APPENDIX 8: JOINT STATEMENT BY THE
RESEARCH COUNCILS
Skills training requirements for research students:
joint statement by the research councils
Research skills and techniques—to be able to
demonstrate:
The ability to recognise and validate problems and
to formulate and test hypotheses.
Original, independent and critical thinking, and
the ability to develop theoretical concepts.
A knowledge of recent advances within one's field
and in related areas.
An understanding of relevant research methodologies
and techniques and their appropriate application within one's
research field.
The ability to analyse critically and evaluate one's
findings and those of others.
An ability to summarise, document, report and reflect
on progress.
Research environment—to be able to:
Show a broad understanding of the context, at the
national and international level, in which research takes place.
Demonstrate awareness of issues relating to the rights
of other researchers, of research subjects, and of others who
may be affected by the research, eg confidentiality, ethical issues,
attribution, copyright, malpractice, ownership of data and the
requirements of the Data Protection Act.
Demonstrate appreciation of standards of good research
practice in their institution and/or discipline.
Understand relevant health and safety issues and
demonstrate responsible working practices.
Understand the processes for funding and evaluation
of research.
Justify the principles and experimental techniques
used in one's own research.
Understand the process of academic or commercial
exploitation of research results.
Research management—to be able to:
Apply effective project management through the setting
of research goals, intermediate milestones and prioritisation
of activities.
Design and execute systems for the acquisition and
collation of information through the effective use of appropriate
resources and equipment.
Identify and access appropriate bibliographical resources,
archives, and other sources of relevant information. Use information
technology appropriately for database management, recording and
resenting information.
Personal effectiveness—to be able to:
Demonstrate a willingness and ability to learn and
acquire knowledge.
Be creative, innovative and original in one's approach
to research.
Demonstrate flexibility and open-mindedness.
Demonstrate self-awareness and the ability to identify
own training needs.
Demonstrate self-discipline, motivation, and thoroughness.
Recognise boundaries and draw upon/use sources of
support as appropriate.
Show initiative, work independently and be self-reliant.
Communication skills—to be able to:
Write clearly and in a style appropriate to purpose,
eg progress reports, published documents, thesis.
Construct coherent arguments and articulate ideas
clearly to a range of audiences, formally and informally through
a variety of techniques.
Constructively defend research outcomes at seminars
and viva examination.
Contribute to promoting the public understanding
of one's research field.
Effectively support the learning of others when involved
in teaching, mentoring or demonstrating activities.
Networking and teamworking—to be able to:
Develop and maintain co-operative networks and working
relationships with supervisors, colleagues and peers, within the
institution and the wider research community.
Understand one's behaviours and impact on others
when working in and contributing to the success of formal and
informal teams.
Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively
to others.
Career management—to be able to:
Appreciate the need for and show commitment to continued
professional development.
Take ownership for and manage one's career progression,
set realistic and achievable career goals, and identify and develop
ways to improve employability.
Demonstrate an insight into the transferable nature
of research skills to other work environments and the range of
career opportunities within and outside academia.
Present one's skills, personal attributes and experiences
through effective CVs, applications and interviews.
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