Researcher Development Unit
The Researcher Development Unit (RDU) is a purpose driven team that is wholly dedicated to the continual development and upskilling of the UoM researcher community. On offer is a suite of professional development programs, events and resources that support researchers at every stage of the journey.
Connect. Empower. Grow.
We empower researchers to thrive at all the different stages of their diverse careers by illuminating opportunities and supporting them to negotiate challenges.
We provide meaningful opportunities for development, so that all members of the research community can flourish in mutually beneficial ways leading to discoveries that make an impact by changing the world for the better.
A flourishing research career does not have to be linear. We acknowledge the diverse career paths researchers at the UoM have taken and aim to empower courageous career decisions by increasing awareness about the 'wobbly’ nature of research careers.
What do we do?
The RDU offers a variety of professional development programs, events and competitions that support and enhance the research journey.
From project management fundamentals and learning how to convey complex research to generalist audiences, right through to leading research teams and strengthening readiness to prepare for major bids, our professional development programs cover every career stage.
2025 Fast Facts
Current University of Melbourne graduate researchers and academic and research staff can access more detailed information via the RDU Portal (University of Melbourne login required).