Soft skills and scientific communication

The PhD program pertains to the Doctoral School in Humanities and Social Sciences, which organizes, through the University Language Centre, the Study skills: English for Academic Purposes course, lasting 36 hours. The course is taught in English with a native professor and is aimed at providing skills needed to write scientific papers, attend conferences and present research papers in English. Students are offered practical experience in English through the performance of tasks associated with a variety of academic assignments.

Specifically, the assignments consist, though not exclusively, of:

listening to classes/presentations and taking notes;

writing a short paper from the notes;

reading and writing an abstract/abstract/research paper/report/peer review;

designing a poster;

preparing and delivering a presentation;

describe processes;

verbalize data;

comment on graphs;

edit resume;

edit formal international correspondence;

recommended exercises based on grammar workshops.

Course attendance results in the acquisition of ECTS credits.

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The seminar series is promoted by the PhD in Psychology of the University of Parma and is aimed at deepening the ethical dimension of doing research. It is aimed in particular at doctoral students pertaining to the fields of economics and psychology, with the goal of strengthening theoretical and practical awareness related to the issues of ethics and integrity in scientific production.
The course aims to develop in participants a solid understanding of the contemporary debate on research ethics, while stimulating autonomy of judgment in dealing with the critical issues involved in conducting studies involving people. An additional goal is to promote the ability to communicate research findings in a transparent and accountable manner, in accordance with ethical principles and best practices.

The program consists of three in-person meetings, lasting about three hours each, during which the main theoretical and institutional references in the field will be addressed. Topics include

• the ethical foundations and responsibilities of the researcher
• the role of codes and ethics committees (IRB - Institutional Review Board)
• good and bad practices in scientific research, as well as moral dilemmas that may arise in daily practice.

Particular attention will be paid to protection of subjects involved in studies, informed consent, protection of personal data, and dissemination of results. How to apply for ethics approval from IRB committees will also be explained.
Lectures will include lectures supported by presentations and interactive moments, which will involve doctoral students in plenary discussions and group work.

The University's central facilities organize Computer science advanced courses aimed at all afferent PhD programs. The initiative aims to enhance the digital skills of doctoral students, offering useful tools and knowledge to support research activities in different disciplinary areas.

The seminars address cross-cutting topics, calibrated to the needs of the scientific-technological, life sciences, and humanities and social areas.

The proposed content includes introduction to advanced Computer science technologies, use of computing and simulation environments, access to and management of specialized databases, digital cataloging and archiving techniques, scientific communication, and application of data analysis software. 
Participation in the educational activities allows the acquisition of ECTS credits, as provided by individual doctoral tracks.

The University's central structures promote cycles of seminars dedicated to the transfer of knowledge on research systems and funding mechanisms, public and private, at the national and international level.

The activities are aimed at doctoral students pertaining to the humanities, law, economics and social areas, offering opportunities for cross-disciplinary study of the tools and opportunities that characterize the contemporary context of research.

The proposed course aims to provide skills useful for understanding how research funding systems work, the role of granting agencies, how to access competitive calls and the main aspects of planning. The relationship between research activities, evaluation and social impact is also addressed, with a focus on the public dimension of scientific communication, dissemination of results and participation in networks and partnerships. Participation allows the acquisition of ECTS credits, as provided by individual doctoral tracks