PhD supervisors undertake skills training.

Senior academic faculty members from the Fiji National University (FNU) are attending a workshop to strengthen their mentoring and supervision skills.

The aim of the training is to produce academic leaders who will advise and lead new researchers for students pursuing a higher degree.

The three-day workshop is divided into two sessions and is hosted at the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) in Nabua, Suva.

The programme is funded by the Office of the Pro Vice Chancellor Research and facilitated by Professor of Educational Research and Acting Dean of College of Humanities and Education, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba along with several other senior academics from FNU.

The university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Nigel Healey, said the university was investing in the expansion of part-time and in-service doctoral qualifications to enable staff to work towards a PhD.

“To support this development, we need to widen the pool of trained and qualified PhD supervisors, who can work with less experienced researchers to help them realize their full potential,” said Professor Healey.

“Being a PhD supervisor can be a fulfilling and enriching role; not only are you contributing to the professional development and personal growth of colleagues in a life-changing way, but the experience can also be revitalising and help you to reignite your own research agenda.”

Pro Vice Chancellor, Research, Professor Nii-K Plange, said the workshop was the first of its kind hosted by FNU and was a strong indication of the university’s commitment to strengthen the capacity of its local academic staff.

Professor Plange said higher degree, especially doctoral studies, provides the best context and process for advancing knowledge through critical and robust research.

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