Prior information notice
This notice is for prior information only
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
University of Strathclyde
Learning & Teaching Building, 49 Richmond Street
Glasgow
G1 1XU
UK
Contact person: Ejiro Fajinmi
Telephone: +44 7811592949
E-mail: ejiro.fajinmi@strath.ac.uk
NUTS: UKM82
Internet address(es)
Main address: http://www.strath.ac.uk/
Address of the buyer profile: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00113
I.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
I.5) Main activity
Education
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Provision of Researcher Development Programme - 5 Lots
Reference number: UOS-35870-2025
II.1.2) Main CPV code
80000000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
The University of Strathclyde seeks suppliers to design and deliver a comprehensive suite of training courses to support skills development for postgraduate researchers. Suppliers will be required to create courses that collectively address the full range of skills outlined within the defined Lots. Suppliers will be able to submit bids for one, multiple, or all Lots. Part‑Lot submissions will not be accepted; however, partnership arrangements between bidders to enable a full Lot submission will be permitted.
Lot 1 – Communicating: General
Courses in this Lot should support researchers to develop broad communication capabilities suitable for public and professional contexts. Areas that should be covered:
- Public engagement and outreach
- Developing and communicating a personal voice or brand
- Effective use of social media
- Building and engaging with professional networks
Lot 2 – Communicating: Academic
Courses within this Lot should strengthen researchers’ communication and presentation skills within academic environments. Areas that should be covered:
- Presentation skills (beginner and advanced)
- Poster design and presentation
- Viva preparation
- Three Minute Thesis training
Lot 3 – Thriving in Your Research
This Lot focuses on developing researchers’ personal effectiveness and capacity to thrive throughout the research journey. Areas that should be covered:
- Understanding and navigating the PhD journey
Time and project management
- Imposter syndrome and confidence building
- Resilience and wellbeing
- General professional skills for researchers
Lot 4 – Writing – Academic
Courses in this Lot should support researchers in developing writing skills for academic publication and research outputs. Areas that should be covered:
- Writing for and publishing in STEAM, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business journals
- Conducting and writing literature reviews
- Thesis structuring and writing
- Grant writing
Lot 5 – Writing – General
This Lot encompasses broader writing skills applicable across disciplines and contexts. Areas that should be covered:
- Writing styles and techniques
- Reflective and narrative writing
- Editing strategies, tools, and techniques
Courses provided under any Lot must:
- be a blended format of online – and in-person on the University of Strathclyde campus;
- be held at least twice during the period October-May, inclusive, depending on participant demand; be held on dates agreed prior to October each year;
- be delivered by trainers with experience delivering practical training in the Higher Education sector, with a breadth of knowledge from a range of disciplines and sectors;
- use a blended format of course materials, and individual and group-based activities;
- use practical exercises to reinforce and enhance the skills learned.
- the University of Strathclyde will provide suitable space for in-person courses, refreshment for participants, and printing of materials.
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
Yes
II.2) Description
Lot No: 1
II.2.1) Title
Provision of Researcher Development Programme
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
80500000
80510000
80521000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM82
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
The University of Strathclyde seeks suppliers to design and deliver a comprehensive suite of training courses to support skills development for postgraduate researchers. Suppliers will be required to create courses that collectively address the full range of skills outlined within the defined Lots. Suppliers will be able to submit bids for one, multiple, or all Lots. Part‑Lot submissions will not be accepted; however, partnership arrangements between bidders to enable a full Lot submission will be permitted.
Lot 1 – Communicating: General
Courses in this Lot should support researchers to develop broad communication capabilities suitable for public and professional contexts. Areas that should be covered:
- Public engagement and outreach
- Developing and communicating a personal voice or brand
- Effective use of social media
- Building and engaging with professional networks
Lot No: 2
II.2.1) Title
Provision of Researcher Development Programme - Lot 2
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
80000000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM82
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 2 – Communicating: Academic
Courses within this Lot should strengthen researchers’ communication and presentation skills within academic environments. Areas that should be covered:
- Presentation skills (beginner and advanced)
- Poster design and presentation
- Viva preparation
- Three Minute Thesis training
Lot No: 3
II.2.1) Title
Provision of Researcher Development Programme - Lot 3
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
80000000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM82
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 3 – Thriving in Your Research
This Lot focuses on developing researchers’ personal effectiveness and capacity to thrive throughout the research journey. Areas that should be covered:
- Understanding and navigating the PhD journey
- Time and project management
- Imposter syndrome and confidence building
- Resilience and wellbeing
- General professional skills for researchers
Lot No: 4
II.2.1) Title
Provision of Researcher Development Programme - Lot 4
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
80000000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM82
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 4 – Writing – Academic
Courses in this Lot should support researchers in developing writing skills for academic publication and research outputs. Areas that should be covered:
- Writing for and publishing in STEAM, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business journals
- Conducting and writing literature reviews
- Thesis structuring and writing
- Grant writing
Lot No: 5
II.2.1) Title
Provision of Researcher Development Programme - Lot 5
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
80000000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM82
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 5 – Writing – General
This Lot encompasses broader writing skills applicable across disciplines and contexts. Areas that should be covered:
- Writing styles and techniques
- Reflective and narrative writing
- Editing strategies, tools, and techniques
II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:
18/05/2026
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.3) Additional information
Courses provided under any Lot must:
- be a blended format of online – and in-person on the University of Strathclyde campus;
- be held at least twice during the period October-May, inclusive, depending on participant demand; be held on dates agreed prior to October each year;
- be delivered by trainers with experience delivering practical training in the Higher Education sector, with a breadth of knowledge from a range of disciplines and sectors;
- use a blended format of course materials, and individual and group-based activities;
- use practical exercises to reinforce and enhance the skills learned.
- the University of Strathclyde will provide suitable space for in-person courses, refreshment for participants, and printing of materials.
All interested parties must register their interest no later than close of business on 13th April 2026 by completing the attached PIN Questionnaire and emailing it to ejiro.fajinmi@strath.ac.uk
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=827851.
(SC Ref:827851)
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
31/03/2026