In an effort to enhance the professional development of life scientists, EMBO (European Molecular Biology Organization) works to implement various funding and support schemes. This initiative includes Lithuania among the eleven targeted countries, fostering broader participation and strengthening the European scientific community. The strategic collaboration enabled programs like the "Laboratory Leadership" course to be hosted at Vilnius University for the first time, thereby equipping young scientists with critical leadership skills.
From July 2nd to 5th, the VU Life Sciences Center hosted the EMBO training course "Laboratory Leadership" which was attended by seventeen young investigators and group leaders from various Lithuanian scientific institutions. Conducted by expert trainers CJ Fitzsimons and Mette Hvied Lauesen from the "Leadership Sculptor" organization, the four-day full-time program was highly dynamic and interactive. It covered a wide range of topics, including the role of a leader, team dynamics, feedback and criticism, motivation, and conflict resolution. The course combined valuable theoretical insights with practical activities tailored to the research environment, focusing on team management, effective communication, healthy conflict resolution, and managing workloads and responsibilities. Overall, it provided an in-depth exploration of leadership, offering tools to improve team growth and management.
Here are some reflections from the course instructors and participants:
CJ Fitzsimons ("Leadership Sculptor" CEO and senior trainer) “It was clear that the approach to leadership to which they had previously been exposed was very much oriented towards the goal. They appreciated the counterbalancing attention to the needs and development of their people that our approach brings. We are excited and hopeful to see the positive impact that the seeds that have been planted will bring forth over time.”
Lina Aitmanaitė (VU Life Sciences Center) “Many aspects discussed in training can be applied at work. Sessions on feedback formation, conflict management, motivation, and general communication are particularly useful.”
Agata Mlynska (National Cancer Institute) „I am very satisfied with the course, the expectations regarding their content and quality are more than met. The instructors turned out to be professional, having accumulated a lot of professional (and life) experience, with the help of which they revealed to us the nuances of leadership not only from the perspective of a life science researcher but also showed us a wider human context. The instructors managed time and group dynamics well. The courses turned out to be informative, with a lot of practical material and clear tools.“
Laura Gedminienė (Nature Research Center) „I learned a lot of new methods and strategies, gained valuable knowledge about what a team is and what a "healthy" team should look like, how to communicate. I think that little by little I will start applying this knowledge in my daily work.“
Karolina Maleckaitė-Mačiulė (Center for Physical Sciences and Technology) “The content was very widely applicable and well presented. The instructors taught in a comprehensible manner, answered questions, and in every way gave a positive mood.“
Maria Fernanda Torres Jimenez (VU Life Sciences Center) „Although it was an intense workshop, they delivered it in a way that was digestible for the brain. Encouraging the attendees to participate by sharing their experiences was useful for applying the concepts on the workshop in real-life settings. I learned a lot about leadership, conversation tones, tools for interacting with my team members, and tools for managing my priorities. Not only I am going to apply the tools in my job, I will also introduce my team members to the topics of the workshop.“
The course at LSC was organized and coordinated by Prof. Vytaute Starkuvienė-Erfle, Dalia Lukšienė, Ugnė Gaigalė, Daina Bujanauskienė, and prof. Virginijus Šikšnys.
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