TRANSPEER in Lisbon

The Portugal-leg of TRANSPEER, the international researcher development programme, has taken place in Lisbon.

TRANSPEER is a European funded (Erasmus Plus Strategic Partnerships) project being delivered by LJMU in partnership with Karlstad University, Sweden, the Inland Norway University of Applied Science, Norway, and from Portugal ITQB NOVA and the Instituto Politécnico de Santarém.

Thirty six researchers from the partner institutions won their places on the programme through a competitive application process.  They have already undertaken development sessions in Norway (June 2018) and in Liverpool (November 2018).  The week in Lisbon looked at a range of topics, including leadership, coaching and research funding.

Mel Jones, Researcher Development Adviser and TRANSPEER project lead for LJMU said: ‘TRANSPEER is novel in its approach, bringing together researchers with different levels of experience – PGRs, Early Career Researchers and Supervisors – to learn, reflect and develop.  What is becoming apparent is that the programme is creating a much needed sense of community among the cohort which is in itself building confidence and motivation.’

Scott Foster, Senior Lecturer in Liverpool Business School and a TRANSPEER cohort member, said: ‘The programme is a fantastic opportunity to meet with other academics throughout the European research community to share approaches to the supervision of research students and develop best practice.  Working with colleagues has helped me to develop as a researcher and become a more rounded academic.”

Another cohort member, Teri Howson-Griffiths, Senior Lecturer in Liverpool Screen School said: 'TRANSPEER has helped me to feel a part of an academic community both within LJMU and with peers across Europe. Taking time away to meet and learn with other researchers has been beneficial for mentorship, development and inspiration.'

The programme will conclude in Karlstad, Sweden in October 2019 before the project team embark on a series of dissemination activities to share their learning.

For more information about the TRANSPEER project, please contact Mel Jones, Leadership and Development Foundation at: M.Jones1@ljmu.ac.uk or Victoria Sheppard, Doctoral Academy at: V.M.Sheppard@ljmu.ac.uk