The Nordic EMBL Partnership brings postdocs together for a Leadership workshop at NCMBM in Oslo
As part of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine (NEP), the Norwegian Centre for Molecular Biosciences and Medicine (NCMBM) recently hosted a two-day Leadership Workshop in Oslo.
Delivered by Tina Persson, from Passage2Pro, the course brought together 21 postdoctoral researchers from across the Nordic region to explore how postdocs can navigate a rapidly changing academic and professional landscape.
The training, organised under the NORPOD umbrella by Marie Goua, Senior Advisor at NCMBM, created a dynamic space for reflection, dialogue, and shared learning across the four nodes of the Nordic EMBL Partnership.
The course also provided the opportunity for the six NORPOD fellows to meet in person for the first time, allowing them to discuss their fellowships, exchange experiences, and build connections in an extraordinary dedicated session.
A leadership programme based on self-awareness
Designed as an integrated two-day learning session, the workshop was built on a central premise: leadership is not defined by position, but by behaviour. Participants were encouraged to reflect on how leadership already shows up in their daily work, and how self-leadership forms the foundation for leading others.
Day 1 focused on understanding the broader research and career landscape, alongside developing self-awareness. Through guided reflection and group discussions, participants explored their individual strengths, motivations, and responses to challenges.
As Karthikeyan Pandi (MIMS) reflected:“This workshop offered a valuable opportunity to better understand who I am; both as a researcher and as a leader.”
The workshop combined individual reflection with group-based activities, encouraging participants to learn not only from the facilitator, but also from each other’s diverse perspectives and experiences.
From awareness to action
Building on these foundations, Day 2 shifted the focus toward adaptability, and future direction. Participants explored how to actively shape their career paths in a system that is increasingly non-linear, where academia represents one of several possibilities.
The programme emphasised that adaptability is not an innate trait, but a skill that can be developed over time. Through practical exercises and open discussion, postdocs were invited to consider how they can respond to uncertainty and take ownership of their professional development.
As Monique Johnson (MIMS) noted: “The workshop strongly emphasised self-discovery and empowerment, encouraging us to take ownership of our skills, choices, and career development.” Eva D'haene (NORPOD Fellow, DANDRITE and FIMM) also highlighted the importance of reflection in this process:“It reinforced the importance of self-awareness: understanding yourself is key to understanding and working effectively with others.”
Strengthening the Nordic network
Beyond the structured sessions, the workshop fostered a strong sense of community among participants from across the Nordic EMBL Partnership. Bringing together researchers from different institutions and disciplines reated opportunities for connection, collaboration, and peer support.
As Alejandra Castañeda Cataña (MIMS) and Pekka Vartiainen (FIMM) shared:“Bringing together postdocs from different Nordic nodes created a unique space for collaboration and sharing experiences, while also broadening our perspectives beyond academia. At the same time, exploring different leadership styles highlighted how diverse approaches to leadership can be equally effective.”
By combining evidence-based insights, co-creation, and open dialogue, the Leadership Workshop reflects the Nordic EMBL Partnership’s commitment to supporting the next generation of researchers; not only as scientists, but as adaptable, reflective, and proactive leaders in a changing world.
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.