Leadership course for research group leaders completed – participants highlight shared experiences and personal growth
Karolinska Institutet’s leadership course for research group leaders has recently concluded. Participants describe how the course provided new perspectives on leadership and valuable peer exchange – insights they hope will inspire colleagues to apply for the next round in autumn 2027.
A course for researchers in leadership roles
The leadership course for research group leaders at KI is aimed at researchers who lead teams and want to develop their leadership skills. Throughout the course, participants explore their roles, exchange experiences, and engage with different perspectives on academic leadership.
“As a team leader at KI for five years, I wanted to get leadership training and network with peers”, says Mikael Tiger, psychiatrist and associate professor at the Centre for Psychiatry Research.
Developing as a leader
Several participants joined the course at a stage where they had taken on increasing leadership responsibilities.
“I applied to the course because I increasingly find myself in leadership roles, both internationally and within my own research environment. I realized that leadership is a skill that also needs to be actively developed and reflected upon. I wanted to understand different leadership approaches better and become more conscious and effective in how I support and guide others”, says Sara Arroyo Mühr docent at Center for Cervical Cancer Elimination at the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology
Sibylle Herzig van Wees, Docent at the Department of Global Public Health, also applied after stepping into a new leadership role.
“I applied because I recently stepped into a team leader role and wanted to further develop my leadership and management skills particularly in relation to leading research teams and people”.
Reflection and peer support
A recurring theme among participants is the value of the “backstage groups”, where small groups, guided by a trained facilitator, discuss real leadership challenges in a confidential setting. These sessions provide space for open reflection on difficult situations, interpersonal dynamics and the challenges faced in their roles as research group leaders.
“The backstage groups have been especially valuable and have given me insights on how I want to develop as a leader”, says Mikael Tiger.
Sara Arroyo Mühr highlights the importance of a safe space for open discussion.
“Because the discussions were confidential, it created a very safe and honest environment where we could genuinely share our experiences”.
Sibylle Herzig van Wees also appreciated the opportunity to reflect.
“I also appreciated the chance to reflect on questions like what kind of team you want to build and what kind of leadership style you want to develop”.
Looking ahead to autumn 2027
Participants say the course not only provided practical tools but also a sense of shared experience in a demanding leadership role.
“It made me feel less alone in the leadership role and helped me see some situations from a broader and more balanced perspective”, says Sara Arroyo Mühr.
The next application round for the course opens in February 2027.