Research Futures
Research Futures Academy
Heriot-Watt’s Research Futures Academy enhances the development of researchers, enables collaboration as a key part of the research culture and enriches the experience of research staff and research degree students.
We support doctoral students and early career researchers to develop skills and competencies to enhance their personal and professional capabilities and future employability.
We create opportunities for valuable collaborations and networking between researchers from diverse disciplines and institutions.
We provide a focal point for researcher development activities, resources, opportunities and achievements at Heriot-Watt University.
We ensure that national agendas and policies related to researcher development are interpreted and embedded to enhance the research culture at Heriot-Watt University.
Research Futures Academy programmes foster development of key academic attributes of collaboration, interdisciplinarity, innovation and leadership.
All our courses can be booked via online booking system LibCal.
More information can be found on our Sharepoint.
Embarking on an academic career requires a diverse set of skills to succeed in research, teaching, and professional development. There is a wide range of skills development opportunities offered by Research Engagement and Research Futures Academy.
We offer skills and career development workshops to help you succeed in your career in research and beyond. All our workshops are run on a University-wide basis, so you will meet other staff from across the Schools here at Heriot-Watt.
Early Career Researcher programme
Research Futures Academy provides a workshop programme designed specifically to build the capacity and career development of early career researchers (ECRs). This includes development and networking opportunities to build skills which are essential for research leadership and future career development, whether inside or outside of academia, including grant writing skills, career planning, EDI and wellbeing.
PGR Supervision
As a PGR supervisor, you play a crucial role in shaping the academic and professional development of your research students. It is essential to provide guidance, mentorship, and support throughout the research journey, helping your students navigate complex academic challenges and refine their ideas. As a PGR supervisor, you have to ensure the quality and rigor of the research process, offering expertise and critical feedback that contributes to the successful completion of the student's thesis in time. Your involvement is vital not only for the individual success of your students but also for advancing knowledge within your respective fields.
Engagement and Impact Skills
Communication, engagement, exchange and enterprise skills underpin many research endeavours, whether this be public engagement, negotiating with businesses, engaging local communities, or working with policymakers and charities. Impact and engagement work involves planning, measuring, gathering evidence and potentially seeking funding. There are a wide range of toolkits, online training courses and in-person opportunities to build your skills in engagement and impact.
Other programmes
We also support academic leadership through the delivery of bespoke events focusing on inspiring and enhancing collaborations and networks that aim to inspire research ideas generation, build interdisciplinary research collaborations, and share best practice amongst peers.
Awards and recognition
The Research Futures Academy has won awards for its work including an ARMA award for Public Engagement and Advocacy through Heriot-Watt Engage, the HR Excellence in Research Award from the European Commission, and the Times Higher Education Award for Leadership and Management.