Science leadership skills – a sector-wide challenge

Is there a problem with leadership in science? In essence, this is the question addressed by this paper from the Industrial Research Institute, in which data from thousands of 360-appraisals is analysed to compare the ratings given to research managers with those given to managers working in other contexts. Part of the study looked at Read more about Science leadership skills – a sector-wide challenge[…]

Mind the skills gap: six missing skills in STEM training

Here is a useful article exploring the skills gap in STEM leadership, again finding that scientific training under-prepares students in important areas around communication, collaboration, adaptability and intercultural skills. Specifically, the most important leadership skills the article recommends STEM students develop are: These skills are often overlooked in educational settings, where the focus is often on Read more about Mind the skills gap: six missing skills in STEM training[…]

What are the challenges of developing leadership capacity in STEM organisations?

“Brilliant at the science; not so good at the people focused aspects of the job.” The brilliant but socially challenged scientist is a tired cliché that many scientific leaders are keen to shake off, but most people who have worked in a STEM context will recognise the type. Highly analytical, process driven and independent, the very characteristics Read more about What are the challenges of developing leadership capacity in STEM organisations?[…]

Where are the leadership skills gaps in doctoral training?

There is no doubt that good doctoral programmes provide some of the most rigorous training around, but how well do they prepare scientists for the demands of the workplace? Sinche et al. surveyed over 8,000 people who had completed their PhDs within last 11 years, asking them to rate both the degree to which they had Read more about Where are the leadership skills gaps in doctoral training?[…]