To enhance your training experience, the Research Institute is offering a number of training workshops and special events specifically designed for summer students.

Each week, students will receive an email bulletin about upcoming events and their available formats. Attendance will be recorded during each session. 

For questions, please contact reseduc@bcchr.ca. 

Schedule

Research Skills Workshops

Experimental Design | Wednesday, June 3 | 12:00 – 1:00pm

Session Formats: In-Person | Virtual | On-Demand
Location: Room 2108, BCCHR

This workshop will introduce elements of experimental design and will work through a study plan template with participatory learning. Learners will leave understanding the benefits of a strong experimental design, be able to explain elements of experimental design, and be able to apply them to a study plan. This workshop is designed for anyone who is new to research outside of the classroom. Bring a pen/pencil! 

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the benefits of a strong experimental design
  • Explain elements of experimental design (and their purpose)
  • Apply in a group setting, experimental design practices outside of context

Presented by Dr. Kaitlin Winter, Postdoctoral Fellow, Sadarangani Research Team

Introduction to REDCap | Thursday, June 4 | 12:00 – 1:00pm

Session Formats: Virtual | On-Demand

REDCap is a secure data collection, management and storage software for building and managing online surveys and databases. It is specially geared towards capturing data for research studies and operations. As a popular web-based system, REDCap is currently utilized in over a thousand institutions and a hundred countries worldwide. 

This workshop is intended for beginner REDCap users. No prior REDCap experience is necessary.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explore REDCap capabilities, including how to format questions, enter data and basic coding
  • Navigate the REDCap interface step-by-step
  • Discover Data Management services available to BCCHR Summer Students and members of the BCCHR research community

Presented by the BCCHR Data Management Team

Literature Searching Tips & Tricks | Thursday, June 11 | 12:00 – 1:00pm

Session Formats: Virtual | On-Demand

Finding the best evidence can be a lot of work. Join us to learn some tips and techniques for conducting literature reviews and answering clinical research questions, including the most useful sources of information and effective search techniques.

Presented by Prubjot Gill, Health Sciences Librarian, UBC Library

Introduction to Biostatistics | Monday, June 15 | 3:00 – 4:00pm

Session Formats: Virtual | On-Demand

Statistics are used in almost all clinical and health care research applications to allow researchers to quantify their results, and separate signals from noise. This workshop will provide students with an introduction to statistical concepts used in clinical research, and to some of the most pervasive misinterpretations of these concepts. No prior statistical experience is required.

Presented by Jeff Bone, Biostatistical Lead

Academic Development Workshops

Abstract Writing | Tuesday, June 16 | 10:00 – 11:00am

Session Format: In-Person
Location: Room 2108, BCCHR

Registration form coming soon. This session will NOT be available virtually or recorded for On-Demand. 

Abstracts play a vital role in the communication of research. Studies show that abstracts are the most frequently read part of a research article: abstracts help researchers determine whether or not to read the entire study. But how do writers communicate the relevance and legitimacy of their research to members of the discipline, and beyond? This evidence-based workshop introduces two typical structures for abstracts, while accounting for differences in disciplines and purposes. 

Presented by Dr. Xuan Zhang, UBC Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication

Presentation Skills | Wednesday, June 17 | 12:00 – 1:00pm

Session Formats: In-Person | Virtual | On-Demand
Location: Room 2108, BCCHR

The goal of this workshop is to guide students through the entire presentation life cycle from conception to completion. This session will give practical tips (beginner and intermediate levels) for the following topics:

  • Creating effective presentation slides
  • Avoiding technical difficulties and other delays
  • Delivering a confident research presentation
  • Presenting scientific posters

Presented by Dr. Jessica Barron, Postdoctoral Fellow, Hayden Research Team

The Academic Research Ecosystem: Understanding Career Paths in Science | Thursday, June 25 | 3:00 – 4:00pm

Session Formats: In-Person | Virtual | On-Demand
Location: Room 3113, BCCHR

Learn how academic research teams are structured and the different roles that contribute to scientific discovery. This workshop will introduce the major positions within academic research, including undergraduate researchers, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, staff scientists, and principal investigators, as well as related career paths such as clinician-scientists and industry researchers.

