Growing Healthy Clear Inclusive Organized Collaborative researchers, stronger science!
Growing Healthy Clear Inclusive Organized Collaborative researchers,
stronger science!
Training Essentials
Target Audience
- Early career researchers
- Doctoral students
- Postdocs & junior group leaders
Training Methodology
- Individualized and collaborative
- Research-based content
- Practice with exercises
Trainer Expertise
- Strong background in physics research
- Experienced and engaging presenter
- Dedicated to inclusivity and academic growth
Attendee Testimonials
87% of participants rate our trainings as excellent or good and 78% would recommend them to others.
Training Descriptions
Communication Skills
Master Academic Presentations: Storytelling, Slide-Writing and Delivery
Participants: max. 15
Time: 2 days (16 h including 2 lunches and 8 breaks)
You know your research is important, but how do you convince others? For researchers, communicating complex ideas clearly and memorably is essential. Yet academic presentations often fall short, leaving audiences confused and disengaged. Common approaches tend to prioritize either technical accuracy or clarity—at the expense of the other. But there is a way to achieve both.
Our method equips you with practical strategies to elevate your presentations using simple and effective storytelling, slide-writing, and delivery techniques. You’ll discover a research-based approach to crafting presentations that captivate audiences and amplify your research’s reach and impact.
In this hands-on workshop, which combines lessons with individual projects and group discussions, you’ll learn and practice skills such as:
- Structuring your presentation with the audience in mind,
- Finding the story in your data,
- Helping audiences understand your research by tapping into how people think,
- Crafting clear slides that reinforce your message,
- Using storytelling techniques to keep the audience engaged,
- Balancing content and timing,
- Rehearsing and refining your delivery with tips from theater.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll know how to craft a presentation with a compelling storyline and a structured slide deck. You’ll also receive personalized feedback on your draft presentation and delivery from the instructor. Imagine stepping into your next presentation feeling confident that your message is clear and memorable. Join us to transform your presentations into compelling experiences that engage and inform.
Strengthen Your Research Connections Through Empathy and Active Listening
Participants: max. 10
Time: 4.5 h (including 2 breaks)
Do misunderstandings and conflicts cause delays or missed opportunities in your research? In demanding, intercultural research environments, effective interpersonal communication is essential. However, most approaches focus on getting your point across rather than understanding others’ perspectives.
Our method equips you with evidenced-based, practical skills to build productive interactions through empathy and active listening—skills that will, in turn, help you strengthen collaborations and navigate conflicts constructively.
In this hands-on workshop, which combines lessons with role-plays and group discussions, you’ll learn and practice skills such as:
- Using empathy to enhance teamwork and inclusivity,
- Decoding then responding to others’ perspectives and needs,
- Practicing perspective-shifting with empathy maps,
- Recognizing and interpreting verbal and non-verbal cues,
- Asking for context while looking for subtext,
- Using tactful humor to defuse emotionally charged situations,
- Tailoring empathetic responses to individuals.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll have the tools to communicate with greater understanding and responsiveness. Imagine forming meaningful, lasting research connections that support your growth and success. Join us to communicate with colleagues and peers smoothly, even in challenging situations.
Professional Development
Plan and Follow Through: Goal Setting, Time Tracking and Project Management for Early Career Researchers
Participants: max. 15
Time: 1.5 days (12 h, including 1 lunch and 6 breaks)
Feeling overwhelmed by your research workload? Many early career researchers struggle to set clear goals, organize projects, and manage their time effectively. Often, typical planning and productivity strategies don’t stick or fully address the demands of academic work.
Our approach combines evidence-based methods in goal setting, time tracking, and project management to give you a practical, flexible framework addressing the unique challenges researchers face. It’s designed to help you develop sustainable habits for planning, organizing, and following through on your research goals.
In this hands-on workshop, which combines lessons with individual exercises and group discussions, you’ll learn and practice skills such as:
- Defining and prioritizing goals aligned with your research objectives,
- Estimating the time you realistically have available,
- Adopting a unified organization method for the short, medium, and long term,
- Breaking down complex research projects into manageable tasks,
- Harnessing digital and analog tools to streamline your planning and tracking,
- Recognizing how your personality affects your ability to plan and follow through,
- Optimizing your schedule with time batching and time blocking techniques,
- Assessing your progress regularly and making effective adjustments,
- Coping productively with stress and procrastination.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a structured plan for the next quarter, designed to keep you organized and motivated. Imagine a future where your projects are on track, your goals are achievable, and you have a reliable system to keep your research moving forward. Join us to make that future a reality.
Plan and Deliver: Roadmap Planning, Time Allocation and Project Management for Junior Group Leaders
Participants: max. 10
Time: 1 day (9 h including lunch and 4 breaks)
Struggling to keep your team’s research on track while balancing leadership responsibilities? Junior group leaders often find it challenging to coordinate team goals, organize complex projects, and maintain steady progress. Traditional project management techniques often don’t fully address the unique demands of research environments, leaving both you and your team feeling stretched thin.
