From surviving
Matt works with universities, research institutes and doctoral training partnerships to develop world-class researchers - in their writing, their wellbeing and their careers. Supporting researchers at every stage of their research journey.
"Matt has a way of working with groups where he encourages discussion and observes. Then, when he thinks it has fulfilled its aim, he steps in and works his magic."
Stine Project Manager, Aarhus Universitet
Matt's personal research and professional researcher development experiences mean that he is an expert in working with world-leading institutions to develop world-class researchers, getting the best out of the brightest and the stressed. From 2010-18, he was a researcher developer at Cambridge University, where he was formally recognised for his outstanding contribution to the development of early career researchers.
Matt is a flexible, practical and pragmatic trainer specialising in writing for publication and communication skills, wellbeing and professional effectiveness and leadership development. His flagship programme, Surviving to Thriving, helps researchers at every career stage find not just success - but genuine satisfaction in their work.
Writing. Wellbeing. Getting the Work Done.
Three strands - one coherent approach to researcher development that actually works.
All courses can be delivered as standalone sessions or shaped into something that works for your institution.
Research Project Management
Research is complex, demanding and often overwhelming - especially at the start. This strand gives researchers the practical tools, strategies and confidence to plan their work, manage their time and navigate the milestones that matter. From day one of the PhD to the upgrade and beyond.
- Managing the Research Projectsee what's included
- Making the Best Start You Cansee what's included
- Writing Your Literature Review
- Writing Strong Methodologies
- Navigating the Upgrade
- Maximising your PhD Supervision
- Increasing your day-to-day Productivity
- Managing your Procrastination
- The Employable PhD
- Leading & Collaborating Effectively
- The Entrepreneurial Researcher
Researcher Wellbeing
Researchers are under more pressure than ever. This strand is about building the resilience, habits and self-awareness to not just survive the research journey - but genuinely thrive in it. Practical, evidence-based and built around what actually works.
- From Surviving to Thrivingsee what's included
- Developing your day-to-day Resilience
- Managing your Procrastination
- Increasing Your Productivity
- Cultivating Your Happiness
- Emotional Intelligence
- Playing the Researcher Blues
- Tackling Bullying & Harassment in the Research Environment
Writing & Research Communication
Most researchers were never taught to write. They were just expected to. This strand fixes that - covering everything from the fundamentals of clear academic writing to writing for publication, grant writing and communicating research to the world beyond the academy. With particular support for researchers writing in English as an additional language.
- Fundamentals of Academic Writingsee what's included
- Structured Writing Retreats
- Writing Workout Bootcamps
- Getting the Writing Written
- Managing the Writing Project
- Fundamentals of the Publication Process
- Fundamentals of Grant Writing
- Effective Editing
- Effective Drafting
- Presenting Your Research
- Using Social Media for Research
Because researcher development works better - and costs less - when you do it together.
- Three institutions, three courses, one price each. Everyone pays for one programme and gets access to three.
- Or can't get everyone in the room at once? We run the same course multiple times so no researcher has to miss out.
- Every cohort builds cross-institutional peer networks as part of the programme - because the connections matter as much as the content.
- Don't have institutional friends yet? We can find them for you.
A flexible delivery model designed for institutions who want to invest in their researchers properly - without stretching the budget.
Find out moreMatt's programmes catalogue sets out each offer in detail - how sessions work, what to expect, and how courses combine into programmes shaped for your institution. Download it, share it, bring it to your next planning meeting.