The UMCG offers a course to early career researchers to support them in their career development, focused on leadership and networking competences. The course consists of three modules spread through one year, and includes a dinner with UMCG leading researchers to exchange experiences.
Within this module, you will take part in an academic leadership training of two blocks of two days each. In block 1, we zoom in on you, your qualities and discuss several communication styles that can help you in your leadership role. After the first block, there will be time to apply the new knowledge and skills in your work. In block 2, we use a systemic approach to understand group dynamics and explore how you can foster an open conversational climate with the help of deep democracy.
The dates for this module are already known: September 30th, October 1st and November 24th and 25th, 2026.
The peer support process helps participants to bring the issues raised into sharper focus, to gain new insights and to explore possible solutions. Peer support groups meet regularly, supported by a coach from the Wenckebach Institute for Education and Training. There will be 4 sessions that last 1.5 hours. The first session will take place in October 2026.
In a series of workshops, you will create a career, research and networking plan together with experts in talent development, impact and funding. In between the workshops, you will have opportunity to apply what you learned and planned. Lectures on good practices by senior researchers from various disciplines will be given to show opportunities and examples from the work floor.
Staff holding a PhD; applicants should or will soon supervise at least one PhD student and have a contract for at least 2 years from the start of the course (until August 2028). Candidates should have not followed the academic leadership course at the UG in the past.
Application form, narrative CV and approval from department head
A selection committee will choose applicants based on initiative and research activities; up to 12 applicants will be selected for 2026.
Submission deadline 20th of March 2026; invitation to participants end of April 2026; start of first training September 2026, end of training July 2027.
Leadership course (2x 2 consecutive days spread over 2 months), peer-sessions (4x 1.5 hours spread over one year), workshops and lectures (3x 2 hours spread over 6 months) dinner (one evening).
€150
Cancellation until 3 weeks before the start of the trainings will not result in financial consequences; applicants from the reserve list will be invited. Cancellations later than 3 weeks will result in the loss of administration fee. Cancellation or more than 20% non-attendance during the training will result in coverage of full training fees (€1200).
Please contact [email protected].
Apply for the Early Career Academic Leadership & Networking Programme
