New UCD Teagasc Level 9 Professional Diploma in Researcher Development launched
University College Dublin (UCD) is delighted to announce the launch of a new Level 9 Professional Diploma in Researcher Development designed and developed in association with Teagasc specifically for Post-Doctoral Fellows employed by Teagasc.
The new programme, commencing today, Thursday, 1st September, is designed to equip post-doctoral fellows with the advanced knowledge and skills required for their future careers in industry or academia.
Launching the new programme UCD's Acting President Professor Mark Rogers said: "UCD is delighted to offer this bespoke programme for Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellows - it represents a significant new development in UCD's long-standing relationship with Teagasc."
Speaking at the launch, Teagasc Director, Professor Frank O’Mara said; “We are delighted to partner with UCD to develop the first accredited training programme for post-doctoral fellows. Teagasc attracts post-doctoral fellows from all over the world who make a valuable contribution to Teagasc’s research programmes. This new Diploma will enable them to not only develop their transferable skills further, but also to apply their new skills while conducting their research at Teagasc”.
The UCD Programme Director, Julie Dowsett explained that 'This unique Diploma has been specifically designed by the School of Agriculture and Food Science in collaboration with Teagasc and experts in postdoctoral skills development across UCD. By combining research excellence with the required high level transversal skills, this group of Postdoctoral Fellows will develop the competencies to become global leaders in agriculture and food’.
The new modular programme is designed to develop post-doctoral fellows’ competencies and transferable skills in research, professionalism and communication and career development. Post-doctoral fellows will have access to a full range of supports including the UCD library, writing centre and careers centre.
Commenting on the new programme, Jane Kavanagh, Head of Research Development and Walsh Scholarships in Teagasc said; “this is a really exciting, flexible and modular programme which embraces a blended learning approach to fit around the post-doctoral fellows’ roles at Teagasc. Over 75% of this new programme will be delivered through live online sessions and the remainder will be delivered in-person at Teagasc locations”.
All post-doctoral fellows at Teagasc will be registered on this new course and will have the opportunity to complete the Diploma over a 12 month, 18 month or 24 month period subject to the duration of their fellowship.
<L-R>, Julie Dowsett, Programme Director - Prof Dip Researcher Development (Teagasc), UCD; Prof Mark Rogers, President of University College Dublin; Prof. Frank O'Mara, Director, Teagasc; Prof. Frank Monahan, Head of School, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science; Jane Kavanagh, Head of Research Development and Walsh Scholarships, Teagasc