Our approach combines evidence-based strategies in roadmap planning, strategic time allocation, and agile project management to provide you with a flexible framework tailored to the challenges of research leadership. It’s designed to help you establish sustainable systems for planning and driving your team’s success, even in a complex research landscape.
In this hands-on workshop, which combines lessons with individual exercises and group discussions, you’ll learn and practice skills such as:
- Defining team goals that fit your research objectives and funding requirements,
- Developing a roadmap for key project phases, including grant proposal timelines,
- Adopting a unified organization method for the short, medium, and long term,
- Implementing agile project management techniques adapted to academic settings,
- Breaking down complex research initiatives into actionable team tasks,
- Using digital and analog tools to track team responsibilities and project deliverables,
- Optimizing project timelines and time allocation to balance your team’s workload,
- Conducting regular progress assessments to mitigate the sunk cost effect,
- Navigating unexpected setbacks and fostering resilience within your team.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll leave with a practical roadmap for the next quarter, designed to keep you and your team aligned and motivated. Imagine a future where your team’s goals are clear, your projects are on schedule, and you have a reliable system to guide your research group toward success. Join us to bring that vision to life and become the group leader your team needs.
Career Planning After the PhD: Choose the Right Path for You
Participants: max. 15
Time: 1.5 days (12 h including lunch and 6 breaks)
Do you feel lost or discouraged whenever you think about your future career? Most career planning approaches focus only on technical skills. But finding a fulfilling career after a PhD involves much more; it requires a thoughtful, personalized plan that aligns with your values and aspirations. Without a structured approach, early career researchers feel unsure about their options, how to choose between them or how to apply for their preferred positions.
Our method equips you with evidence-based strategies to build a meaningful career plan that reflects who you are, not just what you can do. Through a structured process, you’ll identify your goals, values, strengths, and the positions that best match them—in academia and beyond.
In this hands-on workshop, which combines lessons with individual assessments and group discussions, you’ll learn and practice skills such as:
- Recognizing your values, strengths, skills, work habits and personal circumstances,
- Exploring career paths in academia, industry, entrepreneurship, government, and non-profits,
- Setting clear and achievable short- and long-term goals,
- Conducting regular assessments and adjustments to your career plan,
- Building and utilizing your professional network to open up career opportunities,
- Managing the stress of a career change,
- Writing a compelling CV, resume, and cover letter.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll leave with a roadmap for exploring and pursuing fulfilling careers beyond the PhD. Imagine cutting through the noise and feeling ready to take meaningful steps toward your future career. Join us to create your unique path forward.
Networking Inside and Outside Academia
Participants: max. 20
Time: 3 h (including 1 break)
Do you find it difficult to approach new contacts or engage existing ones? Networking is a critical skill for career advancement in academia and beyond, but it’s often neglected or misunderstood. Many researchers struggle to find effective networking tactics—some methods feel too pushy, others too formal, and some are simply too time-consuming.
Our method offers a balanced approach to networking, focusing on evidence-based strategies to build and sustain valuable connections without loosing time. You’ll learn how to set purposeful networking goals and take actionable steps to grow a professional network that supports your career.
In this hands-on workshop, which combines lessons with individual assessments and role-plays, you’ll learn and practice skills such as:
- Defining your career goals and identifying connections that align with them,
- Creating an effective elevator pitch,
- Distinguishing between scientific and non-scientific networking,
- Identifying key contacts and engaging with them effectively,
- Using improvisation techniques to connect with a variety of people,
- Enhancing your communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll leave with practical strategies for expanding and nurturing a professional network. Imagine confidently connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Join us to build the skills to foster relationships that can support you on your career journey.
Mental Health
How to Be a Kind and Happy Researcher: Mental Health Tactics for Academics
Participants: max. 25
Time: 3 h (including 1 break)
Struggling to balance the demands of research with your well-being? Many early career researchers find it challenging to prioritize mental health in high-stress environments. And traditional coping strategies may not address the unique pressures of academia, leaving researchers feeling isolated or burned out.
Our method equips you with evidence-based approaches for fostering kindness and happiness in academic settings. Through a holistic, practical framework, you’ll learn sustainable habits to support mental health—for yourself and those around you.
In this hands-on workshop, which combines lessons with individual assessments and group discussions, you’ll learn and practice skills such as:
- Pursuing meaningful goals aligned with your aspirations,
- Building strong relationships inside and outside academia,
- Managing stress and maintaining a positive attitude,
- Recognizing when, how and from whom to seek help,
- Boosting your well-being and mental health through proven strategies,
- Promoting a culture of kindness and compassion in your research community.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll be equipped with practical tactics to enhance your well-being and create a positive academic environment. Imagine a future where you and your colleagues flourish—feeling grounded, valued, and connected. Join us to make academia a kinder, more fulfilling place for everyone.
Cultivating Resilience and a Growth Mindset in Academia
Participants: max. 20
Time: 1 day (7 h including lunch and 2 breaks)
Are setbacks and failures in your research causing frustration? Early career researchers often encounter obstacles that can feel daunting, and conventional advice may seem superficial or misaligned with academia’s unique demands, leaving many feeling discouraged. The right tools, however, can transform these hardships into opportunities for growth.
