Wellbeing training for researchers

For Doctoral students and Postdocs

• RD-QMA-001 -Researcher Wellbeing: Navigating Change and Uncertainty
  In this session you will analyse your approaches to change and how those approaches influence your experience of change.
• RD-QMA-002 - Researcher Wellbeing: Stress, Resilience and Strengths   
  Layered difficulties deepen stress and can rob us of our sense of control. The ethos of this programme is to empower you to take small practical actions to focus on the things you can control, whilst managing unhelpful responses to the things you cannot.
• RD-QMA-035 - Researcher Wellbeing: Wellbeing techniques for working remotely
  In this workshop we will learn about the effects of remote working on wellbeing and productivity and how to improve those through practical exercises and techniques.
• RD-QMA-036 - Researcher Wellbeing: Practical techniques for managing stress as a Researcher
  This practical workshop aims to promote positive wellbeing and teach strategies to help researchers develop ways to improve stress management.
• RD-QMA-004 - Assertive Communication Skills for Researchers
  In this workshop you will assess your responses to situations and people, focusing on a better balance and respect for your own needs, priorities and feelings, alongside those of others. The emphasis is on practical application, so you have the opportunity to experiment with different approaches. 
• RD-QMA-019 - Building confidence as a researcher through embodied practices
  This practical workshop gives an introduction on embodiment and how to use body postures to approach common researcher’s problems. We will focus on ways to overcome procrastination, tap into your creativity to find better ways to network, explore imposter syndrome and practise body postures to overcome stage fright.

For Doctoral students only

• Your PGR journey; getting the best start*
  DC109 - 1st year PGR day
  During this workshop we will think about the start of your journey as a doctoral researcher, where you are now and where you hope to get. The aim is to help you identify what support, guidance and good habits you need to help you stay well during your doctorate.

• Keeping up the momentum*
  DC204 - 2nd Year PGR Cohort day
  This session will give you the space to reflect on your progress so far and identify what may hinder or help your progress. We will discuss stress, unhelpful beliefs, feelings and behaviours that may arise during your doctorate and give you some tips to combat those. Finally, you will be reminded of the importance of looking after your mental wellbeing and where you can go for support.

• Crossing the finishing line*
  DC301 - 3rd Year PGR Cohort Day
  The aim of the workshop is to help you focus positively on successfully completing your doctorate. We'll identify emotional and practical issues that may be stopping you from achieving your end goal and think about strategies that will help you cross the finish line. 

*These workshops are delivered by Dr Fryni Panayidou and take place during the annual PGR Cohort Days organised by the Doctoral College.

For Doctoral students and Postdocs (online, self-paced)

The following four online training modules, developed by the University of Durham, aim to increase mental health awareness and help you recognise and name distress. While the materials were created with PhD students and supervisors in mind, postdoctoral researchers experience similar pressures that may lead to poor mental health and may find these resources equally useful.

You can access these courses on QMplus, in the page 'Wellbeing for Researchers'. Please log onto QMplus with your Queen Mary credentials and click on 'self-enrol':

• Fundamentals of mental health
  A brief summary of the key issues all researchers and supervisors should know to improve mental health awareness.
• Researcher mental health: Evidence and experience
  A review of the evidence and research literature on the factors contributing to mental health issues among PhD students and a summary of the role supervisors can play in supporting the mental health of researchers they supervise/manage.
• Mental Health First Aid in the context of PhD study and supervision
  An adaptation of Mental Health First Aid tailored for the PhD population, with information on common conditions and the skills of interventions and signposting for students and peers.
• PhD supervision in the context of mental health difficulties
  This module investigates how the process of PGR supervision may be impacted if a student is experiencing difficulties. It uses a Case Study approach to demonstrate the challenges with discussion points for review. A framework and tools are offered to help both students and supervisors reflect on any difficulties in the supervisory processes arising from mental health, either for self-reflection or to support all parties to address the issues within the supervision or with third party support.