Developing Early Career Researchers in international collaborative research
In an increasingly competitive and globalised market, researchers, and the institutions they represent need to communicate their work effectively to an international audience. Researchers with strong communication skills are more likely to:
- publish in international journals
- successfully promote their research and represent their institutions at conferences
- gain funding from international bodies
- effectively communicate with the wider public and policy makers
- build international collaborations to further their research.
In recognition of this need and building on our vision for prosperity through internationalised education, the British Council has developed the Researcher Connect Online professional development course.
The British Council’s Researchers Connect Online programme was launched in 2014 with the aim of helping develop researchers who can thrive in international settings. Initially delivered face-to-face, the programme has been implemented in 29 countries and has engaged over 4,000 researchers worldwide. Since 2021, it has been offered online, with more than 1,500 early career researchers from 29 countries having participated. According to participant surveys, 94% described the training as “highly comprehensive and diverse,” and 90% rated its quality highly.
In Japan, the online version of this training has been offered to early career researchers since 2023. The upcoming January 2026 edition will be the third delivery of the programme, and applications are now open. Conducted online, the training will bring together 30 participants in total, 15 from Japan and 15 from the Philippines, and will be delivered by two experienced UK-based trainers.
Course content
Researcher Connect Online provides participants with the insights, understanding and tools to communicate more effectively, whatever the situation or context. This course has been delivered across the globe and participant feedback has consistently shown that the workshop enhances researchers’ communication skills, knowledge and ability. Through developing strong international communication skills, participants will be better equipped to engage actively in global academic activities such as:
- Publishing international journals
- Presenting at international conferences
- Securing research funding from overseas institutions
- Communicating research effectively to the general public and policymakers
- Building international collaborations that advance research activities
Programme
The programme runs over two consecutive weeks, from Monday to Thursday, for three hours each day (including breaks), for a total of eight sessions. It consists of the following modules, each addressing key aspects of the modern international research environment:
- Foundation
Knowing your audience and stakeholders. - Digital Researcher
Empowers researchers to strategise and use social media to make their research more accessible, increase citations, and connect with other researchers and the public for greater impact. - Academic Collaboration
Assists researchers with how to plan collaboration and approach potential collaborators, and builds their understanding of when and where collaboration may be most beneficial and how to handle the challenges of collaboration. - Academic Writing (2 sessions)
Over 2 sessions, participants examine the essentials and types of academic writing, developing their own writing style through the acquisition of tactics, tools and relevant language use techniques. - Effective Proposals
Participants explore the principles of writing a competitive proposal, considering the use of audience-focused language and style and the creation of logically connected proposal elements, including rationale, goals, personnel, resources, budgets, outputs/outcomes, and potential impact. - Presenting with Impact
Learners build critical awareness, reflective and preparation skills, and practice techniques for the use of voice, body language, visuals, devices and presentation structure through creating and delivering their own oral presentations. - Generative AI in Research
Introduces applications of generative AI across the research process, covering prompt design, ethical considerations (data bias, responsible use), and relevant policies shaping AI use in academia.
Participants who complete all requirements will receive a certificate of completion issued by the British Council.
Course outline
Date & Time:
Week 1: Monday 19 January – Thursday 22 January 2026, 15:30-18:30 (JST)
Week 2: Monday 26 January – Thursday 29 January 2026, 15:30-18:30 (JST)
Platform: Zoom (delivered fully online)
Language: English
Eligibility:
- Early career researchers affiliated with a university or research institution in Japan (approximately within five years of completing a PhD; nationality not restricted).
- University Research Administrators (URAs)affiliated with a university in Japan, who support early career researchers as part of their role.
- Able to attend all eight sessions of the programme.
- English proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2 (IELTS 5.5-6.5 / TOEFL iBT 72-94), as the training will be conducted entirely in English.
- Able to set at least one personal outcome for participation and commit to achieving it (e.g. sharing what you have learned with colleagues or collaborators).
Capacity: Approximately 15 participants from Japan.
*Screening will be conducted if the number of applicants exceeds available places.
Fee: The course is free of charge to participants (the British Council will cover training delivery costs)
Organiser: British Council
How to apply to participate
Please complete the required fields in the online application form < form URL: https://bit.ly/RCO-JPN2026 > to apply for the programme.
Registration deadline: Monday 1 December 2025 12:00 JST
*We aim to notify all applicants whether they have a place in the training or not by email, by around Wednesday 17 December 2025.
Enquiries regarding this event
Please contact the British Council Japan Education team by email: ihe@britishcouncil.or.jp