White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership�Welcome Event 2024

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Professor Ryan Powell, WRDTP Director

Welcome to the WRDTP!

Our aim for today

• Find out more about who we are and what we offer.
• Gain a better understanding of our advanced methods and interdisciplinary pathway training.
• Meet students in your pathway with common research interests.
• Find out about our Student Forum.
• Hear about funding available to support networking and events.
• Hear from students about their PhD experiences.

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About the WRDTP

• The WRDTP brings together the Universities of Bradford, Hull, Leeds, Manchester Metropolitan, Sheffield Hallam, Sheffield and York to fund PGR research and to deliver cutting edge social science training to postgraduate researchers.

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• We offer advanced training to all social science PGRs across the partnership, whatever their funding.

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• You are joining an established and exciting community of postgraduate researchers and academics from a wide range of social science disciplines. You are all very welcome!

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The (core) WRDTP Team

What we seek to do

• To bring forward a new generation of social scientist researchers - that is, YOU! - to address the complex social, economic and political challenges that cross-cut our academic disciplines.
• To equip PGRs with cutting-edge research skills, along with key transferable skills, enabling PGRs to enjoy a diverse range of academic and non-academic careers.
• To support PGRs to share their research within academia and beyond, and for their research to make an impact on society and economy.
• To produce graduates that are recognised globally for their experience of national and international research collaboration and partnership with non-academic stakeholders.

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How we will do that

• Deliver excellent supervision within the vibrant intellectual environments of our departments and schools.
• Offer first-class research methods training, with opportunities to acquire cutting-edge, specialist and advanced skills.
• Via our thematic interdisciplinary pathways, offer unique opportunities to engage with scholars from different disciplinary backgrounds who are committed to addressing local and global challenges.
• Provide a wide range of opportunities for professional development, including placements and training.

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Masters training

• We offer broad-based social sciences training to equip students with the foundational skills to commence their doctoral studies and undertake a high-quality programme of PGR research.

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• At the Masters level (MA Social Research):
• Disciplinary training
• Methods training
• Interdisciplinary research focus
• Professional skills for researchers

Doctoral training

• This is progressively developed over 3 years of the PhD to provide you with advanced and specialised skills:
• Advanced disciplinary training
• Advanced methods training
• Interdisciplinary Pathway training
• Professional skills for research leadership
• Employability and life beyond the PhD
• Wide range of development opportunities, including our annual summer conference, poster presentations, workshops, seminars and careers events.

Where to find information

• You can find out about available training in a variety of ways:
• Your supervisor(s) and the Development Needs Analysis (DNA) process
• Institutional doctoral training web pages
• WRDTP website: www.wrdtp.ac.uk
• Pathways and Advanced Methods activities
• National training networks, e.g. National Centre for Research Methods
• Our website hosts a range of resources from previous training sessions that you can access with your institutional login details.

Any questions?

Interdisciplinary pathways training

Interdisciplinary pathways

The WRDTP is organised around seven interdisciplinary pathways, which bring together researchers from a range of disciplinary backgrounds to identify and develop the added value of social science in addressing important societal challenges.

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Let’s find out more about the Pathway training offer in 2024/25 ….

Civil Society, Democracy and Development (CDD)

• Interdisciplinary approach to understanding the resilience and legitimacy of governance and institutions globally and their societal responses though participation social movements and activism.
• Explores how citizenship is practiced in diverse global contexts.
• Analyses how inequality influences development within and between societies and evaluation public policies shaping development at local, national, regional, and global levels.

Civil Society, Democracy and Development (CDD)

• Dr Roxana Barbulescu, School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds - Director CDD
• Dr Sara Ababneh Department of Politics, University of Sheffield – Deputy Director CDD
• Dr Daniel Hammett, School of Geography and Planning, University of Sheffield - Deputy Director
• Dr Sara Tafakori, School of Media and Communication, University of Leeds - Deputy Director

Upcoming CDD events

1) Democracy 2024: Reflections on elections around the world

December 12.00-14.30 ICOSS University of Sheffield

2) Democratisation: Research, fieldwork and ethics in the Global South

3) Borderlands of Belonging: Researching Migration and Asylum

Opportunity for PGR-led seminars

Digital Technologies, Communication & AI (DCA)

Overall pathway focus:

• Key contemporary challenges that emanate from the intersection of technology and society
• How new and emergent technologies are transforming our understanding of the world

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Why engage with pathway training sessions?

