But each time a celebration takes place at EMBL, behind the scenes the hard work is continuing apace \u2013 Helke Hillebrand and her team are laying out the bricks and mortar of the internal training programme \u2013 home to more than 500 PhD students, postdocs, undergraduates, and interns across EMBL\u2019s five sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFellows are a crucial part of the academic community at EMBL, and have a tremendous impact on research, innovation, and campus life,\u201d says Hillebrand, who is EMBL\u2019s Academic Coordinator and Dean of Graduate Studies. \u201cOur job is to provide a framework for that success, so that they can develop, collaborate and succeed. This includes screening and recruitment, advice and mentorship, and building connections with some of the best universities in Europe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The defining identity of the internal training programme will always remain: small group sizes, close mentorship, academic freedom, collaboration and collegiality, as well as a good dose of social activities, which make EMBL a unique place in which to learn and develop.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The ferns that line the windowsill of Hillebrand\u2019s office hint towards her research background, plant science, where before joining EMBL almost seven years ago she worked in research coordination, technology management and financial communication, focussing on scientific innovation. These experiences, she says, mirror the internal training programme\u2019s emphasis not only on academic success, but communication, teamwork and innovation. \u201cOne of the most challenging aspects of a scientific management role is the need to wear a plethora of hats in parallel \u2013 all of a sudden you are required to be a teacher, fundraiser, supervisor, spokesperson, mentor and sometimes all of these at once,\u201d she explains. \u201cWhether in academia, industry, or other, these are important skills to develop, and can be continuously improved.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No day the same<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One day the team might be facilitating training courses, strengthening ties with other academic institutions, supporting fellows in their independent planning of symposia or retreats, or organising events such as EMBL\u2019s Career Day. The next could involve spreading word of the programme at career fairs, negotiating contract extensions, writing grants, consulting with group leaders on academic or administrative topics, working with faculty towards defining the strategies for the future of the programmes, or providing individual support to fellows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the most challenging aspects of a scientific management role is the need to wear a plethora of hats in parallel.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFellows are highly motivated, inquisitive, intelligent and are ambassadors of their cultures and countries,\u201d she explains, pointing to a list of alumni destinations that reads like an encyclopaedia of scientific careers. \u201cOne challenge is to adapt and respond as science evolves and to continue to provide an environment best suited for preparing fellows for their next move. But the defining identity of the internal training programme will always remain: small group sizes, close mentorship, academic freedom, collaboration and collegiality, as well as a good dose of social activities, which make EMBL a unique place in which to learn and develop. Our offices are always open, and it is a privilege to contribute to the rich academic experience on our campuses, working with talented and inspiring young people from all over the world.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Meet Dean of Graduate Studies, Helke Hillebrand.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":3267,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[75,57,27],"embl_taxonomy":[],"class_list":["post-3226","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lab-matters","tag-phd","tag-postdoc","tag-training"],"acf":{"article_intro":"
Graduation ceremonies feel like the bright light at the end of a long and challenging journey \u2013 the culmination of an incredible rollercoaster of research, teamwork, and personal development.<\/p>\n","related_links":false,"article_sources":false,"vf_locked":false,"featured":false,"color":"#007B53"},"embl_taxonomy_terms":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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