How research colleagues are developing their digital competencies

Did you know that in addition to advice and support, Oxford’s new Competency Centres also run specialist in-person training sessions?  To hear more about how these training sessions are benefiting colleagues, we caught up with attendees to a recent Amazon Web Services (AWS) workshop run through the Cloud Computing for Research Competency Centre. 

One attendee, a Statistics DPhil research student, was interested in finding solutions for her mathematical model simulations which could take days to churn out a single result when using on premises computing – if she wanted to expand her research, more power would be needed. The prospect of using cloud computing can make it possible for her to run simulations in just one day, saving valuable time speculating about what a result could be and getting outcomes when and where she wants them. By attending this course, she was able to explore how this would work in practice while have a specialist on-hand to assist. 

The interactive nature of these in-person training sessions allows researchers to ask specific questions and receive tailored advice directly applicable to their unique research challenges. Through the workshop, colleagues were able to gain a working knowledge of AWS and learn how this could positively impact their work. 

Another key concern addressed during the workshop was investment. A computational biologist in attendance was looking to experiment with cloud technologies, carefully weighing the potential costs against the benefits. The sandbox AWS environment provided an invaluable opportunity to test these technologies without financial risk, helping them make well-informed decisions. Being able to participate in collaborative environments during these workshops also provides the opportunity to understand the motives of others to pursue cloud solutions, taking inspiration to see where else they could apply the technology. 

One attendee said:

"I like the atmosphere of the lab very much. We are encouraged to make beyond-the-manual attempts with the free account, and we can raise questions. Although I am not completely new to AWS, I did have some revision and exploration in this introductory session. I am looking forward to seeing more similar and advanced courses in future."  

But it's not all about cloud computing—the Competency Centres offer out a range of other valuable sessions available to all colleagues across the collegiate University. From mastering the ropes of Power Automate with our Workflow and Automation Competency Centre to acquiring your Certificate in Information Security Management Principles (CISMP) with our Cyber Security Competency Centre, these workshops stand as pillars of knowledge, ready to elevate the skillsets of the curious and the ambitious. 

It's this blend of practical guidance, real-world insights, and the potential of accelerated productivity that showcases the value of these training sessions offered by the Competency Centres. The recent AWS workshop stories are but a glimpse of the transformation awaiting the hands-on learner. Further trainings are soon to be offered by our AI and ML Competency Centre, as well as advancements on existing training, so watch this space for exciting opportunities to help you further develop your digital competencies.