Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
Uses
SMaRteN SIGs provide a formal platform for SMaRteN network members with a shared interest to form working groups that hold virtual meetings regularly. This may include discussion, sharing knowledge and perhaps improving research and/or practice. They will often cross geographical and professional boundaries and are self-managed by network members.
In order for SMaRteN SIGs to be successful, they need to be initiated and led by the network members, which is why we are giving you the freedom to propose your own SIGs. Ideally you will identify 2-3 others who are prepared to set up and administrate the group with you.
Before setting up a SIG, we would encourage you to set out its outcomes and purposes. See the example template below as a helpful guide.
SIGs are a more formal platform for network members. If you would prefer a platform for informal chat with SMaRteN network members consider a Discussion Group or Virtual Lab instead.
SMaRteN SIGs will operate through Basecamp, an easy-to-use project management platform. Basecamp includes features such as a chat function, calendar and file sharing.
If you would like to propose a SIG, complete the form here.
SMaRteN SIGs provide a formal platform for SMaRteN network members with a shared interest to form working groups that hold virtual meetings regularly. This may include discussion, sharing knowledge and perhaps improving research and/or practice. They will often cross geographical and professional boundaries and are self-managed by network members.
In order for SMaRteN SIGs to be successful, they need to be initiated and led by the network members, which is why we are giving you the freedom to propose your own SIGs. Ideally you will identify 2-3 others who are prepared to set up and administrate the group with you.
Before setting up a SIG, we would encourage you to set out its outcomes and purposes. See the example template below as a helpful guide.
SIGs are a more formal platform for network members. If you would prefer a platform for informal chat with SMaRteN network members consider a Discussion Group or Virtual Lab instead.
SMaRteN SIGs will operate through Basecamp, an easy-to-use project management platform. Basecamp includes features such as a chat function, calendar and file sharing.
If you would like to propose a SIG, complete the form here.
| autism_working_group_example_template.docx |
Best practice guidelines
In order to ensure an effective and worthwhile SIG, we recommend the following steps:
In order to ensure an effective and worthwhile SIG, we recommend the following steps:
- Consider the topic around which your SIG will be based - is it too broad? Too narrow?
- Identify a core group of 2-3 people who will form the foundation of the SIG and set out its focus and intentions.
- Consider beforehand the central purpose of the SIG. Will your SIG be focused on sharing new research or planning projects and collaborations? What do you want to get of it - for yourself and for members? And how will this be enacted?
- Promote your SIG via social networks and other streams - your university or organisation may be able to promote it - in order to increase membership. It will also be featured on the SMaRteN SIGs page and be spread throughout our own networks.
- As the founder of a SIG, be sure to encourage participation. This may come in the form of regularly scheduled updates or conversation, introducing new members, for example.
- Keep us updated! SMaRteN are keen to receive updates via email at smarten@kcl.ac.uk or on Twitter @NetworkSmarten
Discussion Groups/Virtual Labs
Uses
While SIGs offer outcome-based, structured connection between SMaRteN network members, our other groups facilitate informal, ad hoc discussion. Perhaps you would like to keep up to date with people you met at an event, or intermittently share new work. Discussion Groups do not call for a specific outcome or set of rules, and so are perfect for informal chat within the remit of student mental health.
SMaRteN Discussion Groups will operate through Basecamp, a project management platform. While Discussion Groups are based on informal chat, Basecamp also offers file sharing and task assignment features.
While SIGs offer outcome-based, structured connection between SMaRteN network members, our other groups facilitate informal, ad hoc discussion. Perhaps you would like to keep up to date with people you met at an event, or intermittently share new work. Discussion Groups do not call for a specific outcome or set of rules, and so are perfect for informal chat within the remit of student mental health.
SMaRteN Discussion Groups will operate through Basecamp, a project management platform. While Discussion Groups are based on informal chat, Basecamp also offers file sharing and task assignment features.
Proposing a Group
If you would like to propose a Discussion Group, please email smarten@kcl.ac.uk with a brief outline, detailing the topic of discussion you hope to have and how it would be of interest to others. This will allow SMaRteN to publicise the proposed Discussion Group to the network and gauge the level of interest. See below for an example.
If you would like to propose a Discussion Group, please email smarten@kcl.ac.uk with a brief outline, detailing the topic of discussion you hope to have and how it would be of interest to others. This will allow SMaRteN to publicise the proposed Discussion Group to the network and gauge the level of interest. See below for an example.
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I am Joe Bloggs, an early career researcher in the Psychology Department at King's College London. I have published and am currently conducting research into post-graduate mental health, specifically stress and anxiety amongst PhD students. I would like to get in touch with other researchers within this area, as I am aware it is a growing field of interest with new research emerging all the time. If we could all be in contact, it could be beneficial to us all in facilitating discussion, sharing research and possibly enabling future collaboration.
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