The session will: 1) provide an overview of academic career pathways, and 2) help participants understand how different roles collaborate to move research forward, and what skills are important at each stage of a scientific career. The goal of the workshop is to give students a clearer understanding of the research landscape and help them make informed decisions about their future training and career interests.

Presented by Dr. Mina Kolahdouz, Postdoctoral Fellow, Oldani Research Team

How to Apply for Research Opportunities | Tuesday, June 30 | 12:00 – 1:00pm

Session Formats: In-Person | Virtual | On-Demand
Location: Room 3113, BCCHR

This workshop will introduce students to the fundamentals of applying for research opportunities and fellowships. Many students are interested in pursuing research but are unsure how to successfully apply for lab positions, summer research programs, or early-stage research funding. This session will provide practical guidance on identifying suitable opportunities, preparing a strong application, and effectively presenting research interests and experiences.

Key components of research applications including CVs, personal statements, short research proposals, and how applications are evaluated will be discussed. The workshop will also highlight common mistakes and share practical strategies to help students develop competitive applications early in their research careers.

Presented by Dr. Yaqi Zhang, Postdoctoral Fellow, Vallance Research Team

Professional Development Workshops

Anti-Oppressive Health Research Journal Club: June Session | Wednesday, June 10 | 12:00 – 1:00pm

Session Format: In-Person
Location: Room 2108, BCCHR

Registration form coming soon. This session will NOT be available virtually or recorded for On-Demand. 

The Anti-Oppressive Health Research Journal Club is a collaborative and informal learning space where participants engage with meaningfully selected research papers, guides, reports and articles that address health inequity, social justice, and anti-oppressive practices in research. Readings will be provided in advance to registered participants. 

Through facilitated discussions, we will explore critical questions such as:

  • How does research perpetuate or challenge systems of oppression?
  • Whose voices are centered or marginalized in health research?
  • What methodologies support more equitable research practices?
  • How can we apply anti-oppressive principles in our own work?

Lunch will be provided for in-person participants at 1pm.

Presented by the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Allyship, & Anti-Oppression (IDEAA) Office

Anti-Oppressive Health Research Journal Club: July Session | Wednesday, July 15 | 12:00 – 1:00pm

Session Format: In-Person
Location: Room 2108, BCCHR

Registration form coming soon. This session will NOT be available virtually or recorded for On-Demand. 

The Anti-Oppressive Health Research Journal Club is a collaborative and informal learning space where participants engage with meaningfully selected research papers, guides, reports and articles that address health inequity, social justice, and anti-oppressive practices in research. Readings will be provided in advance to registered participants. 

Through facilitated discussions, we will explore critical questions such as:

  • How does research perpetuate or challenge systems of oppression?
  • Whose voices are centered or marginalized in health research?
  • What methodologies support more equitable research practices?
  • How can we apply anti-oppressive principles in our own work?

Lunch will be provided for in-person participants at 1pm.

Presented by the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Allyship, & Anti-Oppression (IDEAA) Office

Time Management: Planning your Research from Long-Term to Short-Term | Wednesday, July 8 | 12:00 – 1:00pm

Session Formats: In-Person | Virtual | On-Demand
Location: Room 2108, BCCHR

Struggling to stay on track with your research project? This workshop will help you develop effective time management strategies by breaking your work down from long-term goals to daily tasks. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a practical approach to managing your research time more effectively and sustainably.

We will start with big-picture planning, exploring tools like Gantt charts and strategies for setting deadlines. We will then move into mid-term planning, where you will learn how to organize your months and weeks using calendars, time blocking, and by identifying your peak focus periods. Finally, we will focus on day-to-day productivity. You will discover techniques to structure your work sessions (such as the Pomodoro method), prioritize tasks using frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix and “Most Important Tasks,” and minimize distractions to protect your focus.

Presented by Dr. Dorine Van Dyck, Postdoctoral Fellow, Zwicker Research Team