First network retreat for younger research talents

“I hope this will be around every year,” said Elena Papaleo on her way out from hotel Comwell in Snekkersten. Elena is in the middle of her research career and, along with 30 other researchers, she had been invited to the Networking Retreat for Young Academic Leaders earlier this week to get a boost to her career.

The DNRF invited a number of speakers, who, with their experience at a Center of Excellence, shed light on various aspects of the role of a head of research. For example, what challenges lie in going from being a young researcher to being the leader of a team? How do you ensure innovation and excellence in your research, and what about the world outside the laboratory? How can you work across disciplines and sectors?

The topics were vigorously debated over the two days, and the participants were deeply engaged in group work and gave inspiring presentations about their thoughts in relation to being in the middle of a research career.

This is the first time that the Danish National Research Foundation has organized a course specifically for young research talents. These young researchers are already supported and trained in the foundation’s Centers of Excellence. With the network course, the researchers will have the opportunity to meet each other outside the centers.

“It is always a good idea to meet peers outside your own sector who are in the same situation as you are.
Networking across disciplines provides room for reflection and inspiration,” says DNRF director Søren-Peter Olesen, who was also part of the course.

You can meet some of the participants from the Networking Retreat for Young Academic Leaders in the video here:

Facts:
Networking Retreat for Young Academic Leaders
September 26-27, 2022, at Comwell Borupgaard, Snekkersten.