Welcome to the Wits ECR Professional Launchpad Advancing
Talent, Innovation and Mentorship
(PLATINUM)
Guide
The PLATIN(u)M programme, developed by the Wits Research Office is an asynchronous programme designed to provide early career researchers with the tools they need to advance their academic careers. This programme offers a curated suite of modules that provide early career researchers with the tools to sharpen existing skills, explore new disciplinary approaches, or embrace the Wits research culture. PLATIN(u)M is designed to support a continued learning journey into the world of academia.
The PLATINUM home page
This is the PLATIN(u)M home page where ECR’s will find clickable links that meet them where they are at. Whether they need help with getting started in research, research methods, research writing, or advancing themselves as a researcher, they will find modules to support their journey. This page also includes exciting opportunities specifically for ECR’s.
Exciting opportunities and FAQs
The exciting opportunities page is a living page where content will be adding to frequently to alert ECR’s on the most up-to-date opportunities available to them regarding funding sources, work opportunities, networking, and societies
This page also contains some frequently asked questions (FAQs) which may be useful for navigating the PLATIN(u)M programme.
Announcements
Announcements that are specifically related to ECR’s will be posted via the Ulwazi PLATIN(u)M programme. This is another useful feature of this programme as it will enable all Wits ECR’s to get relevant updates on all things related to their academic journey.
Getting started in research
This is the introductory section of PLATIN(u)M where ECR’S will find modules to support them at the beginning of their academic career. Each of these tiles are clickable links which takes a user to the home page of each module. Each of these are compiled as modules with an exit quiz. The quiz can be repeated indefinitely 100% is obtainedallowing for formative learning.
Research methods
This is the methods section of PLATIN(u)M where ECR’S will find modules to support them in whichever methodological approach they need assistance in This section includes module that will support ECR’s in qualitative and quantitative research as well as providing tutorials in technical software and on any e-resource needs. Each of these tiles are clickable links which takes a user to the home page of each module. Each of these are compiled as modules with an exit quiz. The quiz can be repeated indefinitely 100% is obtained- allowing for formative learning.
Research writing
This is the writing section of PLATIN(u)M where ECR’S will find modules to support them in writing for publication or in writing to win funding. These modules cover everything from writing for different audiences to securing NRF rating. Each of these tiles are clickable links which takes a user to the home page of each module. Each of these are compiled as modules with an exit quiz. The quiz can be repeated indefinitely 100% is obtainedallowing for formative learning.
Advancing yourself as a researcher
This is section of PLATIN(u)M includes a range of modules to support ECR’s in how to exist in the world of academia at Wits. In this section, ECR’S will find modules to support them in how to be an effective leader in research, how to disseminate their research to wider audiences, how to engage with the academic community, and how to foster innovation and develop themselves as an academic entrepreneur. Each of these tiles are clickable links which takes a user to the home page of each module. Each of these are compiled as modules with an exit quiz. The quiz can be repeated indefinitely 100% is obtained- allowing for formative learning.
The Modules Module
AI Principles (Available, developed by Eleni Flack-Davidson)
Entering the World of Research (Available, developed Ms Marike Kluyts and Dr Pia Lamberti)
Advanced Library Resources and Research Tools (Available, being updated by Mr Lazarus Matizirofa and Dr Daisy Selematsela)
Time Management in Research (Available, developed by Dr Ariel Prinsloo)
Project Management (Available, developed by Prof Anne Fitchett)
Interdisciplinary Research and Broader Perspectives (Available)
Scientific Communication and Presentation Skills (Available but being updated by Dr Akulina Chihobo)
Writing and Publication (Available but being updated by Dr Akulina Chihobo)
Writing Winning Proposals (Available, developed by Dr Robin Drennan)
Leadership and Teamwork in Research (Available)
Knowledge Transfer and Public Engagement (Available)
Introduction to Supervision (Available, developed by Prof Tania van der Merwe)
Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Available)
Quantitative Research Methods (Available, developed by Dr Tish Taylor)
Qualitative Research Methods (Available, developed by Dr Anushka Ajith)
Research Integrity (Available, developed by Wits Ethics Committees)
Research Ethics (Available, developed by Wits Ethics Committees)
How to Use Stata (Available, developed by Faculty of Health Science)
How to Use Statistica (Available, developed by Faculty of Health Science)
Mixed Methods Research (Available, being updated by STLU)
Internationalisation of Research (Under Development by Dr Samia Chasi)
We hope you enjoy the PLATINUM experience!