Developing an inclusive Team Research training and development package for a large research-intensive university
This poster was presented at the University of Manchester Open Research Conference, 9-10 June 2025.
We will describe the process of designing and delivering the multi-modal, multi-channel training “Teams Build Dreams” Team Research Programme. We will reflect on reach and learnings.
Our training was piloted as in-person workshops with attendees from Biology, Medicine and Health faculty only. Learnings from this informed the content, format, and facilitator model, to improve the offering by:
- Recruitment of a Training Manager
- Targeted Communications
- Module Development: assessed and uplifted the modules, and developed a Team Building module.
- Delivery Options: we reviewed our delivery platforms and modes, resulting in:
- A Self-led online learning platform
- Content for six training modules for in-person workshops
- Extended versions of all modules for in-person workshops
- Self-led Train-the-trainer module
- Commissionable bespoke training
- Content for live online workshops
The impact of this strategy is demonstrated in the increased reach and breadth:
2023 n=34 One faculty only; 2024/25 n=118 All faculties and central services
We use a developmental, iterative, learner-centred, feedback-centred approach to improving content and delivery continuously.
We have found that driving parity and inclusiveness in attendance across different disciplines and faculties continues to be challenging; as does engaging senior academics. We are currently undertaking an evaluation and sustainability planning the findings of which will inform future options.
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