Leading a research group requires skills that are not part of the conventional training of scientists: managing a team, setting goals, navigating conflict. The EMBO Young Investigator Network biennial retreats are designed to address the gap between scientific training and the demands of being a group leader.
This year retreat was held from 1 to 5 June 2026 in Joachimsthal, brought together close to 50 researchers for networking, professional development in the forests north of Berlin.
The participants included 20 EMBO Young Investigators, 17 EMBO Installation Grantees and 9 EMBO Global Investigators from countries across Europe, Asia and Latin America.
The training programme offered six courses running across the week. In Advanced Leadership, participants used reflective exercises to examine their own leadership values and working styles, then practised giving feedback, managing performance and handling difficult conversations. The Self Leadership workshop asked participants to work through their values, biases and personal strengths, and explore strategies for sustaining performance and wellbeing over the long term.
Other sessions addressed the day-to-day logistics involved with leading and managing a group. A course on recruiting and supervising PhD students and postdocs covered many aspects of the job, from writing job descriptions and running selection processes to recognising signs of challenges and supporting career transitions. The Project Portfolio Management session used case discussions to help researchers prioritise across competing projects and communicate decisions clearly to their teams. A workshop on applying design principles to schematic figures gave participants practical tools for communicating science visually. The week closed with an evening session on Effective Scientific Presentations from Carsten Janke, a former EMBO Young Investigator from 2008 to 2011.
Trainer Melissa Davies, who led the Self Leadership workshop alongside Sylvie Fessard, described participants as engaged and committed to a different style of leadership. “The kindness, sharing, and openness to showing vulnerability were very moving. The workshop gave a safe space that was much needed”, Davies commented.
The opportunity to self-reflect and learn new skills was something participants recognised and valued. “Events like this allow us to step back, rethink our approaches, learn from one another, and return to our institutes with new ideas, renewed motivation, and often a healthier perspective on leadership and career development,” said EMBO Installation Grantee Urszula McClurg. “It is incredibly reassuring to spend time with colleagues facing many of the same challenges and to realise that none of us are navigating this journey alone.”
For EMBO Global Investigator Rajender Motiani, who travelled from India, the week was a very thoughtful retreat with excellent hospitality. EMBO Young Investigator Sam Behjati highlighted the format and the environment EMBO had created. “A very special format that offers the rare opportunity for in-depth intellectual discourse and reflection,” said Behjati, adding that EMBO had succeeded in achieving meaningful diversity and creating an inclusive environment.
The next EMBO Young Investigator Network retreat will take place in 2028.
