New impetus for junior professors and leaders of early-career research groups
10/27/2026The University of Würzburg is launching a new programme called LEAP Tandem Mentoring for Early Academic Leadership. Further information will be provided during an online session on Wednesday 11 November.
Leading your own research group, supervising PhD students and postdocs, further developing your academic profile whilst making progress in both research and teaching: a junior professorship or the role of leader of a young researchers’ group brings with it many new responsibilities.
Supporting researchers at this stage of their careers is a shared priority of the Vice-Presidency for Research and Early-Career Researchers, Professional Development and other stakeholders in JMU’s Professional Development Network. A variety of formats provide opportunities for exchange, individual reflection and further development.
New mentoring programme launched
New this winter semester is LEAP Tandem Mentoring: Mentoring for Early Academic Leadership, an 18-month mentoring programme for junior lecturers and early-career research group leaders at JMU.
At the heart of the programme is an individual mentoring partnership with an experienced academic. Here, mentees can reflect on specific questions arising from their academic leadership role and discuss strategic decisions for their future development. Peer exchanges in small groups and training opportunities on leadership and supervision complement the programme.
Anyone wishing to find out more about LEAP can register for the online information session on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.
Applications for the first round of the programme are open until 11 December 2026.
More about LEAP Tandem Mentoring
Register for the information call
Reflecting on your career development
Where am I now, and what are my next steps? The career development reflection session offers the opportunity to take a targeted look at your own professional situation in a one-to-one discussion. Junior lecturers and leaders of early-career research groups can use this session to clarify strategic questions, reflect on key areas for development and define their next steps. Appointments can be arranged individually at any time .
Leadership in practice
How can one successfully lead a research group in day-to-day academic life? This is the focus of the next Junior Professorship Forum on 20 January 2027. Under the title ‘Leading a Research Group in Practice – What No One Told You Beforehand’, early-career academic leaders will engage in discussion with experienced academics: sharing practical experiences, challenges and the things that cannot be learnt from a textbook. Find out more and register
“Leadership in academia is dynamic, demanding and full of potential for the future! It requires space for fresh ideas, mutual exchange and new perspectives. We create the space and provide targeted support to enable researchers to realise their full potential,” says Caroline Kisker, JMU Vice-President for Research and Early-Career Researchers.
