portfolio and graduation on Saturday, 27 November 2027.
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