On September 22-23, 2026, at the University of Coimbra – Biblioteca do Rómulo, the IN AND OUT ACADEMIA: Employability, Transferability and Entrepreneurship Workshop, with Manolo Castellano, created a space for researchers to explore their careers, reflect on their strengths, and consider possibilities both within and beyond academia.
Across three engaging sessions, 29 participants – students, postdocs and junior PIs – explored self-awareness, employability, and transferable skills.
Nicolas A. Morgenstern, Gonçalo Lopes, and Cindy Poo, generously shared their own stories and experiences of transitioning from academia. Their honest perspectives brought valuable insights into the realities, challenges, and possibilities of building a career beyond the academic path.
Complete course programme available here.
EMBO Solutions Lab Leadership Course
The EMBO Solutions Lab Leadership course took place from 23 to 25 of June 2026 at the University of Coimbra – Biblioteca do Rómulo, as part of the activities of DYNABrain, bringing together 10 participants junior PIs and senior postdocs.
Co-organised by DYNABrain, the course aimed to support researchers in their transition from individual contributors to effective leaders of research teams. Building on participants’ strong scientific backgrounds, the training focused on applying research skills, such as critical thinking, structured analysis, and evidence-based decision-making, to the management of people and collaborative work. Throughout the course, participants engaged with practical tools and frameworks from psychology, behavioural sciences, and management, exploring topics such as empathetic leadership, team dynamics, communication, and motivation. The sessions encouraged reflection and the development of strategies to foster more collaborative, innovative, and high-quality research environments.
Complete course programme available here.
Biotech Transfer Step-by-Step Course
The Biotech Transfer Step-by-Step course took place from 29 September to 3 October 2025 in a hybrid format, with the participation of six attendees. The course was coordinated by Catarina Cunha from the Technology Transfer Office at CNC-UC, and had the collaboration of DYNABrain, PATENTREE, Biovance Capital, and the University of Coimbra.
The training covered key topics such as technology transfer fundamentals, intellectual property and patent strategies, licensing and negotiation skills, leadership and team management, and funding strategies for biotech start-ups.
Complete course program available here.
Neuroscience Needs Makers: Introduction to Bonsai
The Neuroscience Needs Makers: Introduction to Bonsai took place at UC-Biotech from 5-7 June 2025. The course was coordinated by Cristina Márquez and Gonçalo Lopes (NeuroGEARS), and attended by 12 PhD students from CNC-UC and 14 external participants. More information available here.
PDBEB Course - Neuronal Circuits and Behavior 2024/2025
The Neural Circuits and Behavior advanced course took place at CNC and UC-Biotech from 10-14 February 2025. The course was coordinated by Ana Luísa Colaço Cardoso, Cristina Márquez, João Peça and Renato Duarte, and attended by PhD students from CNC-UC. Complete course program available here.
PDBEB Course - Neuronal Circuits and Behavior 2023/2024
The Neural Circuits and Behavior advanced course took place at CNC from 5-9 February 2024. The course was coordinated by João Peça and Cristina Márquez, and attended by 9 PhD students from CNC-UC. Complete course program available here.
Neuroscience meets society: Transversal skills for future neuroscientists
