The OEduverse Project focuses on three, overarching modules: Mental Wellbeing, Open Science, and Communication. These modules will equip early-stage researchers with the most desired skills set for their career.
It’s no secret we live in challenging times that can take a mental toll on any individual, but increasingly, there is a cause for concern of mental health in the research community. In fact, nearly 25% of PhD students have stated their mental health is a concern. While the reasons vary depending on the individual, there are methods and best practices that individuals can take to monitor their mental wellbeing. Led by Trinity College Dublin’s Student Counselling Center, the OEduverse Project will train Europe’s newest researchers on mental wellbeing awareness both at the personal level and within their professional circles.
Participants who take part in the mental wellbeing segment of the OEduverse Project will be more equipped to look within themselves, enter new working environments, manage stressful situations, and maintain professional relationships. Going a step further, participants will also learn to cultivate a mentally healthy workplace by spearheading and leading cultural changes. With greater awareness of mental wellbeing issues, researchers will produce more impactful research, be more effective in research teams, and maintain their mental wellbeing in the long term.
Open Science is a central concept to the advancement of science in Europe through the 21st century. Increasingly, researchers need to be experts in research management and evaluation and be more than proficient in the various technological tools required to conduct research. To meet the needs of the research community, the OEduverse Project will conduct training on practical research management skills, research ethics, and evaluation techniques that can be used across all specialisations.
Participants of Open Science trainings, organized by TIB, the University of Siegen and SciLink, will walk away with their own Open Science toolbox, a set of tools (both technological and best practices) that are used to conduct better research. Participants will also learn and understand the role of their research and their career in the wider context of society as well as what the recent and upcoming trends are in academic careers.
Creativity, critical thinking, and communication are essential skills researchers need in our ever changing world ̶̶ full of new challenges. Through the OEduverse Project, participants will explore the methodology of immersive collaborative storytelling created by SPACE . This methodology allows them to formulate their research more effectively to wider audiences and each other. Researchers will engage in playful scenario exercises that are geared towards empowerment and the ownership of a sustainable career in research. Participating researchers will collaborate on scenarios, reflect on existing academic structures and will walk away with more confidence in their presentation skills.
The Communication and Immersive Storytelling in Research Module also goes a step further by asking participants to reimagine the world of academia. This empowering segment of the project builds confidence in early stage researchers, encourages active participation, and motivates researchers to take control of their academic life and future career. Only when individuals speak up for what changes they want to see, can systemic changes happen!