Programme Overview
The programme consists of three core components:
1. Blended Online Learning (8 months)
Delivered by Universidad de La Sabana (Colombia, www.unisabana.edu.co), this component combines self-paced learning with live virtual sessions designed to fit participant schedules and time zones.
2. In-Person Training in Bogotá, Colombia
A face-to-face residential experience that fosters deeper collaboration, intensive learning, and networking opportunities, May 2026.
3. Structured Mentored Support (1 year)
Participants will benefit from tailored mentorship and ongoing support to guide their development beyond the formal training period.
Academic Commitment:
| Activity | Hours |
| Live Virtual Sessions | 15 |
| Self-Paced Virtual Learning | 34 |
| Face-to-Face Hours | 30 |
| Independent Work | 21 |
| Total Academic Hours | 100 |
Course content and module outline
Module 1: Teamwork
Learning Outcome: Recognise fundamental leadership principles and feedback techniques that contribute to building a cohesive, high-performing research team.
Topics Covered:
1.1: Building and Leading High-Performance Teams
1.2: Empowerment and Delegation
1.3: Effective Feedback
Module 2: Communication Skills
Learning Outcome: Demonstrate basic effective communication skills when engaging with scientific team members, policy makers, and an audience.
Topics Covered:
2.1: Assertive Communication for Scientific Teams
2.2: Active Listening and Understanding
2.3: Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
Module 3: Decision-Making
Learning Outcome: Describe how to approach problem-solving and decision-making in research contexts using basic critical thinking strategies.
Topics Covered:
3.1: Identifying and Defining Problems
3.2: Decision-Making Strategies – Alternatives and Criteria
3.3: Problem-Solving Skills (Basic Critical Thinking and Analysis)
Module 4: Project Management
Learning Outcome: Outline the basic steps in planning and managing a research project, incorporating simple, agile principles and clear project communication.
Topics Covered:
4.1: Project Life Cycle
4.2: Project Planning and Control (Basic Scheduling and Budgeting)
4.3: Agile Methodologies (Introduction and Adaptability)
4.4: Project Communication and Reporting
Module 5: Organisational Skills
Learning Outcome: Describe how to develop a basic strategic plan for a research initiative, recognising fundamental change management principles in a scientific organisation.
Topics Covered:
5.1: Strategic Planning and Execution of Research
5.2: Effective Stakeholder Engagement
5.3: Change Management in Research Organisations
Module 6: Leadership and Science
Learning Outcome: Identify different leadership styles in scientific research and explain how ethical principles guide effective team leadership.
Topics Covered:
6.1: Leadership Styles in Scientific Research
6.2: Ethical Leadership in Science
6.3: The Role and Responsibilities of Mentors
Module 7: Science Diplomacy
Learning Outcome: Explain the importance of international scientific cooperation and describe the role of science diplomacy in promoting research and innovation.
Topics Covered:
7.1. International Scientific Cooperation – Benefits of global research partnerships, consortia, and knowledge-sharing across countries; case studies of collaborative projects.
7.2. Science Diplomacy in Policy – How science informs international policy and agreements; the concept of science attachés and advisory roles in government.
7.3. Globalisation, Public Policy, and Research – The effects of globalisation on research agendas, funding, and ethical considerations; aligning research objectives with global needs and policies