• Networking with, and learning from, peers with shared but distinctive research interests
• Stimulate new ideas related to your research topic (e.g. new methods, theoretical approaches)
• Develop new skills which can be applied beyond your doctoral research project (e.g. social media research, learning R language for text analysis, quanti-quali approaches to visual analysis)

Digital Technologies, Communication & AI (DCA).

Training for 2024/25:

1. Automation, Digital Technologies and the Future of Work
2. Introduction to Digital Methods for Social Media Research
3. Slipping into Skins, Speaking in Dialects: Exploring Digital Identities in AI mediated environments
4. Text as Data for Social Scientists Workshop
5. Developing Quanti–Quali Approaches to Study Social Media Visualities

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Education, Childhood and Youth (ECY)

Doctoral students on the ECY pathway are tackling the challenges faced by children, young people and learners of all ages in a rapidly changing world.

Our research:

• Stretches across the whole lifespan, from babies to adult learning
• Addresses challenges of ethics, social justice and inequality in the context of major global changes (e.g. climate change, digital technology, migration, conflict)
• Is often collaborative and co-produced

Our training:

• Is designed around student needs
• Supports building relationships with other doctoral students

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Education, Childhood and Youth (ECY).

• Themed drop in sessions. Next one is about challenges of academic reading.
• Reading café – seven sessions throughout the year.
• Conducting a Systematic Review in Education, Childhood and Youth.
• Doing Anti-racist Research in Education, Childhood and Youth.
• Accessing Schools and Child/Youth Organisations.

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Security, Conflict and Justice (SCJ)

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• Students have similar practical problems (ethics, access for data collection) and benefit from interdisciplinary exchange for concepts and ideas
• Our training provides opportunities to discuss these issues, gain insights from expert speakers, and meet other students with similar interests

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Security, Conflict and Justice (SCJ).

• Scholars in conflict: reflections from Ukraine and beyond (25 Oct, 2024)
• Understanding and Analysing Covert Networks (Jan 2025)
• Post-Fieldwork Ethics (May 2025)
• Further training based on needs and interests (tbc)

Space, Place, Environment & Liveability (SPEL)

• We focus on the environmental and societal challenges that affect how people live their lives, organise their communities, and interact with the natural and built environment. We consider how social, economic, political, spatial, institutional and structural factors define experiences and produce opportunities and challenges, inequalities and injustices. We are interested in ‘liveability’ and the factors and processes that determine liveability.
• SPEL training events are designed to offer methodological and theoretical insights into leading research in the spatial and environmental social sciences from a range of internationally recognised expert scholars. Most of our training events are online to allow for maximum participation and we encourage postgraduate researchers to propose their own training sessions and readings groups for which a budget is available if required.
• SPEL training events are also a great opportunity to meet with and get to know PGRs in your field from across the White Rose DTP.

Students attending our pathway events are studying an array of topics…

Vulnerability and resilience

Climate change and climate policy

Architecture and urban design

Energy, energy transitions, energy policy

Social inequalities, and socio-spatial dynamics, and built environments

Housing

Planning, building standards, spatial regulation

Heritage and the built environment

Rural landscapes and agriculture

Urban regeneration

Crime and the built environment

Technology and the city

Transport

And many, many more!

THE SPEL RESEARCH TRAINING TEAM

Prof. Simon Parker, University of York

Urban theory, comparative urban and regional policy, forced migration and urban integration, socio-spatial informatics.

Dr Jim Utley, University of Sheffield

Influence of the built environment, esp. lighting, on active travel; how humans influence and are influenced by urban design.

Prof. Simon Smith, University of Hull

British imperialism and decolonization in the Middle East and the Mediterranean; post-war Anglo-American relations.

Dr Stephen Parkes, Sheffield Hallam University

Active travel; urban infrastructure provision;

autonomous vehicles; travel behaviour change

Dr Yim Ling Sui, University of Leeds

Environmental risk assessment and management, risk perceptions; environmental impact assessment; environmental informatics and modelling.

SPEL training plans for 2024-25

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• Open research in SPEL - how it can make you a better researcher
• Algorithmic tenancies: Using big data to research housing inequalities
• Alpha Cities - how to research ‘super prime’ urban spaces and those who make and own them
• Co-production and co-design as research methods (esp in relation to visual arts & the built environment)

Sustainable Growth, Business, Work and Economic Productivity (SBE)

• Team: Sally Russell (Leeds), Tina McGuiness (Sheffield), �Eva Kipnis (Bradford), Ciara Kelly (Sheffield)
• Broad range of issues within the scope of:
• Economic performance, productivity, and development;
• Business and management practices;
• Employment and the nature of work;
• Sustainable business and economics;
• Across multiple scales from firm, to sectoral, at regional, national, transnational and global levels.
• SBE Training offers discipline specific interdisciplinary training with opportunities for connection and collaboration

Sustainable Growth, Business, Work and Economic Productivity (SBE).

