The word “research” often conjures up a sense of mystique to the layperson. The research process holds tantalizing mystery even for experienced researchers. We are well aware that inspiration and creativity are integral to its inception as well as advancement. But as few now believe in the existence of Muses, from where does inspiration come? Can creativity be taught or enhanced systematically? These are but some of the questions concerning the nature of research that many ask and try to understand.

While there is no universally accepted approach for teaching students to be more creative in research, there are some basic principles, methodologies and skills with which postgraduate students can equip themselves in the arduous task of doing research. Most of these information and skills are best imparted by the students’ supervisors as they work together. However, some skills are also cross-disciplinary in their nature and can be taught in a more formal or systematic manner, e.g., laboratory safety, searching for and analysis of information, principles and ethics in documentation, presentation skills, and so forth.

For over a decade, the Graduate School has organized related short courses to help postgraduate students do their research. These modules are collectively referred to as the Improving Postgraduate Learning (IPL) programme. These courses have been well received by past postgraduates and the overall number of IPL modules has increased from 16 (in 1995/1996) to 43 (in 2010/2011) with corresponding increases in the number of participants.

Most IPL short courses are optional for postgraduate students. However, I would urge all research postgraduate students to consider seriously taking every module that has potential relevancy to their research endeavors. Supervisors and division heads should also promote these modules to their respective students. Please note that the module “Observing Intellectual Property and Copyright Law during Research” is compulsory for all research postgraduate students admitted on or after July 1st 2001. The module “Laboratory Safety” is compulsory for students who have to carry out laboratory experiments.

IPL has been organized and administratively supported by the Centre for Learning Enhancement And Research (CLEAR). I would like to voice a personal note of thanks to the Director and the other staff members of CLEAR as well as to all the teachers of the modules for their contributions.

Professor Wong Wing Shing
Dean, Graduate School
The Chinese University of Hong Kong