The Graduate Researcher Development Program at UOW is an innovative program that gives HDR candidates the tools to thrive in an ever-evolving academic and professional landscape. 

You can access information on the workshops for Autumn session, 2025. on the Program of Events website.

What can you expect from this program?

• Skill Enhancement and Career Preparedness
  HDR candidates engage in a wide range of activities beyond their research, including teaching, presenting at conferences, writing papers, and networking. Developing skills in these areas enhances their effectiveness as researchers and prepares them for diverse career paths in academia, industry, or other sectors.
   
• Professional Growth
  Engaging in researcher development activities fosters personal and professional growth. These activities enable researchers to identify their strengths, areas for improvement, and career aspirations, empowering them to take ownership of their professional development journey.
   
• Wellbeing and Resilience
  Researcher development programs also focus on promoting well-being and resilience among researchers. Balancing the demands of research with self-care and stress management strategies is essential for maintaining mental and emotional well-being throughout the HDR journey and beyond.

The HDR Information Hub is a platform for information to be distributed to all UOW HDR candidates. 

This site contains information about upcoming academic and professional development opportunities for graduate researchers. We'll also post information about the various support services available to HDR candidates, including academic and wellbeing support. 

All HDR candidates are encouraged to engage with the content of this site, and to contact the Researcher Development Unit if you have any questions or suggestions for future training. 

You can contact the Researcher Development Unit at researcher-development@uow.edu.au.

The Final Sprint program has been carefully designed to provide a strong community of support for HDR candidates in the final stages of thesis writing. It provides a structured, motivating, and inclusive space where candidates can make steady progress while staying connected with peers.

Starting in Autumn session, Week 1, this 13-week program features weekly three-hour writing sessions (Thursdays, 1:00-4:00 PM) designed to help candidates overcome setbacks, stay focused, and maintain momentum. Each session begins with a 30-minute keynote from an expert, providing practical strategies and insights. The remaining time is dedicated to focused writing using the Pomodoro technique.

All candidates who engage with this program will also be invited to join an online Writing Community of Practice where they can exchange ideas, share challenges, and celebrate progress. This peer-supported environment fosters connection and motivation, helping candidates stay engaged and focused as they work toward submission.