Mentorship Training for Supervisors Co-Developing and Supervising PhD and Master’s by Research Programmes with Industry

Mode
Online

Platform
MS Teams

Target group
The training is open to all but will be particularly relevant for senior academics with experience supervising PhD research with industry or collaborating extensively with industry as mentors. It is also designed for early career academics (mentees) who wish to learn effective approaches to supervising industry-based PhDs and master’s by Research.

Participants (mentors and mentees) are required to attend the training and organise mentoring sessions to apply the strategies and tools explored. The programme is open to researchers, students, and staff members affiliated with higher education institutions in the RUN-EU project

Previous knowledge required
None

Questions addressed:

• How can mentors effectively develop and supervise PhDs and master’s by research in collaboration with industry while ensuring both academic rigour and practical relevance?
• What mentoring and coaching tools are effective in supervising and developing industry-linked PhD programmes?
• What strategies can PhD students use to engage with industry stakeholders while balancing academic expectations and career development?
• How does mentoring support PhD students in developing transferable skills and preparing for both academic and non-academic career paths?
• How can mentors and mentees navigate conflicts, cultural differences, and institutional expectations to foster a productive PhD supervision relationship?

Learning outcomes
This training incorporates mentoring and coaching principles, focusing on:

• Identifying and developing a project with industry
• Leadership and supervisory skills
• Conflict resolution strategies
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement
• Participants will receive practical tools and strategies for action planning, task management, and providing effective feedback.

Mentors and mentees will be allocated based on their research interests and experience.

Trainer

Dr Anna Bussu
Senior Lecturer in Criminal Justice, Edge Hill University

Annais a Chartered Psychologist (BPS), a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and holds a PhD in Forensic Psychology. Over the past 15 years, she has designed and coordinated academic mentoring programmes involving students, academic staff, and practitioners in justice, health, and wellbeing. She has also worked with business managers through coaching and has been actively involved in staff development. Mentoring, coaching, and psycho-pedagogical approaches for personal development are also key areas of her research.

The training will also feature two guest speakers who will share the challenges, strategies, and opportunities involved in working collaboratively with the industry (David Downey, IDEAM Industry Cluster Manager & Peadar Case, TUS Works Programme Coordinator).