From Stress to Success: Research Culture Workshop Series
The From Stress to Success workshop series is a professional development initiative designed to strengthen research culture at UCD. This three-part programme addresses key competencies for effective collaboration and relationship management in academic environments.
Developed in consultation with the research community, each workshop provides practical frameworks and evidence-based strategies for navigating the complexities of research settings.
DiSC Workshop
Date: Wednesday, 22 January 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Venue: UCD Research Boardroom
Building Self-Awareness for Enhanced Learning
The Everything DiSC Workplace assessment is offered as a preparatory workshop to develop self-awareness regarding communication style, workplace priorities, and behavioral tendencies
Completing the DiSC workshop before attending the Communication and Conflict Resolution sessions enables participants to recognise natural communication patterns, identify personal triggers and stressors, and develop targeted strategies for adapting their approach in professional interactions.
What Participants Receive
- Research-validated assessment (15-20 minutes)
- Personalised profile report
- Facilitated group session exploring workplace style interactions
- Actionable strategies for strengthening professional relationships
- Light refreshments and lunch
The Three-Part Workshop Series
Workshop 1: Leadership
Date: Monday, 2 March 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Venue: Research Culture Office
Effective leadership is crucial to the success of research teams and collaborative projects. This workshop explores leadership approaches tailored to academic contexts, examining how traditional hierarchical models intersect with collaborative, knowledge-driven cultures.
Workshop Content:
- Identifying and developing leadership strengths in research settings
- Adapting leadership styles to diverse team compositions and project types
- Managing peers, supervisees, and cross-disciplinary collaborations
- Building inclusive research environments that support innovation and wellbeing
- Strategies for empowering team members while maintaining project momentum
Format: Interactive session incorporating case studies, self-assessment activities, and facilitated discussion
Workshop 2: Communication
Date: Monday, 2 March 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Venue: Research Culture Office
Clear communication is essential for productive research collaborations. This workshop provides practical frameworks for enhancing interpersonal communication across diverse research contexts, addressing the unique communication challenges inherent in academic environments.
Workshop Content:
- Understanding different communication styles and workplace preferences
- Adapting communication approaches for clarity and impact
- Navigating difficult conversations with supervisors, colleagues, and collaborators
- Giving and receiving constructive feedback effectively
- Communication strategies for virtual, hybrid, and international research teams
- Recognising and addressing communication breakdowns before escalation
Format: Skills-based session with role-play scenarios, practical exercises, and actionable strategies
Workshop 3: Conflict Resolution
Date: Wednesday, 12 March 2026
Time: 10- 11:30 AM
Venue: Research Culture Office
Conflict is inevitable in collaborative research environments. This workshop equips participants with evidence-based approaches to preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts constructively, transforming potential obstacles into opportunities for improved working relationships.
Workshop Content:
- Identifying common sources of conflict in research settings (workload distribution, authorship, methodological disagreements, personality differences)
- Early warning signs and proactive conflict prevention strategies
- Structured frameworks for addressing disagreements professionally
- Managing emotionally charged situations with composure
- Mediation techniques for supporting colleagues in conflict
- Appropriate escalation procedures
- Building resilient professional relationships
Format: Case-study driven session incorporating real-world scenarios, group problem-solving, and practical application exercises
Registration
DiSC Workshop Registration: Limited Capacity
Registration is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. While attendance at the DiSC workshop is not mandatory, participants are strongly encouraged to complete this preparatory session before attending the Communication and Conflict Resolution workshops to maximise learning outcomes.
All assessment materials, profile reports, and refreshments are provided through the Renew Project initiative.
Register for DiSC Workshop – 22 January 2026 : (opens in a new window)Click_here
About the From Stress to Success Series
The From Stress to Success workshop series is delivered as part of the Renew Project, a UCD research culture initiative committed to fostering supportive, collaborative, and thriving research environments. Workshops are facilitated by experienced practitioners with expertise in organisational psychology, communication science, and conflict resolution within academic contexts.