On March 31, Jana De Merlier, Director of the STAR Cluster, and Martina Novotná together with Marie Feřtrová from the International Coaching Federation Czech Republic, met in Dolní Břežany to sign a memorandum of cooperation.

The new partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the area of coaching and leadership development for researchers and research leaders. Both organizations share the view that science and research are key drivers of societal progress and that developing human potential within the research environment is essential for strengthening their impact.

Coaching can play an important role in this process by helping researchers reflect on their leadership roles, navigate complex professional challenges, and develop their soft skills. Coaching techniques are also a very useful tool that can be effectively applied in everyday team management.

Through this cooperation, STAR Cluster and ICF Czech Republic plan to connect the research community with professional coaches and collaborate on activities such as sharing knowledge and experience, organizing events, and contributing to research and educational initiatives related to coaching in science.
Supporting leadership in science is one of the key topics of the STAR Cluster, and this partnership represents an important step in further developing this area.