NeSI training: overcoming challenges – raising capability
Ms Megan Guidry1
1New Zealand eScience Infrastructure, Auckland, New Zealand
Situation
NeSI’s purpose is to grow the computational capability of New Zealand researchers to ensure our future prosperity. It is a simple purpose, but the execution gets tricky when considering what it takes to successfully and sustainably grow computational capability: namely, building community, consistently delivering value to those in the sector, and leveraging finite resources.
Task
As NeSI develops its training service the team often encounters challenges. For instance, we learned that it was common for recently trained Carpentries instructors to feel reluctant to organise or coordinate their first workshop. We did not realise feelings of unease or uncertainly round the planning process was such a significant blocker for those wanting to deliver workshops. This realisation, and several others will be explored in the talk.
Action
With every challenge comes insight and an opportunity to grow. This talk will focus on several specific issues that NeSI training has encountered and how we have addressed these issues to improve the training service as a whole. Some topics that will be discussed include how a small team manages huge training demand, adjusting our outreach efforts for prospective users, and being more intentional about training partnerships.
Result
The NeSI training service is constantly changing and developing. This talk will focus on this development and will be geared towards those interested in eResearch capability development in New Zealand and Australasia.
Biography:
Megan Guidry is the Regional Coordinator for the Carpentries in New Zealand and also works as the training lead for New Zealand eScience Infrastructure (NeSI). Her main priority is raising the eResearch capability in New Zealand through training delivery and community building.