I want to especially +1 item (3) here― the best actions for a skill-focused group will be very different depending on how skilled its group members are. Using my own experience organising a biosecurity-focused group (which fizzled out because the core members skilled up and ended up focused on direct work… not a bad outcome).
Some examples of the purposes of skill-focused groups, at different skill levels:
Newcomer = learn together
Member goals: Figure out if you are interested in an area, or what you are interested in within it.
Core Activities: Getting familiar with foundational papers and ideas in the field.
Possible structures: reading groups, giving talks summarizing current work, watching lectures together, collectively brainstorming questions you have, shared research on basic questions.
Advanced Beginner = sharpen ideas
Member goals: Figure out if your ideas and projects in an area are good, be ready to pivot as you learn more.
Core activities: Get feedback on your ideas, find useful resources or potential collaborators.
Possible structures: lightning talks, one person presents and receives feedback on their project, fireside chats or Q&As with experts.
Expert = keep up with the field
Member Goals: Make progress on your projects while staying aware of relevant of new developments.
Core activities: Find potential synergies with your work, get feedback and critique, find collaborators.
Possible structures: seminar series focused on project updates, research reading groups where summary talks are given by more junior group members.
I want to especially +1 item (3) here― the best actions for a skill-focused group will be very different depending on how skilled its group members are. Using my own experience organising a biosecurity-focused group (which fizzled out because the core members skilled up and ended up focused on direct work… not a bad outcome).
Some examples of the purposes of skill-focused groups, at different skill levels:
Newcomer = learn together
Member goals: Figure out if you are interested in an area, or what you are interested in within it.
Core Activities: Getting familiar with foundational papers and ideas in the field.
Possible structures: reading groups, giving talks summarizing current work, watching lectures together, collectively brainstorming questions you have, shared research on basic questions.
Advanced Beginner = sharpen ideas
Member goals: Figure out if your ideas and projects in an area are good, be ready to pivot as you learn more.
Core activities: Get feedback on your ideas, find useful resources or potential collaborators.
Possible structures: lightning talks, one person presents and receives feedback on their project, fireside chats or Q&As with experts.
Expert = keep up with the field
Member Goals: Make progress on your projects while staying aware of relevant of new developments.
Core activities: Find potential synergies with your work, get feedback and critique, find collaborators.
Possible structures: seminar series focused on project updates, research reading groups where summary talks are given by more junior group members.