Researcher Development Programme

• To contribute to the development of innovative and creative researchers, able to contribute to research-production, knowledge exchange and impact by expanding the range of training opportunities available at the LSE. 
• To equip PhD students with the competences necessary to pursue a range of different careers on the basis of their research training, and to understand the diverse professional environments in which their research skills can usefully be applied. 
• In the process, to support cross-departmental and interdisciplinary interaction amongst the LSE’s research student community, and thereby to enrich their doctoral experience.

By the end of this programme, students should be able to: 

• understand the variety of settings in which their research skills can be usefully deployed; 
• identify opportunities to contribute to knowledge exchange and impact, and to engage in collaborative partnerships with other researchers and organisations in ways which play a positive role in society and to respond effectively to contemporary research needs; 
• gain and develop the skills and technical knowledge necessary to operate in a range of professional domains; 
• gain the confidence necessary to pursue the career pathways most relevant to their particular research competences and aspirations; 
• provide a skills- and development orientated environment in which PhD Students can focus on their transition to post-PhD life. 

The programme takes place in two parts:

• a series of in person and online seminars and workshops during the Autumn, Spring, and Summer Terms open to all PhD students across all years, and; 
• an off-campus overnight Retreat in the Summer Term for a maximum of ten students.

Seminars and Workshops during the academic year

Seminars and workshops are open to all MPhil/PhD students, and MRes/PhD students after they have upgraded to the PhD. We encourage students to attend the full programme. Students who attend 9 out of 12 sessions will be given a certificate of attendance detailing the training they will have received.

Overnight Retreat

After the completion of the on-campus seminars, Spring offers an overnight retreat which will take place in early summer and is organised in collaboration with LSE Generate and LSE Careers. This off-campus learning experience aims to equip participants with soft skills, such as time management and branding oneself as a researcher. Emphasis will be placed on the transferability of the skills acquired by students during the PhD.

Accommodation and living expenses will be covered.

Places are limited to ten students and priority will be given to the students who have attended the most sessions of the programme.

• From PhD to Industry: Unlocking Your Collaborative Potential - Thu, Oct 26, 2023 (11am-1.15pm) online
• Design Thinking: Crafting Solutions for Today's Challenges - Tue, Nov 14, 2023 (1-3pm) online
• Mastering the Art of Negotiation and Assertiveness during & beyond the PhD - Thu, Nov 23, 2023 (11am-12.30pm) in person at the PhD Academy

• Research Collaborations and Partnerships during and beyond the PhD
• How to make a difference: an introduction to knowledge exchange and impact
• How to build and manage research impact
• Project Management Skills