Kia ora Social Anth Postgrads, You will hopefully have recently received this email from GRS separately. But I wanted to draw your attention to it again, because there is a lot of info in it. Have a look. I also have a question for you all – This year, we have built some time into our Postgrad Symposium (coming up in April) for staff to make some contributions too. I wonder what you might like to hear about? Here’s a few (very rough) ideas I have had: -A session with some general ideas/guidance on doing a postgrad dissertation/thesis. -An update from 2 staff members who have been on RSL– what is their current research and how is it going? -Or I could contact GRS or other Student Support services to ask them to come and offer a shortened version of one of their workshops. But really, that’s just some very rough ideas. I’ll also be asking department staff if they have other ideas of what might benefit their postgrad students, or what would just be of interest to us all as a collective. It could be something that serves to just create connection, or it could be something instructive. Let me know if you have any ideas. Thanks so much Molly G From: Graduate Research School <gradresearch@otago.ac.nz> Sent: Wednesday, 4 March 2026 5:16 pm Subject: GRS March News [cid:image001.jpg@01DC8636.63B710D0] Kia ora koutou, Here we are in March, the first month of Autumn. That means you will have some summery, some wintery and maybe some autumnal days in the coming weeks! 🥶🌨️😓☀️🌦️ In this Newsletter: Quiz Night New Course booklet Gen AI IT courses Falling Walls GRS workshops Mentoring Blackboard courses [cid:image006.jpg@01DCAF1B.1ABF8890][cid:image007.jpg@01DCAF1B.1ABF8890] Quiz Night: register now! Last year we ran our first GRS quiz night and it went so well, we decided to make it an annual event This year it’s happening on Tuesday March 31st Teams compete for prizes while they eat pizza and socialise. What could be better for someone who enjoys a bit of trivia? To register, you need to make up a team of 5 people. These can be research students and/or supervisors. Come up with a fun name and team description. Here’s one from last year to inspire you! Team name: The failed experiments Team description: We are five chemists, four of which don't even do any chemistry. Our team consists of three individuals born overseas, one born in the middle of nowhere, and one born far too recently. As a group we do multiple quizzes every day and therefore, are ready to come last. Finally, nominate one person to be your captain/president/secretary and get them to register here<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorpapp.otago.ac.nz%2Ftraining%2Fgrs%2Fcourse%2F31435%2Fdate%2F202603%2F&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575463883%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2F4jsiwBfykMmQ0xAkObsiMJmnQ6VngNb%2F%2BJyCz9CIzE%3D&reserved=0> Note the $15 fee is for the whole team. Back to top New GRS course booklet After weeks of planning, refining, and final adjustments, we’re excited to share our 2026 events and workshop programme (attached). This booklet provides a full-year snapshot of available workshops and events, helping you select the topics and timings that best fit your needs. We’ll also be distributing it to supervisors and postgraduate coordinators across all departments so they can support you in planning your professional development. Back to top GEN AI Please see the attachment on the use of GenAI in Postgrad research. Key points from the policy: 1. AI supports—not replaces—postgraduate research skills. 2. Use approved tools responsibly and ethically. 3. Transparency and academic integrity are essential. There is a workshop on Friday 13 March discussing key points where you will be able to ask questions. See below. Back to top IT Courses David Hood, IT training and development advisor, is running several courses in March of potential interest to Doctoral/ Masters students. These don’t run very often so grab the opportunity if you can. https://corpapp.otago.ac.nz/training/its/course/date/2026/03/<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorpapp.otago.ac.nz%2Ftraining%2Fits%2Fcourse%2Fdate%2F2026%2F03%2F&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575477227%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rokEtfzem1%2BJWXreTAvDjUFQ%2B2Yyt9mdCyKRYgOsZMw%3D&reserved=0> Back to top Falling Walls Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa New Zealand is a fast‑paced competition where students and early‑career professionals pitch a 3‑minute breakthrough idea with positive impact on science or society. The winner earns a place at the Global Finale in Berlin, joining innovators worldwide to present their idea and connect with leaders in science, industry, and policy. See attached poster. Back to top GRS workshops in March and April Thesis Writing Support Event Date(s) Time Location Link Writing with Power Hours Mar 9, 16, 23, 30 2pm – 4pm Zoom Book<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorpapp.otago.ac.nz%2Ftraining%2Fgrs%2Fcourse%2F27074%2Fdate%2F202601%2F&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575488136%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vaxtaUYg%2BCBFby9%2BQGYA8c6tce4MQ2XxuhuD12gytj4%3D&reserved=0> GRS Writing Day March 13, April 10 9am – 4pm Dunedin Book<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorpapp.otago.ac.nz%2Ftraining%2Fgrs%2Fcourse%2F14494%2Fdate%2F202601%2F&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575498541%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Tjdvgc02%2F06MSSdAwZCcpsCzKtcohOmzWtjJSSCc5No%3D&reserved=0> Māori Writing Days March 20, April 24 9am – 3pm Dunedin Book<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorpapp.otago.ac.nz%2Ftraining%2Fgrs%2Fcourse%2F5353%2Fdate%2F202603%2F&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575508843%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HfFgjxsE0rUwOUlG7i4VTP50W7pqNBVERCNbTKilBfs%3D&reserved=0> Do the mahi get the treats March 13, April 17 9am – 11am Zoom