As part of her ongoing commitment to excellence, leadership, and impactful research, Dr. Karen de la Vega, currently a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), continues to expand her skill set through strategic participation in internationally recognized training programmes.
Oxford Women’s Leadership Development Programme – University of Oxford
In 2024, Dr. de la Vega completed the Oxford Women’s Leadership Development Programme, a seven-week executive course hosted by Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. The programme is specifically designed to foster strategic thinking, influence, and leadership capabilities among women in high-impact roles. It blends academic insight with practical application, strengthening participants’ ability to lead with authenticity and resilience in global contexts.
Writing Excellent Grant Proposals (2024)
Recognizing the crucial role of competitive funding in scientific research, Dr. de la Vega also took part in a specialized training on Writing Excellent Grant Proposals delivered by the American Chemical Society for the #CASFutureLeaders. This course aimed at enhancing the clarity, competitiveness, and persuasiveness of research funding applications. This aligns with the MSCA’s emphasis on professional development and maximization of research impact.
Although this course appears to be internal or hosted by a research institution like ICIQ or under European Research initiatives, it emphasizes key proposal elements such as narrative coherence, innovative impact, and reviewer engagement.
ACS Mentor Training Workshop for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (2024)
In support of fostering collaborative and inclusive research environments, Dr. de la Vega completed the ACS Mentor Training Workshop, an initiative by the American Chemical Society. This program equips early-career researchers with best practices in mentorship, addressing topics such as expectation alignment, communication strategies, and diversity-informed advising.
