JUNIOR LEADER · Junior Leader la Caixa Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme: Shaping the new generation of leaders in research

Junior Leader la Caixa Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme: Shaping the new generation of leaders in research

The Postdoctoral Junior Leader fellowships programme of "la Caixa" Foundation (LCF) successfully supported excellent experienced researchers of all nationalities who joined outstanding research centers in Spain or Portugal in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The programme accommodated a total of 60 fellows through two calls, providing them with valuable training and mobility experiences. This programme significantly enhanced the career prospects of its fellows through comprehensive training that included scientific, technical, and complementary skills, enabling them to reach their potential as independent researchers and leaders of the next generation. Over the 3-year contracts, fellows conducted impactful research projects and benefitted from the programme’s training, networking, and secondment opportunities. Both LCF and the host organizations acknowledged that the 3-year contracts provided opportunities of stability and were instrumental in achieving the programme’s goals, as well as those of the fellows. This programme plays a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation, both of which are key drivers of economic and social progress mostly in Spain and Portugal. By attracting top researchers from around the world, it strengthens the research ecosystem in both countries, fostering international collaboration and the transfer of cutting-edge knowledge. Moreover, by equipping fellows with leadership and interdisciplinary skills, the programme ensures that they contribute effectively to addressing societal challenges, such as climate change, healthcare improvements, and digital transformation. The primary objective of the Postdoctoral Junior Leader programme is to support the professional development of talented researchers, empowering them to establish themselves as independent investigators. It aims to enhance scientific excellence by providing fellows with an environment that encourages innovation, multidisciplinary approaches, and international mobility. In addtion, by fostering leadership and professional growth, the initiative helps build a stronger and more resilient scientific community, capable of driving long-term positive impact. Thanks to the support provided by COFUND for its initial implementation, the programme continues to run, offering new opportunities for researchers and reinforcing its long-term impact on the scientific community.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union