All training offers include an event in the morning, an invitation to stay for lunch, and a facilitated writing/output session in the afternoon

• November 2024: Knowledge Impact and Stakeholder Engagement (Sheffield)
• December 2024: Preparing a Submission for the Academy of Management Meeting (Leeds)
• February 2025: Theory Development in Business and Management (Hybrid: Bradford and online)
• April 2025: Careers in SBE: Working Within and Beyond the Academy (Location TBC)
• Monthly: Online meetings for writing and connection (online)

Wellbeing, Health and Communities (WHC)

• This pathway makes connections between various dimensions of health and wellbeing, and the socio-political factors which influence health/wellbeing (in)equity and outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

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• The WHC pathway training sessions will give you opportunities to:
• Learn from and engage with experienced scholars in diverse fields of health, wellbeing and community
• Develop academic skills tailored to your research interests
• Meet and build relationships with other students based on shared interdisciplinary ground
• Explore the different disciplinary and ‘real world’ contexts for health and wellbeing oriented research

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Wellbeing, Health and Communities (WHC).

• Training planned for 2024/25:

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• How to engage with health and social care policy makers

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• Strategies for productive writing

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• Ethical research on sensitive topics and with vulnerable people

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• Researching young people’s mental health and well-being - community based methodologies

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The pathway team:

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Director - Hannah Jobling Deputy - Natalie Hammond Deputy - Rebecca Pieniazek

University of York Manchester Metropolitan University of Leeds

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Accessing our training

• All WRDTP training and events listed on the WRDTP website – and promoted via email.
• When you book onto WRDTP training you will be asked to align to a pathway. This helps us to promote future sessions to the right students.
• You can access training from more than one pathway.
• Pathway events provide a great opportunity for you to meet fellow students and academics working on similar research projects across a range of disciplines and contexts.

Time for lunch!

Advanced research methods

Our training in advanced qualitative methods, advanced data analytics and advanced quantitative research methods will enhance your knowledge of and skills in using cutting-edge research methods.

Our research methods training is suitable for all PGRs, regardless of pathway.

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Let’s find out more about the Advanced research methods training offer in 2024/25 ….

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Advanced Qualitative Methods (AQualM)

The Advanced Qualitative Methods training sessions focus on qualitative research skills and challenges. These sessions are designed to develop understanding and skills across the contemporary qualitative research landscape. They will be interactive, so you get the space to apply what you are learning within each session.

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Dr Laura Trafi-Prats

Manchester Metropolitan University

Dr Jon Dean

Sheffield Hallam University

Dr Abigail Tazzyman

University of Sheffield

Advanced Qualitative Methods (AQualM).

Training plan for 2024/25

Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM)

• Focus on topics rarely covered through formal training, which are nonetheless essential to:
• enhance the robustness of our research (data wrangling, causal inference)
• and to learn to use underexploited resources available to UK researchers (longitudinal data)

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• Our training sessions are inclusive, while also emphasising community building
• our seminars and short courses will be offered through a hybrid format
• suitable to all levels of expertise, except for the applied part of our workshops (basic knowledge of R is required)
• we have also planned for in person student-led initiatives

Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM).

• 14 January: Data wrangling using tidy R
• 2-hour short course delivered by Dr Erica Kane

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• 25 March: Data Analytics & Quantitative Methods Conference
• full day conference based on student presentations and networking workshops

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• 8 April: Longitudinal data analysis
• 5-hour short course delivered by Dr Thiago Oliveira

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• 16 May: Good and bad controls, an introduction to causal diagrams
• 1-hour seminar delivered by Dr Peter Tennant

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Advanced Data Analytics (ADA)

Advanced Data Analytics involves the use of sophisticated statistical and machine learning techniques to extract insights from large and complex datasets. It goes beyond traditional data analysis methods by employing more advanced algorithms and tools to uncover patterns, trends, and relationships that would be difficult or impossible to identify using simpler techniques.

Key characteristics of advanced data analytics:

• Large-scale data processing: It can handle massive datasets that would be overwhelming for traditional data analysis tools.
• Complex algorithms: It utilizes advanced algorithms like neural networks, deep learning, and natural language processing to extract meaningful information from complex data structures.
• Predictive modeling: It can build models that predict future outcomes based on historical data, enabling businesses to make informed decisions.
• Real-time analysis: It can process data in real-time, providing immediate insights and enabling rapid responses.
• Automated insights: It can automate the process of discovering patterns and insights, reducing the need for manual analysis.

