The Researcher Development Framework (RDF) is a professional development framework for planning, promoting and supporting the personal, professional and career development of researchers. It articulates the knowledge, behaviours and attributes of successful researchers and encourages them to realise their potential. The RDF Planner is developed by PLATO's partner Vitae.
The 'Getting started in research lens' on the RDF is for those in the first months of their doctoral research, and can be used to review development needs and progress for PhD researchers as they move forward in their careers.
For further technical support contact Vitae's helpdesk
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For PLATO PhD researchers (users)
Training events
Career planning day: Engaging with professional development planning for an effective start
Oslo, 17 October 2017
During one full day with Jen Reynolds of Vitae, ESRs looked at the top level goals of their draft career plan. The session introduced and used professional development activities and tools, to help ESRs explore and identify development priorities and activities to achieve their goals and provided techniques to help them set goals and articulate their evidence to others.
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Reflections on the kick-off conference
Oslo, 20 October 2017
In this session, led by Katie Wheat of Vitae, PhD researchers reflected on their experiences of the PLATO kick-off conference, the learning they would like to take back with them to their institutions, and the actions they are going to commit to.
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Professional development planning
Cambridge, 13 September 2018
The PhD researchers were invited to reflect on their achievements so far in a career perspective, check up on their career development plans, and to continue their focus on career planning. The half-day seminar was held by Emma Day of Vitae.
Planning for non-academic secondments
Enschede, 18 October 2019
The last module of Vitae’s Effective Researcher programme (TM3), led by Emma Gillaspy and Kate Mahoney, will help ESRs navigate the final year of their doctorate and plan for non-academic secondments.
How to build and present a competitive CV: Getting ready for the next step in your career
Antwerp, 26 February 2020
This optional workshop is held by Aya van den Kroonenberg (Yellow Research). The deadline for registration is closed; contact project manager Marit Eldholm for any questions.
Career coaching
18 or 23 March 2020 (online)
Participants have the opportunity to receive individual coaching from a qualified careers coach, via one 30 minute online coaching session.
