Registration for 23 Things International 2024 is opening soon. This unique global programme is specially tailored for researchers interested in learning new tools for research, building their professional profile, and networking. It is open to academics from all disciplines, postgraduate researchers and their supervisors.
About 23T
23T is a self-directed online programme. Each week we release two blogs – called Things – covering a topic or piece of software that can enhance how you work. It’s an easy way to find out the basics, with time to experiment a little and resources for taking things further when you want. With fresh content from field experts every year, we’re responsive to current needs, issues and debates, as well as the latest tools/technology. For example, this year will feature using AI in your research, project planning for grants, creative sharing of research, and research community building.
A huge benefit is that when you join the programme, we put you in a ‘Pod’ with other researchers from around the world; through our dedicated Discord server you can meet, share experiences and maybe plan for future collaborations. Essentially, we want to help you build up a mini-network that goes beyond the obvious links within your institution or field and connects you with people you might otherwise never meet.
For 2024 we’re grouping people using the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals - now of central importance to many research programmes and funders - so whatever your discipline or career stage, you’ll be meeting people with similar passions and priorities. On top of all this, the programme has discussion groups, a unique 48-hour virtual writing retreat, and socials; all from the comfort of your own home or office.
Our partners
Our partners are leading universities and networks:
- The Africa Research Excellence Fund (UK & pan-Africa)
- Auckland University of Technology (NZ)
- University of Bath (UK)
- Cambridge University (UK)
- University College Dublin (IRL)
- James Cook University (AUS & SING)
- Kings College London (UK)
- Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana (IDN)
- Latrobe University (AUS)
- University of Otago (NZ)
- Royal Holloway University of London (UK)
- University of Surrey (UK)
- Swansea University (UK)
- Sydney International School of Technology (AUS)
- Techne Doctoral Training Partnership (UK)
- The Whisper Collective (International)
- Wollongong University (AUS)
We expect to have around 800 participants for 2024, from all areas of research.
Schedule
Registration is open from late January until late February. The first ‘Things’ are released in the first week of March, which will include instructions on how to get started and make contact with your Pod. The course runs for 14 weeks (including two break weeks).
The time commitment is very flexible. It’s designed to take about an hour a week (on average) to read the blogs and complete the extension tasks, but you can tailor your involvement to suit your own interests and availability. There is no obligation to complete all the tasks, and each pod will decide how and how often they would like to meet.
At the end of the programme you can claim a certificate and digital badge. We also invite you to take part in a questionnaire and focus group, which supports our further research into online learning and how researchers adopt and adapt technologies to their needs.
How to join
You can register as soon as the form is open (look out for announcements, or visit the website in January). Once the pods have been allocated, we’ll provide you with everything you need to get started. Each pod has a ‘chair’, to facilitate initial introductions; if you’d like to volunteer and put your people skills to good use, please indicate this when registering. We will also have an Engagement Mentor, a friendly point of contact to support your group to meet and keep conversations flowing.
Subscribe to the website to make sure you receive a notification when each blog post goes live.
More information
Before things kick off we also have live Q&A sessions, so you can find out a bit more (February; dates TBC).