Professional Skills

The M.Neuro.31 module offers several workshops aimed at enhancing professional skills critical for success in science and research. Topics include Scientific Writing, Oral and Poster Presentation Skills, Lab Safety, Good Scientific Practice, and Project- and Self-Management.

Explore the topics below to learn more about each workshop.

  • Outline: Clear and effective communication is vital for scientists. This workshop focuses on developing scientific writing and graphical presentation skills, enabling participants to convey their research clearly to peers, collaborators, and the broader scientific community.
  • Desired outcomes:
    • Master the principles of effective scientific writing, including structure, style, and tone.
    • Enhance language proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, and sentence construction.
    • Create clear and informative visual aids, such as figures and tables.
    • Emphasize clarity, conciseness, and accuracy in scientific communication.
    • Develop editing and self-revision skills.
    • Learn how to use AI tools for writing and data visualization.

  • Outline: This workshop helps master's students refine their oral presentation skills through hands-on practice, including 3-5-minute presentations evaluated by peers and instructors. Additional focus areas include slide design, storytelling techniques, and body language.
  • Desired Outcomes:
    • Gain actionable feedback to improve your presentations.
    • Utilize storytelling to engage audiences effectively.
    • Be mindful of body language and presentation environments.
    • Adapt techniques for delivering impactful online presentations.

  • Outline: Participants will master the essentials of designing and presenting a scientific poster, emphasizing clarity and visual appeal. They will learn why less is more and how that will get people to stop at their poster.
  • Desired Outcomes:
    • Design posters that effectively communicate key research findings.
    • Present posters professionally and with confidence.
    • Handle audience interactions, including addressing challenging questions.

  • Outline: This seminar addresses the unique hazards of biomedical laboratory work, equipping researchers with the skills maintain safety and compliance.
  • Desired Outcomes:
    • Understand laboratory safety principles and regulatory requirements.
    • Identify and mitigate risks associated with biological agents, chemicals, and equipment.
    • Apply best practices for the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials.
    • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately.
    • Develop emergency response and spill cleanup procedures.
    • Recognize the role of laboratory safety protocols in preventing accidents and injuries.

  • Outline: This seminar emphasizes the ethical and methodological standards essential for high-quality research, fostering a commitment to integrity and accountability.
  • Desired Outcomes:
    • Understand the fundamental principles of Good Scientific Practice and their relevance in research.
    • Design and conduct research in a way that minimizes bias and maintains integrity of results.
    • Enhance skills in data management and documentation.
    • Address ethical challenges in research and how to navigate complex ethical dilemmas.

  • Outline: Academia demands frequent decision-making, often influenced by cognitive biases and psychological barriers. Which experiment should I do next? Which job offer should I accept? What would be the best next move? Where should I focus my efforts? This workshop explores strategies to overcome hurdles like procrastination, decision paralysis, and regret, fostering effective self-management.
  • Focus Areas:
    • Emotional and psychological factors in decision-making.
    • Identifying and mitigating common cognitive biases.
    • Practical tools for improving decision-making processes.

  • Outline: This seminar combines an eLearning module on theoretical aspects of handling experimental animals with a discussion on the ethical considerations of animal experiments. A practical course unit is available for students requiring certification under EU Directive 2010/63 for their MSc or PhD research.