Effective training of transferable skills related to open science and innovation for PhD candidates and early-stage researchers

DISCOVERING LEARNING aims at creating new knowledge by experimenting towards Proof of Concept of a new model to implement a participatory, empowered and evolutionary work-based learning in PhD programmes for effectively training transferable skills related to open science and innovation; as well as building actionable knowledge for future scalability and sustainability of results and traceable lifelong learning. The final purpose is to build evidence (KPI) about what works in higher education for training transferable skills related to open science and innovation. For this purpose, DISCOVERY LEARNING model involves different players (academic and non-academic) and types of training (digital, gamified…), and taking advantage of blended learning to integrate non-academic environments and “experience-holders” (e.g. industry). It will be tested with a relevant portfolio of contents for training transferable skills related to open science and innovation, integrated into UIO Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences PhD Programme. DISCOVERY LEARNING skill building model combines training methodologies (e.g. self-paced instruction, collaborative learning), focused into actual job tasks under an experience-based model. To make these concepts more actionable, they will be implemented starting from resources readily available from participant partners (particularly those related to previous projects having passed a successful proof of concept), complementing the activities with great expertise in career development. It will become an experimental arena for increasing our understanding around key issues such as fundamental skills for open science and innovation; technology-based game-changing paradigms for training; building actionable knowledge markets for practicebased skills; and tracetraceable lifelong learning and employability.