SCIENCE LEADERSHIP DAYS
lead. fund. attract.
A 3-Day Programme for Today's Ambitious Science Leaders
DO YOU EXPERIENCE …
lack of leadership training and support?
administrative overload?
recruitment challenges in a competitive market?
YOU'RE NOT ALONE, IF YOU FEEL …
undecided about your leadership style.
ongoing pressure to secure funding.
overwhelmed to attract the right talent.
Your Host and Facilitator:
Dr. Petra Nieckchen
Leadership in Science - Excellence in Communications
Communication Expert • Leader • Consultant • Coach
SCIENCE LEADERSHIP DAYS
OUR 3-DAY PROGRAMME FOR TODAY'S LEADERS IN SCIENCE
What To Expect
Science leaders face pressure from many sides: funding cuts, shifting expectations from staff and society, global competition. You are navigating all of this – while building excellence in research.
This 3-day online programme gives you the space to reflect, strategise, and act.
Each day focuses on one of these essential aspects of science leadership.
You work in a small group of peers, guided by a facilitator who knows your world.
This Programme Is For You, If You Want To:
✔️ Lead with clarity and confidence in a changing research environment
✔️ Align your funding efforts with your long-term goals and save time on proposals
✔️ Understand what motivates your team and foster a productive culture
✔️ Attract top international talent to your research group
✔️ Strengthen your communication with stakeholders inside and outside your institution
What's Not Covered:
Writing funding proposals
Advising on specific funding agencies
Hiring for you
Your Way To The Top
3 Days - 3 Challenges covered
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW:
Day 1 – Lead
June 24, 10-12h & 13-15h
Science Leadership in Transition
Science leaders face growing demands. Reputation is declining. New Work expectations are rising. Policymakers call for stronger engagement—while reducing funds.
You reflect with your peers on recent changes and explore leadership models that fit you and today’s realities.
KEY OUTCOMES
➕ Learn about recommended leadership styles
➕ Match Leadership styles to today’s research realities
➕ Make a First Choice in the workshop
Day 2 – Fund
June 25, 10-12h & 13-15h
3 Steps to Strategic Funding:
Leaders spend on average up to 45% of their time on grant writing. That time should serve your bigger strategy.
You define your funding goals, set criteria for programme selection, and learn how strategic communication supports your proposals.
KEY OUTCOMES
➕ Draft your funding objective based on your research goals
➕ Discover your evaluation matrix that guides you with focus
➕ Frame a first stakeholder communication plan for vital stakeholders
Each step can be deepened in the 1:1 coaching.
Day 3 – Attract
June 26, 10-12h & 13-15h
Attracting Top Talent Amid Global Disruptions
Brexit, Swiss funding access to ERC grants, and US funding shifts offer new chances for EU research.
You explore how to position your organization or group to recruit top international talent — despite global uncertainty.
KEY OUTCOMES
➕ Gain an overview of 3 global research talent trends.
➕ Get to know 3 strategies to attract and retain top researchers.
➕ Map your recruitment process and identify potential leverage.
What You Get
✔️ 3 live online workshops, 4 hours each
✔️ Intentionally small groups for deep exchange
✔️ Small, focused groups for deep exchange
✔️ 3 x 45-minutes 1:1 call for your private matters
✔️ “Reflect to Act” worksheets for planning your implementation
✔️ Tuesday, 24th June to Thursday, 26th of June 2025
✔️ 10–12h and 13–15h
✔️ Workshop recordings are available until 27th of July 2025
✔️ Programme conducted in English
What Participants Say
👤 “Thank you! It was a brilliant workshop. I joined a similar one … — and your's was by far the best!”
👤 “The small group, your specific understanding of our needs, and the open atmosphere were fantastic.”
👤 “I left with new ideas and practical tools. You gave us room to reflect and adjust your input at the right moments.”
About your Host & Facilitator:
I support ambitious science leaders who want to secure more funding and attract top talent. With over 25 years in science communication, I know the research environment inside out.
My clients benefit from deep sector insight and up-to-date knowledge of political trends shaping science.
In our work together, you can count on honest, constructive feedback. I support you where it matters most — so you take action with clarity and confidence.
Dr. Petra Nieckchen
Leadership in Science – Excellence in Communications
"I look back on many years of experience as a leader. Leadership can be both a heavy weight on your shoulders and an uplifting joy of creation.
My food and medicine is communication. Conversations with peers never fail to fuel my creativity and let me focus.
Consequently, I put peer conversations at the core of our programme."
Dr. Petra Nieckchen
SCIENCE LEADERSHIP DAYS
Summer 2025
Lead. Fund. Attract.
YOUR INVESTMENT
Price: Net EUR 1.600,- + 20% VAT per participant
Participation becomes active once payment arrives in our account.
Booking closes:
Saturday, 21st of June 2025, 23:59h
OUR CANCELLATION POLICY
up to 14 days before the event: no fee
up to 3 days before the event: 50%
less than 3 days before the event: 100%
YOU STILL FEEL …
undecided about the Science Leadership Days being for you?
not ready to book yet?
That's what our Free Q&A Sessions are for.
Let's clear things up, shall we? 👉
FAQs
Who gains most from the programme? Group leaders and emerging research leaders keen to sharpen their strategic skills.
What's the group size? Peer group learning and exchange are key components of this programme's design. Therefore, we work in intentionally small groups. The maximum number is 7 participants.
Which time zone do the stated hours follow? All times refer to Central European (Summer) Time (CE(S)T).
How do I access the workshops online? You receive a secure video link after registration and payment confirmation.
Which language do we use during the programme? All live sessions, including materials and discussions, take place in English. If you are interested
in Workshops in German, book a discovery call.
How long can I watch the recordings? Recordings stay available until 27 July 2025 for flexible review.
Can my organisation book seats for several staff members? Yes. Contact us to arrange a group package and simplified invoicing.
Is payment required before participation? Yes. Your place becomes active once the invoice is settled in full.
What if a participant becomes unavailable? You may transfer the seat to a colleague at no extra charge until 21 June 2025.
Which technology do I need? A stable internet connection, webcam, and microphone ensure smooth interaction.
May I attend only one workshop? Yes. Single-day access carries a 30 percent surcharge on the average package price.
YOU HAVE DIFFERENT NEEDS OR IDEAS, LIKE
A tailored Leadership Programme?
Picking only 1 of the Workshops?
An On-Site Workshop?
