ResBaz: Your Roadmap to Research in 2017
Reproducible research. Digital literacy. Pedagogy. Community of support. Open access. Diversity.
We’ve used plenty of phrases and keywords to describe the Research Bazaar since 2014. ResBaz launched as a community of likeminded researchers looking to improve their colleagues’ and friends’ literacy in digital tools and skills. A campaign was birthed, curriculums were created, free researcher-to-researcher was delivered. And finally, a conference constructed as an amalgamation of the campaign and community.
But there is no end-point or final destination to ResBaz. It’s a process. It’s adaptive. Malleable. ResBaz 2017 will be your starting point - your induction, kickstarter, igniting point - to our community for the year to come. Think of the conference as your roadmap to research for 2017.
What to expect at ResBaz?
Tools / Services / Skills
You’ll leave ResBaz 2017 with knowledge of which digital tools and services you’ll need for the year to come. We’ve changed the format of ResBaz this year to give you more choice and engage your curiosity. One difficulty we all encounter is knowing which tools are the right fit for your research. Learning can also be exhausting and time-consuming, so our ‘ResPitches’ are designed to give you tasters for the menu of tools we have on offer. You’ll meet the ResComs (research community coordinators) who run the trainings for the year and they’ll help you navigate your digital roadmap. You’ll also have the opportunity to directly sign up for workshops scheduled for the weeks following the conference.
But digital tools are just part of the journey. This year we’ll also be engaging other University research services to better prepare you for the course ahead. We’ll have activities around data management and storage, cloud computing, library services (etc.) and a number of ‘electives’ aimed at more ‘generalist’ research skills (hacking a CV, hacking a journal article, the science of data visualisation, transitioning into the workforce).
Community
ResBaz has, and always will be, about meeting like-minded people regardless of career stage or research area. Realising that what binds you together as researchers is your unwavering pursuit of discovery and challenge is one of the most enriching aspects of the conference. Why is this important? Because research can also be lonely. Chances are that regardless of passion, you’ll all encounter similar missteps and barriers. Sharing your stories and experiences, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mentorship, those moments are what makes the journey so much more worthwhile. ResBaz is the catalyst for such community.
You’ll make friends and you’ll meet your future colleagues. You’ll find pockets of opportunity for collaboration. And you’ll greet the faces of those key players whose services and skills will come in handy as the year develops. You’ll find your roadmap quickly populated.
Employment
Our ResBaz team at Research Platforms is rapidly shifting and expanding. Our employment strategy is to recruit research students from the University to help us develop communities, workshops and curriculum around digital tools. These are the ResComs. As ResComs reach the end of their education (whether Masters or PhD), they leave our team (but not our hearts) with an extensive array of skills and experience. After ResBaz 2016 we hired four new ResComs directly from the community!
And after ResBaz 2017 we expect to hire many more. The role of ResCom is perfectly suited around existing work commitments and is extremely flexible (~ 8-12 hours per week). You’ll have the chance to develop a community, organise events, work on curriculum, sharpen your teaching/training skills and work in a diverse fast-paced multi-talented team! Interested? Come along to ResBaz and tap us on the shoulder for more information.
My #ResFamily! The people behind #ResBazMelb ❤ #ResBaz pic.twitter.com/BpZl6PCQp1
— Dejan (@heyDejan)February 5, 2016
Creativity
As you’ve surely heard before, ResBaz operates more like a festival than a conference. Much of the activity happens under a large bedouin tent. Some attendees choose to camp on South Lawn. We’ve had yoga. Mindfulness workshops. A chai tea station. Roaming masseuses. A MakerSpace. NerdNite. Opportunities for attendees to give ‘lightning talks’ on their research. And many more creative ventures.
ResBaz is therefore also an opportunity to try something new - whether it’s a new tool, relaxation technique or type of cuisine (the catering is always excellent). It’s a chance to get creative. To meet new people. Broaden horizons. Set goals. ResBaz is open, diverse and supportive. It’ll be the beginnings of your roadmap to research for 2017.