Book<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorpapp.otago.ac.nz%2Ftraining%2Fgrs%2Fcourse%2F18114%2Fdate%2F202604%2F&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575518925%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qXPkt3x9lj0deOEbU9JeD0wOXYnegQq%2FElbi04K10x8%3D&reserved=0> Workshops coming up * March 5, 12, 19, 26 and April 2 Writing Habits Series<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.otago.ac.nz%2Fgraduate-research%2Fstudy%2Fpostgraduate-professional-and-researcher-development&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575529236%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=lAEerhGAEXX4NeiHhBzXFUSk2oQe%2BaqqPW33tjpQZec%3D&reserved=0> (Click on the Academic writing tab) * March 10 Publishing your first journal article<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorpapp.otago.ac.nz%2Ftraining%2Fgrs%2Fcourse%2F33015%2Fdate%2F202603%2F&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575539367%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=AgGo5vECSZZTGMRszDRRmIO%2FRUl1p%2BUBwaLGOtgb1JA%3D&reserved=0> (Dunedin) * March 13 GEN AI in graduate research<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorpapp.otago.ac.nz%2Ftraining%2Fgrs%2Fcourse%2F33515%2Fdate%2F202603%2F&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575550738%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zMtw%2FtQaJiPaLi7gYJKfyKACsvnojmykK48NnX5qsOw%3D&reserved=0> (Zoom) * March 17 Thesis formats, including those with publications<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorpapp.otago.ac.nz%2Ftraining%2Fgrs%2Fcourse%2F31554%2Fdate%2F202603%2F&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575566083%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=e2mOLpZzki2ihz6i5n0AvnNq%2Bs6GTrHw9fvkcylcRx8%3D&reserved=0> (Dunedin) * March 25 Research in Aotearoa<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorpapp.otago.ac.nz%2Ftraining%2Fgrs%2Fcourse%2F33877%2Fdate%2F202603%2F&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575577232%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=eUUWHNx9BmACVeEV%2FnlaeV07V67EEgXzeCbrPAVMNFM%3D&reserved=0> (Wellington) * March 27 Research in Aotearoa<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorpapp.otago.ac.nz%2Ftraining%2Fgrs%2Fcourse%2F33876%2Fdate%2F202603%2F&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575590569%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VJfI8H1WbM3OMsYJAvyItuewFToRNRdo1xzsnb60h4U%3D&reserved=0> (Christchurch) * March 27 Preparing for an Academic Interview<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorpapp.otago.ac.nz%2Ftraining%2Fgrs%2Fcourse%2F33917%2Fdate%2F202603%2F&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575605239%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DRKkoJ9M7FY1EhEeyWFC5L9EoiSPx6rGkGlN4AVqUIg%3D&reserved=0> (Zoom) * March 30 Managing your supervision team<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorpapp.otago.ac.nz%2Ftraining%2Fgrs%2Fcourse%2F33817%2Fdate%2F202603%2F&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575617801%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=G4nyFqKg%2BMBY3DTVYZjMrMpFoOav%2FuM%2BnlrV%2F%2BO2hys%3D&reserved=0> (Dunedin) * April 24 Get your academic CV sorted<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorpapp.otago.ac.nz%2Ftraining%2Fgrs%2Fcourse%2F33918%2Fdate%2F202604%2F&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575630643%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=q3n9LRO56G26zciGqUaMwmed%2FVskEaopuqiVi4IBSpw%3D&reserved=0> (Zoom) * April 29 Essential Skills 1: Literature review<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorpapp.otago.ac.nz%2Ftraining%2Fgrs%2Fcourse%2F30494%2Fdate%2F202604%2F&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575644512%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=E%2B0MDXxlmLGB%2FOlTEVEX%2FSokq8pdIEpUtWAkelN6HDc%3D&reserved=0> (Zoom) (Essential skills series will continue in May) * To see more click here: https://corpapp.otago.ac.nz/training/grs/<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorpapp.otago.ac.nz%2Ftraining%2Fgrs%2F&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575655892%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BukBIwWZM6Y27Y%2Fj9xiou4GZ8xqG0qEzZD5VMTaQxLg%3D&reserved=0> or refer to the new !! Researcher Development Programme !! You will see from the programme booklet that most workshops will have at least one in-person and one Zoom occurrence during the year. Back to top Mentoring GRS Senior Teaching Fellow Dr Nave Wald continues to offer one to one mentoring sessions to research candidates in 2026. Bookmark this page<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.otago.ac.nz%2Fgraduate-research%2Fstudy%2Fsupport%2Fgraduate-research-candidate-mentoring-development&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575670453%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Y0JZsvWyekSK0A%2FqpvNM6OgeRe4tNaPohYyxsUgQ3ic%3D&reserved=0> and make an appointment whenever you need some academic advice. Back to top GRS PhD Courses in Blackboard (reminder) Both courses (Induction and Finishing your PhD) have monthly Touchpoint discussion sessions on zoom. These are the dates for March and April: * Mar 6 Touchpoint for RD1 * Mar 20 Touchpoint for RD3 * No RD1 session in April due to Good Friday public holiday * April 17 for RD3 There is no need to register. Simply put it in your calendar and join with this link: (also found in Blackboard) https://otago.zoom.us/j/94376534994?pwd=mgWuVGCQlBwGuyRFd7LsmdyW65HikT.1<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fotago.zoom.us%2Fj%2F94376534994%3Fpwd%3DmgWuVGCQlBwGuyRFd7LsmdyW65HikT.1&data=05%7C02%7Csocialanthpostgrads%40lists.otago.ac.nz%7Ccef15942c20742ce661a08de7cc54955%7C0225efc578fe4928b1579ef24809e9ba%7C0%7C0%7C639085384575685277%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=33V8dTS6ZI4OwPIe0QQoXqAqV5%2Bjy%2FSSHGCAv8NxYHI%3D&reserved=0> Meeting ID: 943 7653 4994 Password: Touchpoint Speaking of calendars, download the “Postgrad workshops” calendar in Outlook and you will have yet another way of seeing what’s on at GRS and other providers throughout the year. Looking forward to seeing some of you at the Quiz night! Ngā mihi, Graduate Research School Back to top