Research & Project Management Course 2024

Introduction

The GRPM course introduces graduate students to the management of scholarly and research projects, including administrative and ethical concerns. The course covers several disciplines; encouraging an inter-disciplinary exchange of expertise.

11 one-hour sessions will be presented.
Completion of 9 of the 11 sessions will earn you a Letter of Recognition.
Course is available to the University of Guelph graduate students, but registration is LIMITED.
The course is regularly oversubscribed and has a waiting list; please register only if you are able to attend most or all of the sessions.

Questions? Contact Milka Popov, Research Projects Manager: mpopov@uoguelph.ca [1].

If you wish to withdraw from the course, please email mpopov@uoguelph.ca: Withdrawal from the GRPM course [2].

Time and Location

All sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 12:00pm - 1:00pm. Online sessions.

Registration

The course registration will open Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 9 am.

To register, visit the EventLink registration page [3].

Session List

Session 1 - Welcome, Introduction to Office of Research & Preparing for a Research Career in Academia

Date: January 9, 2024

Speakers:

Karina McInnis, Associate Vice-President (Research Services)
Dr. Beverley Hale, Professor, School of Environmental Sciences
Dr. Francesco Leri, Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences

This session will welcome you to the course with introductory remarks offered by the Associate Vice-President Research Services. The session will then focus on what a research career in academia is really like (e.g. duties, demands, challenges, rewards, drivers, etc.) and what you need to know to prepare for a career in research in an academic setting.

Session 2 - Preparing for a Research Career in Government

Date: January 16, 2024

Speakers:

Dr. Karl Cottenie, Associate Professor and Associate Dean (Graduate Studies)
Dr. Aaron Mills, Research Scientist Agronomy, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Dr. Patricia Gillis, Research Scientist - Freshwater Invertebrate Ecotoxicology and Immunotoxicology, Environment and Climate Change Canada

How are research and evidence used in government, and what are some of the skills managers in government might be looking for? This session will explore how research influences policy development and what potential career paths can lead into government.

Session 3 - Preparing for a Research Career in Industry

Date: January 23, 2024

Speakers:

Leah Lambrakis, Vice President, Research & Development, Nutrition and Scientific Affairs, Simmons Pet Food Inc.
Dr. JonDavid De Jong, VP Scientific Operations, Virica Biotech Inc.

What is it really like to work in the private sector? This session will explore the duties, demands, challenges, rewards, drivers associated with working in industry, and what you need to know to prepare for a career in research in an industry setting.

Session 4 - Grant Writing Strategies

Date: January 30, 2024

Speakers:

Dr. Sarah Alderman, Assistant Professor, Department Integrative Biology
Dr. Ajay Heble, Professor, School of English and Theatre Studies

Grant proposals require a compelling narrative that captures reviewers’ attention and convinces them that you are knowledgeable, prepared, and fully capable of completing the proposed research in the allotted time frame. Different granting agencies and disciplines all have unique requirements and expectations; yet, most grant proposals possess common features. In this session, presenters will provide general insight into the review process and offer writing tips on how to craft a successful grant proposal.

Session 5 - Intellectual Property and Commercialization

Date: February 6, 2024

Speaker:

David Hobson, Manager Technology Transfer, Research Innovation Office

Do you know what intellectual property is and what your rights are? In this session, we will learn from the University's technology transfer office about different types of intellectual property and how to protect it. We will then discuss what is involved in taking a discovery (or idea) to a business or social venture.

Session 6 - Data Management & Integrity

Date: February 13, 2024

Speaker:

Lucia Costanzo, Research & Scholarship Librarian - McLaughlin Library
Dr. Michelle Edwards, Director, Agri-food Data Strategy, Office of Research

Research projects often involve the use of data, either collected by the researcher or obtained through the university’s access to an exceptional array of regional, national and international data resources. Effectively utilizing, managing and protecting research data is a large part of the research process. Join us in exploring the services and resources available to you as you begin your research project. Open access initiatives and trends in research funding requirements.

Session 7 - Working with Live Subjects: Human Ethics & Animal Care

Date: February 27, 2024

Speakers:

Katelyn Wadleigh, Manager Research Ethics, Office of Research
Dr. Anna Bolinder, Veterinarian and Director, Animal Care Services, Office of Research

Do you plan to work with humans or animals in the course of your research? Both types of research have very important requirements and considerations. The Human Ethics presentation will review the process of ethical clearance, why it’s important, when it is needed, how it can help you, and how long it will take. The Animal Care presentation will introduce you to how the use of animals in research is regulated, and why such regulations are important. Get an overview of the legislative framework and the University’s training and competency requirements - essential information for anyone who will use animals in the course of their research.

Session 8 - Planning for Relevant & Impactful Research: IEDI Considerations

Date: March 5, 2024

Speaker:

Angela Guerra, PhD Candidate (She/Her), Education, Training, and Inclusion Office, DHR
Joanne Garcia-Moores (She/Her), PhD Candidate, IEDI Advisor in Research, RSO

Understanding the principles of IEDI and how to integrate them in research practice and design enhances the quality of research and avoids harming. This session will explore anti-oppression frameworks and suggest ways to apply equity and inclusion lenses to research. It will provide guidance on best practices, questions to ask, and resources to assist as you develop your research. Learn how being knowledgeable about principles of IEDI can enable you to be confident about the value of your research and its relevance in the world.

Session 9 - Publishing in Academic Journals

Date: March 12, 2024

Speakers:

Dr. Stephen LeBlanc, Professor, Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College
Christopher Popovich, Research & Scholarship, McLaughlin Library

So you want to publish in an academic journal. What will enhance the chances of your paper being accepted for publication? Do you know what your rights are as authors or what you should be negotiating when you submit work for publication? What happens after you click 'Submit'? This session will help to demystify the peer review and publication process. We will touch on initiatives to improve transparency and reproducibility, as well as emerging models of review and publication. We will also highlight the resources at U of G to help you retain your author rights and while navigating open access trends, initiatives, and requirements for both research funding and graduation.

Session 10 - Conducting International Research

Date: March 19, 2024

Speakers:

Dr. Silvia Sarapura, Assistant Professor, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Dr. Lynne Mitchell, Director and International Liaison Officer, Centre for International Programs

Are you interested in conducting field work abroad? This session will explore the challenges and opportunities of conducting research in another country. The session will also cover the various services and policies the University has in place to assist students and faculty as they conduct work outside of Canada to avoid exposure to undue risk.

Session 11 - Getting the Word Out: Research Communications and Media Training

Date: March 26, 2024

Speakers:

Kathe Gray, Communications Officer, Research Communications, Office of Research
Angela Mulholland, News Service Officer, Communications and Marketing

Communicating your research clearly, confidently and effectively can be as important as the research itself. Clear communication can help you find funding, recruit the best people to your team and help gather public support. In this session you will learn key elements of research communications best practices including when and how to approach the media.