Apply for one of 25 fully funded fellowships for the 10th GSO Leadership Academy – an interactive program designed to give you the tools, network, and mindset for effective leadership in research and other sectors. Each fellowship covers travel, accommodation, and participation costs.
What’s in the Curriculum?
The GSO Leadership Academy is a hands-on training with practical insights and expert-led workshops. Across two in-person phases in Berlin and Heidelberg, you will:
➡️Learn leadership as dialogue & leading without authority – develop essential skills in asking the right questions and active listening. Understand lateral leadership and influencing without hierarchy.
➡️ Gain strategic decision-making skills – Use lean strategy tools to shape your research and career direction.
➡️ Master communication & negotiation – Explore Harvard-style negotiation techniques.
➡️ Handle challenges – Develop tools for conflict resolution, feedback culture, and for navigating career transitions.
➡️ Get individual coaching – Clarify personal career questions in one-on-one coaching sessions.
Beyond the training program:
You’ll also take part in excursions and discussions with leaders across all sectors. Past guests have included experts in science policy and research communication as well as university presidents, and researchers working in the business and nonprofit sectors.
Who Can Apply?
➡️German-speaking researchers from all disciplines (German citizenship is NOT required, but you need to be able to follow the program in German)
➡️Currently conducting research outside of Germany or have been living in Germany (again) for no longer than 18 months.
➡️Demonstrated commitment to pursuing leadership roles in academia, industry, or other sectors.
📅 Application Deadline: March 1, 2026 (CET)
🔗 Apply here
The program is funded and made possible by the Klaus Tschira Stiftung.