The PI Development Programme
This University programme offers support to new and aspiring PIs for their personal development, helping them
to acquire the skills they need to be effective research leaders. Participants learn how to improve their research,
leadership and management skills as well as how to be more strategic in their research careers. It is targeted at
academics 2-3 years into their role as PI, or for those who hold external fellowship funding.
The programme runs over a four month period with a commitment of four full day workshops, a half-day
workshop and two 2 hour workshops. There is an optional additional full day workshop for those currently
managing teams. The programme is delivered by internal and external experts with experience and
understanding of the research environment and the pressures and challenges facing PIs. All sessions are
interactive with a participative learning approach, with opportunity for discussion, case studies and real practical
advice.
There are two programmes annually, with 20 places per programme. If you are interested in a place, please first
speak to your line manager or unit head to get their support and nomination. Please then email
[email protected] for further details about the programme content and how to formally register your interest.
You as a PI: Support to Survive! - [Full Day]
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation; Programme Manager; Senior Academic; Head of University
Research Office; Research Funding Development Managers; Faculty Research Impact Officers
 What does it mean to be a PI at Newcastle University
 Gaining insights into the strategic priorities of the University
 Exploring your role as a research leader and gaining the support you need
 Research publishing - making that 3* paper into a 4*
 How to improve your research funding applications
 The importance of Research Excellence Framework (REF) and the Impact Agenda
Managing Your Research Project – [Full Day]
Robin Henderson (external consultant)
 Planning processes to ensure research project delivery
 Project success from the stakeholders perspectives
 Application of project management techniques
 Risk management
Your Role as Manager and Leader – [Full Day]
Sue Nobbs (external consultant)
 What is Management and Leadership really all about, and which are you?
 Making time for leadership and management
 How you can add value by being a better leader manager?
 Increasing self-awareness through understanding of your personal preferences
 Getting the best from individuals through understanding how their preferences differ from your own
Looking Ahead – Strategies for a Successful Research Career – [Full Day]
Sara Shinton (external consultant)
 Tools for strategic thinking
 Setting research and career priorities
 Maintaining your research profile and visibility
 Building effective networks
 Managing demands - time and resilience
 Going forward - goal setting and action planning
 Review of PI Development Programme and future development needs and opportunities
Understanding the Research Process – [2 hours]
Management Accountant (Finance & Planning); Grants and Contracts Managers (Research & Enterprise
Services)
 The application process (including MyProjects Proposals costing system)
 Understanding the award process - using MyProjects
 Post award financial management
HR Guidance for PIs – [2 hours]
Assistant Director of HR and Human Resources Advisers
 Background to the Concordat
 Recruitment and selection
 Induction
 Diversity and support
 Career development and guidance
 Performance management
 Contract management
Effective Management of Team Members – [Full Day] – Additional session for those
currently managing teams
Sue Nobbs (external consultant)
 Managing your research team to deliver successful projects and build a research group.
 Strategies to motivate and develop your researcher/team
 Delegation as a means of empowering others
 Prioritising and managing time effectively
 Influencing behaviour: Negotiating and persuading
 Dealing with conflict and managing underperformance
3 Month Follow-up – [Half Day] - Facilitated session
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A chance to address your current personal challenges with your fellow participants
Each person will have the chance to work through one particular challenge and set new goals
If you would like a chat about the programme, or have an enquiry, please contact:
Lesley Heseltine, Programme Manager and Staff Development Adviser (Staff Development Unit)
[email protected] or on ext. 87462.
General enquiries: Angela Morgan, Programme Administrator [email protected] or on ext. 85822.
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/staffdev/