RSVP - Next Generation Research SuperVision Project

Professional development of doctoral supervision
© RSVP

Target group: These workshops are designed for postdoctoral researchers who are new to supervision, including those with no prior supervisory experience, and for any postdoctoral researchers wishing to further develop their supervision skills.

The workshops were developed as part of the Next Generation Research SuperVision Project (RSVP), and provided to CERes as part of the project’s piloting programme. 

As a practitioner partner in the RSVP, the Münster Centre for Emerging Researchers (CERes), together with Human Resources Development, is committed to promoting a positive supervisory culture at the university and creating the best conditions for excellent research. Based on empirical data and insights from renowned UK universities, collaborative formats for the professional development of supervisors are being developed and piloted, building on your expertise. These interventions provide an opportunity to reflect on your supervisory practice and share experiences that will strengthen excellent doctoral supervision at our university in a sustainable manner.

Diese Workshops finden in englischer Sprache statt. // These workshops will be held in English.

  • Mon, 16 Mar 2026, 14:00–17:00 / Establishing boundaries in research supervision: Meta-communication and active listening to manage expectations and build rapport

    POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

    The first part of the workshop explores how supervisory relationships are shaped not only by what is communicated, but also by how communication itself is addressed. Participants will be introduced to meta-communication as a practical approach to aligning expectations and fostering effective collaboration throughout the candidature, particularly in complex contexts such as team or cross-cultural supervision. In the second part of the workshop, participants will engage with the active listening technique and apply the supervisory expectations grid, a practical tool for establishing shared expectations and strengthening rapport. This workshop also provides adaptable templates and prompts, helping supervisors prevent misunderstandings, support researcher autonomy, and sustain productive supervisory relationships.

    Objectives:

    • Acknowledge the importance of regular alignment of expectations in supervision

    • Recognise the vital role of clear communication in complex supervisory contexts, such as team supervision and multicultural supervision

    • Apply meta-communication, active listening, and the supervisory expectations grid to build a collaborative supervisory relationship with clear communication and well-aligned expectations

    • Build confidence in having open and constructive conversations with supervisees

    Facilitators: Dr Iva Ognjanovic, Rebecca Meier (CERes)

    Venue: Münster CERes, Schlossplatz 6, room 001

  • Mon, 30 Mar 2026, 09:30–11:00 / Supporting doctoral researchers’ development beyond the project

    POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

    This session seeks to help research supervisors support doctoral researchers beyond their research by addressing the hidden curriculum and encouraging reflective practice. Emphasis is placed on maintaining healthy boundaries and fostering inclusivity, both of which are essential for supporting supervisor wellbeing and preventing burnout. Participants will explore common challenges and best practices through peer-led, reflective practices, and case studies drawn from real-life supervisory experiences. Participants are also introduced to an adaptable development planning template, allowing supervisors to co-create inclusive, structured plans tailored to each candidate's journey.

    Objectives:

    • Practise using reflective models to evaluate and improve research supervision
    • Identify strengths and limits in your supervisory role
    • Use strategies for balancing support, setting boundaries, and apply inclusive approaches
    • Use a structured tool to guide meaningful PGR development conversations
    • Co-create structured development plans with supervisees

    Facilitators: Rebecca Meier, Dr Iva Ognjanovic

    Venue: Zoom

Registration

If you would like to participate in this event and it is already marked as fully booked, you are welcome to join the waiting list. It often happens that registered participants cancel their attendance, which creates available spots. Free spots are allocated in the order of waiting list registrations. If spots become available within 72 hours before the event starts, we will notify several registrants simultaneously. These spots will then be allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.