A survey of the training experiences and needs on Wellcome Trust PhD programmes

Background

Training for PhD researchers was previously identified by the Wellcome Trust funded Emerging Research Cultures project as an area for further investigation to ensure an inclusive culture which enables PhD students to become well-rounded researchers.

Methods

The Taskforce on Training conducted a survey of 35 Wellcome Trust funded PhD students and 10 programme administrators to evaluate the provision of training in eight key areas. This survey examined a number of issues, such as availability and knowledge of training, potential gaps in training, and the perceived usefulness of training.

Results

PhD students reported that training was generally useful and viewed as important; with technical training being particularly highly valued. However, the survey identified that students desired additional training in project management and personal development. Surveying programme administrators highlighted the wide variety in training availability for students across different Wellcome Trust programmes currently running in the UK.

Conclusion

In response to these findings, several recommendations were suggested. Examples include; promotion of peer mentoring for PhD students, and alternative methods for delivery of wellbeing training. However, this report only explores the views of a small number of Wellcome Trust funded PhD students and would benefit from further research into the experiences of PhD students, programme administrators, and PhD supervisors.

This article concerns findings from a survey of 36 PhD students who receive funding from the Wellcome Trust and 10 programme administrators on affiliated programmes to evaluate the provision of training. This survey examined a number of issues, such as availability and knowledge of training, potential gaps in training, and the perceived usefulness of training. PhD students reported that training was generally useful and viewed as important; technical training in particular was highly valued. However, the survey identified that students desired additional training in project management and personal development. A survey of programme administrators highlighted the wide variety in training availability for students across several Wellcome Trust programmes currently run in the UK. On this basis, a number of recommendations were made. These included: promotion of peer mentoring for PhD students, and alternative methods for delivery of well-being training. However, this report only explores the views of a limited number of Wellcome Trust funded PhD students and would benefit from further research into the experiences of PhD students, programme administrators, and PhD supervisors.