Bringing postdocs together for inclusive research culture workshop at NCMBM in Oslo

Delivered by Merielli da Rosa, People & Culture Development Partner at EMBL, the course brought together postdoctoral researchers from across the Nordic region to explore how bias, teamwork, and inclusive practices shape the research environment. 

The training was organised under the NORPOD umbrella by Elizabeth Smethurst, NCMBM’s Head of Research Strategy and Chair of the EDI Committee.

The “Shaping Culture” workshop forms part of a broader commitment across the NEP to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) to strengthen positive research culture. Within this framework, the Nordic Postdoctoral Programme in Molecular Medicine (NORPOD), funded by NordForsk, plays a key role in enabling collaboration and professional development across the Partnership. Three current NORPOD fellows took part in the workshop, joining fifteen additional postdoctoral researchers from NCMBM, the University of Oslo (UiO), and partner centres.

Over two days, participants engaged with interactive scenarios, group work, and discussions designed to uncover how unconscious biases influence workplace dynamics, how communication styles differ across cultures, and how inclusive practices can improve scientific collaboration. Throughout the sessions, Merielli da Rosa emphasised reflection, open discussion, and practical strategies for building respectful and equitable academic environments.

One of the key aspects of the workshop was its open and supportive atmosphere; something highlighted by many participants. Ana Reinartz Groba (UIO) described the environment as both constructive and honest: “I really enjoyed the workshop and how the focus of biases and (lack of) inclusivity at our workplace was tackled. I thought it was a perfect balance between practical and lecture-based segments. Both the workshop leader and the group did an amazing job at fostering a safe environment where people could ask questions, discuss their viewpoints and also share their personal experiences.”

Ana added that although some discussions were heavy, the group was guided thoughtfully: “At some points, the discussions were a bit cynical and heavy, but Merielli was very skilled at offering us more optimistic perspective without being dismissive of the experiences themselves.” She highlighted two core take-home messages: that everyone carries biases and should learn to recognise them, and that formalising values (with, for example, a code of conduct) signals their importance and strengthens the culture of a research group.

For several NORPOD fellows, the workshop offered concrete tools to navigate cultural diversity in international research settings. Charlène Sueur, NORPOD fellow (NCMBM and FIMM), said: “I learned a lot, especially about cultural biases, things that feel normal to us but may be seen differently in an international research environment. Recognizing them and having the tools to address them helps create a safe atmosphere where we can grow as team members and as individuals.”

Amanda Muñoz-Juan, NORPOD fellow (DANDRITE and MIMS), emphasised the relevance of the workshop’s real-world cases: “The EDI Training Workshop: Shaping Culture was an interactive space for learning the skills to create an inclusive work environment. The scientific scenarios proposed by the instructor really reflected real situations you can find in academia. Working together to find the best solution was a pleasant and enriching experience that would shape my future career. Now, we all have the responsibility to spread these good habits in our groups.”

Zhihao Yao (NCMBM) echoed the sentiment that the workshop encouraged deep reflection on everyday practice: “I found the EDI course both inspiring and thought-provoking. It reminded me to think more critically about how diversity and inclusion can be embedded in everyday academic practice.”

Participants from other Nordic EMBL Partnership centres also highlighted the value of the training. Alejandra Castañeda Cataña (MIMS) noted how the workshop broadened her thinking about scientific collaboration: “The EDI course provided a space to envision a more collaborative approach to science. It helped me understand how individual differences enrich research and make it more translational. I also realized the importance of developing soft skills and bringing them into our laboratories.”

For Divyesh Patel (NCMBM), the workshop underlined the importance of identifying and addressing bias constructively: “The course provided an insightful approach to building an inclusive research culture by addressing unconscious bias and emphasizing the importance of diversity.”

Organiser Elizabeth Smethurst highlighted the strong engagement from participants across the region. The workshop marks the latest step in the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine’s ongoing efforts to strengthen equity, diversity, and inclusion through training and continued dialogue to support a healthier, more collaborative research environment.

The overwhelmingly positive response from the attendees demonstrates the value of structured, reflective spaces for discussing culture in science. As the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine continues to foster collaboration across borders, such initiatives help ensure that scientific excellence is matched by a shared commitment to respectful and inclusive environment.

About NORPOD

The NORPOD Postdoctoral Programme is the flagship training initiative of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, funded by NordForsk. Designed to foster the next generation of scientits, it provides postdocs with unique opportunities to work across borders, combining expertise, technologies, and mentorship from leading research environments in the Nordic region.

As part of this ambitious programme, fellows pursue cutting-edge projects while experiencing the collaborative spirit and scientific excellence that define the Nordic EMBL Partnership.