23 Things International: Your Adventure in Research

Introduction

23 Things International is a self-directed online programme designed for researchers interested in learning new tools to enhance their research, build and engage in research communities, and build their profile. The programme is open to postgraduate researchers and academics from all disciplines.

What is it?

The programme releases two blogs, known as "Things," each week, covering topics that can enhance research work. The programme is easy to follow, with time to experiment and resources for further learning. Fresh content from field experts is added every year, making the programme responsive to current needs, issues, and debates, as well as the latest tools and technology.

Benefits

A significant benefit of the programme is the opportunity to join a "Pod" with other researchers from around the world. Through a dedicated Discord server, participants can meet, share experiences, and plan for future collaborations. The programme aims to help build a mini-network that goes beyond institutional or field links, connecting participants with people they might otherwise never meet.

Programme Structure

• The programme runs for 14 weeks, including two break weeks.
• The time commitment is flexible, with an average of one hour per week to read blogs and complete small tasks.
• Participants can tailor their involvement to suit their interests and availability.
• There is no obligation to complete all tasks, and each pod decides how and how often they want to meet.

Schedule

• Registration is open until Friday, 23 February.
• The first "Thing" is released on 4 March, and participants meet their pod that week.

Certificate and Digital Badge

• Participants can claim a certificate and digital badge at the end of the programme.
• A questionnaire and focus group are also available to support further research into online learning and how researchers adopt and adapt technologies.

Partners

The programme partners with leading universities and networks, including:

• The Africa Research Excellence Fund (UK & pan-Africa)
• Latrobe University (AUS)
• Wollongong University (AUS)
• Auckland University of Technology (NZ)
• University of Otago (NZ)
• University of Bath (UK)
• Royal Holloway University of London (UK)
• Cambridge University (UK)
• University of Surrey (UK)
• University College Dublin (IRL)
• Swansea University (UK)
• James Cook University (AUS & SG)
• Sydney International School of Technology (AUS)
• Kings College London (UK)
• Techne Doctoral Training Partnership (UK)
• Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana (IDN)
• The Whisper Collective (International)

Expected Participation

The programme expects to have around 800 participants from all areas of research for 2024.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1920 as University College of Swansea
• Received its Royal Charter in 1948, becoming Swansea University
• Consistently ranked among the top 30 universities in the UK
• Home to over 20,000 students from over 140 countries
• Notable achievements include:
  • 2019 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its work in developing and delivering innovative teaching methods
  • 2018 Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community
  • 2017 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results showed that 90% of Swansea University's research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent

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Student Life:

• Over 150 student clubs and societies
• Sports teams in a variety of disciplines, including rugby, football, and basketball
• Student support services include:
  • Counseling and mental health support
  • Disability support
  • Financial advice
  • International student support
• Campus facilities include:
  • Bay Campus: Modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, sports center, and student union
  • Singleton Campus: Historic campus with a mix of traditional and modern buildings, including the iconic Singleton Abbey
  • Tycoch Campus: Home to the College of Engineering and the School of Management

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Academics:

• Academic resources include:
  • Over 400 undergraduate and postgraduate programs
  • World-class research facilities
  • Extensive library resources
• Faculty:
  • Over 1,000 academic staff, including internationally renowned researchers and industry experts
• Teaching methodologies:
  • Focus on student-centered learning
  • Use of innovative teaching methods, such as problem-based learning and flipped classrooms
• Academic support services:
  • Academic skills workshops
  • Writing center
  • Math and statistics support
• Unique academic programs or initiatives:
  • Swansea Employability Academy: Provides students with opportunities to develop employability skills
  • Swansea University Global: Offers international study and research opportunities

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Top 30 UK university
• Excellent teaching and research
• World-class facilities
• Strong industry connections
• Vibrant student life
• Notable alumni include:
  • Michael Sheen, actor
  • Catherine Zeta-Jones, actress
  • Sir Terry Matthews, entrepreneur

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center
• Housing services
• Library resources:
  • Over 1 million books and journals
  • Access to online databases and e-resources
• Technology support:
  • Free Wi-Fi across campus
  • Computer labs and printing facilities
• Career development services:
  • Career counseling
  • Job search assistance
  • Employer networking events