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1 June 2021
Dr Darius Gerlach, a scientist at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine in the field of imaging in human cardiovascular system research, has now been accepted into the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine's (MDC) ASPIRE postdoctoral program. The program supports scientists in their career transition to leadership positions and offers five focal points that serve to network the postdocs and open up new career paths. The program focuses on scientific leadership, industry research and development, entrepreneurship, science management and science communication.
With the ASPIRE (Advanced Science career development Program for Innovation and REsearch) program, Gerlach will work on specific content for researchers such as leadership, negotiation strategy and project management in core courses. "Specific content on academic careers such as grant applications, professorial application processes, teaching methods and lecture design were decisive for me to choose the so-called 'academic track'," says Gerlach. "The ASPIRE programme is a unique opportunity for me to pursue my own academic independence beyond being a team leader."
In addition to in-depth leadership skills, a mentoring process is part of the programme. Since the mentee suggests their mentor themselves, this allows contacts to be made and developed outside of their own organisation.