Our method offers research-backed approaches to build resilience and adopt a growth mindset, helping you navigate the ups and downs of academia with confidence. You’ll develop adaptable, practical strategies to bounce back after challenges and build a mindset that fosters long-term success and satisfaction.
In this hands-on workshop, which combines lessons with individual assessments and group discussions, you’ll learn and practice skills such as:
- Normalizing and learning from failures and setbacks,
- Leveraging your strengths to build resilience,
- Watching for signs of burnout and making time for life outside academia,
- Embracing a mindset of continual growth,
- Navigating imposter syndrome and self-doubt effectively,
- Harnessing the power of both positive and negative emotions,
- Preparing for common academic challenges and learning to pivot,
- Recognizing how culture shapes our mindset.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll have practical tools to foster resilience and a growth mindset that will sustain you throughout your academic career. Imagine a future where you meet challenges with confidence, view setbacks as growth opportunities, and maintain a balanced life. Join us to build the resilience you need to succeed in academia.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Become an Ally for Minorities in Science
Participants: max. 15
Time: 4.5 h (including 2 breaks)
Do you want to help minorities, but don’t know where to start? Inclusive, equitable spaces benefit everyone, yet researchers often lack guidance on how to support gender, sexual, cultural and societal minorities effectively. Many focus on broad diversity initiatives, which may lack the specificity to support individual groups. Others turn to minority colleagues for insights, inadvertently adding to their burden.
Our approach provides evidence-based, practical strategies to foster inclusivity and become a proactive ally. You’ll learn how to recognize and combat biases, advocate for equity, and create a welcoming academic community for all.
In this hands-on workshop, which combines lessons with scenario analyses and group discussions, you’ll learn and practice skills such as:
- Understanding who is a minority in science and why intersectionality matters,
- Recognizing when stereotype threat might affect academic performance,
- Examining both conscious and unconscious biases,
- Reflecting on your own disadvantages and privileges,
- Practicing perspective-shifting through active listening and empathy mapping,
- Identifying and addressing microaggressions.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll leave with a personalized allyship action plan ready to implement. Imagine a research community where everyone can thrive and contribute to scientific advancements. Join us to take an active role in shaping that inclusive future.
Building Bridges in Science: Practice Empathy, Listen Actively and Become an Ally
Participants: max. 10
Time: 1 day (9 h including lunch and 4 breaks)
Do you want to understand others better and help those who are struggling? Interpersonal communication and allyship are essential skills in diverse research environments. Yet, they are often overlooked in favor of skills that prioritize individual over group achievements.
Our method equips you with research-backed strategies to foster a supportive, inclusive research culture through empathy and active listening. You’ll learn how to be an effective ally, communicate with sensitivity, and build stronger connections that help everyone succeed.
In this hands-on workshop, which combines lessons with scenario analyses, role-plays, and group discussions, you’ll learn and practice skills such as:
- Using empathy to enhance teamwork and inclusivity,
- Decoding then responding to others’ perspectives and needs,
- Practicing perspective-shifting with empathy maps,
- Recognizing and interpreting verbal and non-verbal cues,
- Asking for context while looking for subtext,
- Using tactful humor to defuse emotionally charged situations,
- Tailoring empathetic responses to individuals,
- Understanding who is a minority in science and why intersectionality matters,
- Recognizing when stereotype threat might affect academic performance,
- Examining both conscious and unconscious biases,
- Reflecting on your own disadvantages and privileges,
- Identifying and addressing microaggressions.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll understand how to communicate effectively and how to use that knowledge to create positive change in your research community. Imagine a research team where everyone feels understood, valued, and empowered to contribute fully. Join us to develop the skills that build bridges in science.
You Belong in Academia: Empowering Minority Researchers to Overcome Challenges
Participants: max. 15
Time: 1 day (8 h including lunch and 4 breaks)
Are you struggling as a minority researcher? Women, people of color, expats, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other minorities often face unique and amplified challenges. Some attempt to cope by minimizing their identity, hoping to fit in, while others rely solely on themselves to overcome difficulties—strategies that can leave them feeling even more isolated or unwelcome.
Our approach empowers you with research-backed tools to overcome internal pressures, like imposter syndrome, and external obstacles, such as unconscious bias and microaggressions. You’ll explore ways to strengthen your sense of belonging and well-being in academia, equipping you for success despite systemic and psychological barriers.
In this hands-on workshop, which combines lessons with individual assessments and group discussions, you’ll learn and practice skills such as:
- Understanding who is a minority in science and why intersectionality matters,
- Recognizing when stereotype threat might affect your academic performance,
- Navigating imposter syndrome and self-doubt effectively,
- Reducing stress and preventing burnout with flexible coping strategies,
- Addressing unconscious bias and microaggressions,
- Enhancing well-being and mental health with evidence-based tactics,
- Mastering conflict resolution and assertive communication,
- Developing and strengthening your support network.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll gain practical tools to face and overcome pervasive challenges in academia. Imagine feeling empowered to confidently step into your role in the academic community. Join us to strengthen your sense of belonging as you pursue your academic career.
