Team dynamics and intercultural communication Leadership styles and strategies Common leadership pitfalls and solutions Self-awareness and personal leadership profiles Trainer: Prof. Matteo Garavoglia (Tsinghua University & University of Oxford) — an experienced international trainer specializing in leadership, communication, and academic development. Understanding formal and informal power structures in academia Identifying micropolitical dynamics and challenges Negotiation tools and strategies for complex situations Approaches to manage diversity in academic settings Format & Methods: Interactive exercises, case discussions, and strategy development to apply insights to real-world scenarios. Trainer: Anke Kautz

Securing external funding is a key part of a successful research career. This workshop equips postdoctoral researchers with the knowledge and practical tools needed to design, structure, and write strong grant proposals. Participants will gain insight into the fundraising process in science, explore major funding opportunities in Germany and the EU, and learn how to write from the reviewer’s point of view. The course combines theoretical input with hands-on individual and group exercises to help participants develop their own funding strategies and proposal drafts. Story telling (Coaches: Katharina Rosin) This workshop is designed for postdocs who aspire to make their research impactful and memorable, even to audiences outside the scientific community. Participants will you will get to know the key elements of the storytelling method and put them into practice to convey their own scientific ideas. The workshop will cover the basics of storytelling and various storytelling frameworks as well as how to create the protagonist of their research story. Participants will learn to define the intended impact of their story and master captivating storytelling techniques. The workshop includes practical exercises and peer feedback, helping participants refine their storytelling skills to effectively communicate their scientific ideas. Overview: Get a hands-on insight into consulting in the life sciences. Learn how to evaluate early-stage drug opportunities by balancing scientific, strategic, and commercial aspects.