eResearch training for research higher degree students

The research environment is experiencing significant change driven by advances in technology. At the University of Melbourne we have recognised that our research higher degree (RHD) students need to be proficient in that environment. They should be able to use a range of information and communication technologies (ICT) and understand key issues related to these technologies to enable them to embrace new research methodologies. Key university stakeholders from the Melbourne Research Office, the Melbourne School of Graduate Research, the Library, and Information Technology Services have collaborated to deliver a stimulating 'e-Research' seminar series that aims to familiarise graduate researchers with methodologies, tools and key issues to enable them to participate effectively in the eResearch environment. As not everyone is familiar with eResearch, the University of Melbourne program has been designed to hold appeal for students in both the humanities and the sciences, both the novice and the technically-savvy. Now being run for the fourth time, the program has hit a chord with the RHD student community with all sessions fully subscribed demonstrating perceived relevance. Aggregated data from program evaluations has provided evidence of student satisfaction with course content. Experience learnt from providing eResearch training to our research student cohort is now helping to shape the planning of future research training for our Melbourne Model undergraduate and professional graduate degree program students, and to understand how eResearch skills development can be delivered to the entire student population.