Advanced Data Analytics (ADA)

• Digital Citizenship in China (CDD – ADA) application of unsupervised text analysis
• Research Methods Showcase (AQM-Aqual-ADA)
• Advanced Quantitative Methods and Advanced Data Analytics PGR Conference
• Methods for Synthetic Data Generation
• Introduction to Sociogenomic Analysis
• Introduction to Large Language Models

‘Introduction to finding and using data’ course

• Online course available to all social sciences doctoral students across WRDTP partnership
• Developed in collaboration with the UK Data Service and 2 other DTPs
• Compulsory for DTP-funded students, and encouraged for others
• Focuses on key topics relating to the use of data for social research
• types and sources of data
• the UK Data Service and training and support available
• information and tools to help you find suitable data for a project
• ethical issues when sourcing data
• what to consider when starting data analysis
• Further details: www.wrdtp.ac.uk/training/finding-and-using-data

Student forum and student opportunities

Student Forum

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• We are committed to working collaboratively with all PGRs (including students on the MA Social Research) from across the partnership.
• Our Student Forum meets four times a year.
• The first meeting in 2024/5 is on 03 December 2024, 10-12 (online).
• Subsequent meetings will take place on 06 February 2025, 01 April 2025 and in June (date to be confirmed)

Getting involved

• Student representatives are drawn from across the partnership to represent the PGRs in our seven universities, our seven pathways and our Stuart Hall Foundation scholars.
• You do not need to be WRDTP funded to be a student rep.
• Student reps help to inform our training provision and provide a point of contact for, and advocate on the part of, their peers.
• We are really keen for reps to play a part in building student communities/networks.
• Reps usually serve for a two-year term, and we understand that reps may want to step down in their final year of study.
• One of the reps sits on the ESRC Student Engagement Forum

Getting involved.

For 2024/5, we need reps for:

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• Institutional - Sheffield Hallam University
• Pathway – Civil Society, Development & Democracy
• Pathway - Security, Conflict and Justice
• Pathway - Wellbeing, Health and Communities

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A call for expressions of interest will be circulated via your institutions.

Student-led networks and Events Scheme

• We are keen to support you to establish and build communities of shared interest across pathways and disciplines.
• You don’t have to be a WRDTP funded student to apply.
• Applications must involve a minimum of 3 individuals as co-organisers.
• Offer funding up to £500 per application.
• All activities we support should be open to all.
• 4 x funding calls per year.
• Further details: www.wrdtp.ac.uk/training/student-led-networks/

Interdisciplinary Pathway Sessions - Locations

Student experiences

Emmanuel Mawuli Abalo

Human Geography

University of Hull

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Thesis: “The governance and politics of plastic waste management in Ghana”

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Plastic waste a visible and escalating environmental problem in Ghana

From the 1990s to 2015: Over 15 initiatives were implemented to address plastic pollution, including huge financial investments

Yet, of the approximately 0.8 and 1.1 million tons of plastic waste generated annually in Ghana, only 5% are collected and recycled

1. how effective are government policies in regulating plastic waste problems in Ghana?
2. How do the activities of plastics producers contribute to plastic management in Ghana?
3. How is the recent growth in localized plastic grassroots innovators changing plastic management in Ghana?
4. What influences the plastic consumption and management practices of households in Ghana?

The PhD Journey

My PhD will change the world. I’ve got this!

Year 1

Awareness: Your PhD will evolve.

Don’t become too attached to your ‘original’ idea.

Time will fly by quickly. So, plan!

Manage your time!

Year 2

Year 3

Maintain balance: Know when to draw the line on your research. Remember, your PhD is time-based!

Rest: Stress and burnout is real. When tired, rest. Not just sleeping, have a leisure time. Be kind to your mind!

Year 4

Build relationships: You might be the first person researching your topic; however, you are not the first PhD student in existence.

PhD achieved!

The Oops moment!

Our posture at the start of the PhD

This will be a smooth ride!

Tackling the challenges of forced migrant women as they transition to parenthood in the UK

Monica Makaure

2^nd year University of Bradford

My Top Tips for surviving my first year

Thank you for coming today. Before you go…

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…please complete the evaluation survey for today’s event.

Do keep in touch!

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• www.wrdtp.ac.uk
• enquiries@wrdtp.ac.uk
• training@wrdtp.ac.uk
• @wrssdtp

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