General introduction for research personnel nearly 100 new colleagues were welcomed last week

Last week almost 100 new colleagues participated in the general introduction for new research personnel, which is organized four times per year. In addition, the PhD candidates and Postdocs had their own introduction, following the general introduction. One of the questions asked to the participants was what they aspired if they weren’t to choose an academic career (see Word cloud at the bottom of the page).

During the general introduction, the participants were offered an insight in our research organization and in the support the research institute and Radboud Health Academy offer. First, they learned about Radboudumc’s strategic direction, education and research and innovation. Next, they were introduced in our quality system for scientific research involving humans and in research data management and they heard what the confidential adviser can do for them. Furthermore, they participated in two interactive workshops: one, in collaboration with training actors, on working in an intercultural environment and in the last workshop of the day the participants reflected on research integrity issues.

Following the general introduction, seventy new PhD candidates of the Radboudumc Graduate School attended the PhD Introduction course “In the lead”. On Thursday evening, the PhDs connected with fellow PhD candidates during dinner and a nice pubquiz organized by the Radboudumc PhD Council. The focus of the Friday was mainly on personal leadership. To take the lead in your PhD trajectory you must progress from knowing yourself and what is important to you, to act accordingly and stay happy and vital. Through interactive sessions the PhDs explored their values, discovered ways to improve their PhD Competences (to be obtained for a career either inside or outside academia) and got tips to stay in the lead of their balance. Finally, the PhDs spoke in small groups with five supervisors, as inspiration for the important discussion about mutual expectations with their own supervision team.

Also on Friday, during the postdoc introduction, seven new postdocs got to know each other and the available support specific to postdocs. The postdocs practiced peer coaching on how to learn transferable skills and how to handle challenging situations, learned about how the Grant Support Office can support their grant applications and what the academic career path in Radboudumc can look  looks like. Finally, the Radboud Postdoc Initiative introduced itself and invited the postdocs to have an active academic life.

In 2024, again four general introduction days will be organized. Registration is possible via the Online Learning Environment: General introduction day for research personnel (link), In the lead – Radboudumc introduction for PhD candidates (link), Introduction for Postdocs (link).

People who go to this training, don’t need to attend the mandatory introduction for personnel in Dutch.

Figure: Wordcloud for the question 'If you weren't to choose an academic career, what profession would you choose?'