The competences for performing top-level research and to lead research is growing in complexity. There is a demand for creative, interdisciplinary and innovative researchers, led by open, inclusive and responsible research leaders. This requires a new and dedicated approach for strategic career development of researchers, especially in the transition from research talent to research leader. The ‘postdoc to research LEADer programme’ will address the individual needs of 16 talented researchers, holding a PhD degree. Our VISION is to empower the fellows to become the next generation of creative, critical, open, collaborative, responsible and inclusive research leaders, in or outside academia. The Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen is a centre of excellence in biomedical research, aiming to offer outstanding research training. BRIC will together with several partner organisations TRAIN, NURTURE and CHALLENGE the fellows to develop an individual researcher and research leader profile. LEAD will offer the fellows attractive employment conditions and 3-year contracts with BRIC. The recruitment will be based on transparent, merit-based selection, involving external experts from academia and industry, ensuring selection of diverse talent. Our AIMS are to 1) Ensure transparent merit-based selection, 2) ensure a supportive framework for conducting transformative, interdisciplinary biomedical research, 3) support development of excellent research leadership competences and transferable skills and 4) support the researcher’s strategic career development according to individual goals. LEAD will equip the fellows with excellent research abilities, strong leadership competences and a broad transferable skills-set, which will broadly increase their employability. Our ambition is that the fellows after completion are enabled and inspired to apply for their first research leader position in or outside academia.
