UNIque – For university women

The early career research stage is tough. Interesting, intellectually challenging, pushing back frontiers of knowledge, working with talented people from around the world - all fantastic things. But have you ever ...

Wondered what on earth the next career step is going to be?
Wondered if you can have a university career?
Felt surrounded by researchers who are brighter and more together than you?
Felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of 'stuff' you are supposed to do as a researcher?
Thought of leaving academia but have just spent so long getting to this point?
Looked at those 'high ups' in your institution and wondered where the women are?
Tried to explain to your parents that postdocs seldom get Nobel prizes? (just me then?)

The gender pay gap in UK Universities is 15.5%. Only 25% of professors are female. Big battles.

But as a researcher you are focused on your own battle: your career. The only person who is going to prioritise your career is ... you.

So what if you could ...

Step back to understand your career options in and out of the university sector
Explore what is important to you so decisions are based on your values
Get clear no-nonsense advice to help you get that next position
Learn tools to help you set goals and realise them

AND what if you could do this with a bunch of like minded women?

So welcome to UNIque - the online programme for university women. Early career researchers just like you.

Through online materials and weekly webinars we will explore:

You and the university
You and yourself
You and your career
You and your goals

all from the comfort of your desk, sofa or lab bench!

Format

The format is simple. A webinar once a week - a chance to say hello, ask questions and watch on record if you miss it. Then some self guided video lessons and activities to explore the weekly focus.

This year there are two cohorts; the first runs from January - March, the second April - June. The application dates/form for cohort two will become available in due course.

Cohort 1:

Launch webinar (19 January 2023 - all webinars 14.00-15.00pm)
Video lessons and activities
Week 1 webinar (2 February 2023)
Video lessons and activities
Week 2 webinar (23 February 2023)
Video lessons and activities
Week 3 webinar (9 March 2023)
Video lessons and activities
Closing webinar (23 March 2023)

Cohort 2:

Launch webinar (25 April 2023 - all webinars 10.00-11.00am)
Video lessons and activities
Week 1 webinar (9 May 2023)
Video lessons and activities
Week 2 webinar (23 May 2023)
Video lessons and activities
Week 3 webinar (6 June 2023)
Video lessons and activities
Closing webinar (20 June 2023)

Applications

Go to the application form

Eligibility & key dates

King’s prides itself on being a university with an ethos of inclusive excellence. We want our people to thrive and seek to shape an inclusive, empowering culture in which all our staff and students can be themselves, and be treated fairly and with dignity, with their success determined by the application of their talents. The UNIque programme is designed with this ethos in mind, to empower King's researchers who identify as women and are in the early stages of their research careers.

Deadline for applications to Cohort 2: 12pm on Monday 13 March 2023.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome by Friday 31 March 2023.

Application to Cohort 1 have closed.

Places will be prioritised for researchers who identify as women who are considering their next career move, who are

Current PGR students in the second half of their degree programme (i.e. completed over 50%)
Research staff who would like to understand career paths in and outside academia.

Please note that, while we are not restricting applications to those studying for or holding a PGR degree, a substantial portion of the first module will cover careers in academia i.e. transition to postdoc or lecturer. Please familiarise yourself with the course curriculum below before you submit an application, to ensure this is suited to your needs.