The Office of Graduate Research is excited to announce that the update to the REST program is now complete.

Throughout 2024, new content and integrated online courses have been added to the REST modules, and this update is now complete. REST is a compulsory, structured training program for all HDR students, based on the Flinders University Doctorate Graduate Attributes, that consolidates all research and transferrable skills training across the university into one program. It is an individualised program, where students choose the development most relevant to them at particular stages of their candidature. The program uses a self-reflective approach, asking students to reflect on their skills proficiency rather than meeting certain criteria (such as a set amount of points or hours under a domain). REST recognises all development activities, including experiential activities, helping students identify, record and demonstrate the skills they develop as well as those they already possess through prior training or work experience.

The new REST FLO site includes a comprehensive home page explaining program requirements, guiding principles and information, and presenting 22 learning modules mapped to the eight Doctoral Graduate Attributes. Each learning module has clear overviews and outcomes, embedded learning content, progress and module completion overview so students know exactly what they have completed and what is left. Inspire activity completion reflection forms have been embedded in each learning page, so that students can record and reflect on each stage of the learning journey. Students are encouraged to complete the Skills Needs Analysis in Inspire to identify their skills gap, discuss their plans with their supervisors and then review the content on the REST FLO site on the required topic. Please note, the program is compulsory in the sense that students have to engage in their skills development through annual milestone. However, what they choose to engage with and how much is completely up to them and their learning needs.