
Tailor-made Leadership Academy
Develop the leadership skills of researchers, research team leaders, and other key staff through the comprehensive Leadership Academy for Researchers training program, which we can tailor to meet the specific needs of your institution. In the spring of 2026, a pilot run of the academy was successfully held, with the participation of representatives from several partner research institutions. Now we would like to offer you the tailor-made Leadership Academy for Researchers that we can design for your institution, adapting the format, duration and learning topics to your specific requirements.
Leadership as a Key Part of High-quality Research
Modern science relies on top-class talent, collaboration and the ability to respond to increasingly comprehensive challenges. Leadership is therefore not merely a matter of managing teams. It is a factor that directly influences the quality of research, the functioning of institutions and the environment in which new ideas and innovations emerge.
A tailor-made Leadership Academy for Researchers enables you to deliver the entire programme specifically for your institution’s employees and to focus it on the topics that are most important to you.
Leadership Academy for Researchers: A Complex Program for Leadership Development in Science
The Academy is built around three main modules that guide you through personal growth, working with your team, and developing your institution as a whole ecosystem. Along the way, we will also focus on specific skills connected to the scientific environment and everyday practice. You can choose the areas that fit best with your current role and goals.

Me as a Leader
Personal leadership, self-management, managing one’s own attention, resilience, motivation and the ability to take responsibility for one’s own direction.

My Team and I
Leading research teams, building trust, motivating people, teamwork, working with different personalities, and creating an inspiring environment.

Institution as Ecosystem
Leadership within the broader context of the organisation, strategic thinking, organisational culture, cross-team collaboration and managing change.

Practical Skills for Leaders
Communication, feedback, facilitation, decision-making, conflict resolution and other tools that can be used in day-to-day practice.
How Does the Leadership Academy Work?
The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical tools and situations that participants encounter in their research practice.
The standard format includes:
- 6 thematic areas
- 6 online webinars
- 6 interactive workshops
- recordings of webinars focused on developing practical skills
- recommended literature and resources for further self-study
- a recommended duration of 4–6 months
- a group of 12–15 participants
- delivered in Czech or English

Academy Instructors
Jana Puhalová
An expert in adult education, leadership and people development with over twenty years’ experience.
She specialises in the development of leadership skills, teamwork, organisational culture and supporting change within organisations. At the Leadership Academy, she is a facilitator for face-to-face workshops.

Filip Kahoun
An organisational and managerial psychologist, leadership mentor and expert in leadership, strategic thinking and attention management.
He has over 15 years’ experience in senior management and has a long-standing track record of working with senior executives from both the academic and corporate sectors.

Let’s Tailor the Academy Programme to Your Needs
Every research organisation faces different challenges. That is why, together, we will find a programme structure that suits your objectives, people and capabilities.
In what ways can the academy be customised?
Who is the Programme Aimed at
The programme may be specifically aimed at, for example:
- heads of research teams and laboratories
- researchers preparing for leadership roles
- management of research organisations
- administrative and support teams
Academy Content
In addition to the full Leadership Academy programme, it is possible to:
- deliver only selected modules
- supplement the programme with further themed workshops
- extend the programme to include individual support for participants
Academy Schedule
Together, we will set:
- the start date of the programme
- the frequency of individual sessions
- the overall duration of the programme
Format and Venue
The academy usually takes place in a hybrid format, with webinars held online and workshops in person.
If this format does not suit you, it is also possible to adjust the balance between online and face-to-face activities within the programme.
Workshops can take place either directly at your institution, at the STAR premises in Dolní Břežany, or as a combination of both.
Continuing Collaboration Even After Completing the Academy
Apart from our comprehensive Leadership Academy, we also offer other forms of support for leadership development in the academic environment.
Our collaboration on leadership development within your organisation may include, for example:
- tailor-made thematic workshops
- individual leadership consultations
- mentoring for senior managers
- coaching for team leaders
- strategic consultations for senior management
- support for the development of a leadership culture and collaboration within the organisation
Are you interested in a tailor-made Leadership Academy for researchers?
We’d be happy to discuss your organisation’s needs with you and design a programme that suits your staff, priorities and long-term goals.

