Training and Skills Development

We offer a range of professional and career development modules, many linked to our yearly activities. Training is open to both staff and PGR students.

Please see below for our forthcoming training opportunities and how to book. The following courses are being delivered by Jamie Gallagher. Jamie is an award-winning communicator and engagement professional with ten years’ experience in the delivery and evaluation of quality engagement projects. Working across dozens of institutions and subject areas he has helped improve the reach, profile and impact of research engagement in almost every discipline.

Jamie has organised and taken part in large scale festivals around the world. He uses this experience to help researchers create memorable and engaging experiences for the public. For more details on Jamie please see his website.

All of the courses below can be booked via the course booking system

For any other specific support you require please contact peru@abdn.ac.uk

Upcoming Training Opportunities

Introduction to Public Engagement for PGR Students: Date: Thursday 23rd January

Time: 12pm-2pm

Venue: Bishops Table, King's College

Find out about the many ways to undertake public engagement while completing your PhD and start to develop your ideas into activities you can do with the public.

Booking via the Course booking system
Evaluation of Engagement: Date: Wednesday 29th January 2025

Time: 1300-1600

Location: Online

Course Description

Successful public engagement can benefit research, researchers and the public – but how do you go about demonstrating this change? This workshop will guide you through the best evaluation processes showing you When, Why and crucially How to use evaluation to give you reliable and clear data. Demonstrate success to funders; record Impact for REF; learn how to improve your processes and have a better understanding of the people you are connecting with.

Course Objectives

At the end of the workshop participants will be able to:

Understand the purposes, uses and limitations of evaluation

Apply event-appropriate evaluation methods in multiple scenarios

Prepare useful, answerable and relevant evaluation questions

Devise and deliver your own evaluation plan

Interpret and report evaluation data
Advanced Evaluation: Date: Wednesday 5th March 2025

Time: 0930-1230

Location: MacRobert Building, Room MA252

Course Description:

This course takes an in-depth look at evaluation. Participants will explore data capture, analysis and reporting. Discover how to develop evaluation plans for even the most complex topics and how to write evaluation reports for funders or for REF. From surveys to focus groups format powerful questions and report meaningful data.

Course Objectives:

Ability to apply event appropriate and timely evaluation

Understand how to interpret and report on qualitative data

Be able to construct impact narratives for reporting and REF

How to demonstrate effective partnership working
Social Media for Researchers: Date: Wednesday 23rd April 2025

Time: 0930-1230

Location: Online

Course Description:

Getting your work on social media may be easy - but making it popular is more challenging. This workshop takes you through the main social media channels and looks at how to create share-worthy content messages. Discover how to use social media to foster meaningful interactions and share your work with as many people as possible. Form tweets to live streams this interactive session is packed with ideas of how to maximise your use of social media as a researcher.

Course Objectives:

Following the half day session, you should be able to:

Raise your profile with social media

Know how to plan effective content to minimise the time requirement

Understand the use of social media as a research and networking tool

Increase your following and interactions by creating sharable content

Create platform specific content for Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube

Know how to make online events accessible, safe and ethical
Engaging Events: Date: Wednesday 7th May 2025

Time: 0930-1230

Location: MacRobert Building, Room MA252

Course Description

Spark ideas and take your engagement in new direction with this interactive session. Discover how to create memorable and engaging experiences for the public. Packed with helpful tips and tools you will explore every aspect of event planning from generating ideas through to advertising. The session also covers the logistics of running a safe, welcoming, and successful event. Ideal for any researchers planning to take part in a festival or plan public events.

Course Objectives:
Following this workshop, you should be able to:

Understand how to plan an engaging experience or event based on your own research topic

Know how to create a safe and inclusive space for events.

Know the key planning stages, milestones and deadlines associated with festival events.

Plan event-appropriate evaluation to aid in your reporting.