Network-Wide Training Events and Core Transferable Skills
Nextstep fosters collaboration and networking among its fellows through shared events and activities that form the foundation of the programme. These include:
Plenary Network Events
Regular gatherings where fellows, supervisors, and project managers share progress, exchange ideas, and present their research. These events encourage multidisciplinary collaboration and foster a sense of community.
Orientation Webinar
An introduction to the programme’s structure, training opportunities, and research facilities.
Thematic Schools
Dedicated sessions, such as the "Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation" autumn school, designed to inspire innovative thinking and equip fellows with tools to translate research into real-world solutions.
Discipline-Specific and Skills Training
Tailored training focuses on developing technical expertise and enhancing the fellows’ ability to use advanced research techniques effectively. This includes:
Prestigious Courses
Opportunities to attend renowned training programmes like the HERCULES European School, offering in-depth education in neutron and synchrotron radiation for condensed matter studies, or the QeM School for advanced electron microscopy techniques.
Technical Training
Hands-on sessions on synchrotron X-ray imaging, neutron scattering, and advanced electron microscopy, allowing fellows to master these cutting-edge methodologies.
Safety and Ethics Training
Comprehensive safety protocols for operating high-tech research instruments and discussions on ethical considerations in research.
Research Mobility and Intersectoral Secondments
Research mobility is a cornerstone of the Nextstep program, offering fellows exposure to diverse environments and interdisciplinary approaches:
Collaborative Research Opportunities
Access to facilities like ESRF, ILL, and eDREAM enables fellows to utilize multiple complementary techniques in their research.
Secondments
A minimum of two months spent with associate partners or other institutions, allowing fellows to gain practical experience in academia, industry, or non-governmental organizations.
International Networking
Opportunities to present at international conferences, collaborate on cross-border projects, and engage with global scientific leaders. Examples include secondments to industrial partners specializing in electron microscopy equipment or stakeholders such as policy advisory organizations.
Transferable Skills Development
Nextstep ensures that fellows are not only technically adept but also equipped with the soft skills needed for leadership and innovation. Training includes:
Scientific Writing and Presentation
Workshops to enhance academic writing, create impactful presentations, and communicate research effectively to diverse audiences.
Project Management and Career Planning
Guidance on managing research projects efficiently and planning career trajectories in academia, industry, or hybrid roles.
Public Engagement and Outreach
Training on how to engage the public, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, with practical experience in events like the European Researcher’s Night or the Junior Scientist & Industry Annual Meeting.
Diversity and Inclusion
Activities that promote inclusivity, such as seminars on gender equality, unconscious bias, and fostering diverse teams.
Ethics in Nextstep
Each Nextstep project is reviewed for ethics issues, discover more about it on our dedicated page.