PhD Timeline in the BRAINS Lab: From MPhil to PhD Completion

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

MPhil to PhD Transfer Requirements

Transfer document (5000-8000 words) should include:

Completed literature review for Paper 1
Results from first two experiments
Pre-registration protocols and outcomes
Theoretical framework development
Detailed methodology for Paper 2
Publication strategy and timeline
Research training portfolio
Thesis structure with paper integration plan

Year 1: MPhil Phase

Q1: Foundation (Months 1-3)

Departmental and laboratory induction
Systematic literature review for Paper 1
Advanced statistics training
Design first experiment

Q2: Paper 1 Launch (Months 4-6)

Complete pre-registration for Exp 1 & 2
Programme experimental paradigms
Ethics application submission
Begin first experiment

Q3: Paper 1 Development (Months 7-9)

Complete first experiment
Analysis and methods refinement
Begin second experiment
Draft introduction for Paper 1

Q4: Transfer Preparation (Months 10-12)

Complete second experiment
Write Paper 1 methods & results
Begin transfer document
Literature review for Paper 2

Year 2: Main Research Phase

Q1: Transfer Period (Months 13-15)

Submit transfer document
MPhil to PhD viva
Pre-register Paper 2 experiments
Begin third experiment

Q2: Paper 2 Development (Months 16-18)

Submit Paper 1 to journal
Complete third experiment
Begin fourth experiment
Present at departmental seminar

Q3: Paper 2 Completion (Months 19-21)

Complete fourth experiment
Write Paper 2 manuscript
Literature review for Paper 3
National conference presentation

Q4: Paper 3 Initiation (Months 22-24)

Submit Paper 2 to journal
Pre-register final experiments
Begin fifth experiment
Draft thesis introduction

Year 3: Completion Phase

Q1: Final Experiments (Months 25-27)

Complete fifth experiment
Run sixth experiment
Revise Paper 1 (if required)
International conference presentation

Q2: Paper 3 Writing (Months 28-30)

Complete data analysis
Write Paper 3 manuscript
Submit Paper 3 to journal
Begin thesis summary chapter

Q3: Thesis Assembly (Months 31-33)

Finalise thesis introduction
Integrate published/submitted papers
Write discussion chapter
Internal review process

Q4: Submission (Months 34-36)

Final thesis assembly
Address reviewer comments on papers
Thesis submission
Viva preparation

Continuous Requirements

Publication Management

Paper submissions and revisions
Pre-registration maintenance
Open science compliance

Research Development

Advanced methods training
Reproducible science workshops
Academic writing courses

Academic Progress

Monthly supervision meetings
Research group presentations
Ethics documentation updates

Circular Strategies Workshop: Redesigning Products for Sustainability

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Workshop Overview

This interactive workshop introduces participants to circular strategies through hands-on activities. Participants will explore alternative ways to meet user needs while creating more sustainable product designs.

Duration: 40 minutes

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Understand the basics of circular strategies in product design
Identify functional and emotional needs that products serve
Apply circular strategies to redesign everyday products

Required Materials

Workshop Approach

This workshop combines practical exercises with proven methodologies, emphasising:

1. User-Centered Design

Deep diving into functional needs (practical, utilitarian aspects)
Exploring emotional needs (psychological benefits and user satisfaction)
Emphasizing empathy and open-minded thinking

2. Collaborative Innovation

Working in diverse teams
Focusing on creative brainstorming
Sharing and pitching solutions

3. Hands-On Experience

Participants work on redesigning real products from various categories:

Fashion (Office Chair Blanket)
Food Packaging (Single-use dessert container)
Cosmetics (Toiletry bag)

Workshop Structure

1. Introduction & Group Formation (5 minutes)

Welcome and overview
Form groups of 3-4 participants
Select products for redesign

2. Identifying Needs (10 minutes)

Discuss functional needs
Explore emotional needs
Document findings

3. Hands-On Redesign (15 minutes)

Review circular strategy cards
Brainstorm redesign ideas
Apply circular strategies

Present group ideas
Discuss key takeaways
Share additional resources

Facilitation Tips

Encourage wild ideas during brainstorming
Use “yes, and…” to build on ideas
Keep groups focused on user needs
Balance creativity with practicality

Original Framework and Adaptations

This workshop builds upon established circular economy principles while introducing unique elements:

Structured brainstorming approach combining functional and emotional need analysis
Time-boxed exercises promoting focused ideation
Integration of collaborative design thinking methods
Emphasis on both user experience and environmental impact

Attribution and Resources

This workshop incorporates materials and concepts from:

Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Design Guide

Additional Resources

Circular Design Guide (Ellen Macarthur Foundation)
Value Proposition Canvas (Peter Thompson)
Circular by Design Report (European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform)
Circular Economy Resources (UK Green Building Council - UKGBC)

Workshop developed by Prof. Gaëlle Vallée-Tourangeau for the event THINK GREEN: Developing Kingston’s Circular Economy, 18 November 2024.

Teaching and Learning Resources | Gaëlle Vallée-Tourangeau