Common questions about the Research Student Log

Where can I access the research log?

The Log can be accessed at: https://researchlog.grad.ucl.ac.uk/

What is the minimum expectation for use of the research log?

The minimum on-going engagement required is that the student complete the periodic reviews. (IOE is currently in discussions about the timing of these.) This can be a very brief note, based on a conversation within a tutorial. Once the student has completed the review, an e-mail automatically goes to the supervisor, and the supervisor then needs to approve the review. This is done in the ‘log progress’ section’.

How do I use the log?

There are quick reference guides for students and supervisors on the main login page.

Are IOE students expected to use all functions of the research log?

No. Some IOE students may not find the research log a good fit and therefore won’t be expected to use it extensively.

There is no need to fill out sections of the Log retrospectively. Students who want to address this can adjust their start date at the point of login in the ‘About Me’ section. However, if students wish to complete earlier sections with red triangles, they can do this.

How do students add IOE training courses?

You need to first find the IOE training course on the Inkpath system. Here you can add it to both Inkpath and your Research Log. It is advisable at this stage to write a summary of the course and to reflect on your learning. This will help you when you have to write a statement on your training for the Upgrade and also for the Annual Review exercise.
Once you have completed the course, you need to mark this activity as complete on Inkpath and the training points the course accrues will be moved over to your Research Log.
N.B. This is a route to record training, not to register for courses.

Do students have to use and update the self assessment sections?

Students should complete one self assessment when they begin their programme or first use the log. It is not necessary after that. Although UCL encourages use of the self-assessment tool provided within the Log, any self-assessment is acceptable.

What additional functions does the log have that might be helpful?

The Log is data protection compliant – so students can save back-ups of work and data on the log.

Who can access the log and how is information in the log used?

The department graduate tutors, faculty graduate tutor and the central UCL doctoral school are able to access the log, if needed. They might access the information to help to respond to queries, concerns or complaints. The UCL doctoral school also compiles quantitative data on log usage, to report on supervisory practice to external bodies.