Summary

April 29, 2027 | 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM ET

Launching an independent research laboratory is a major transition that requires far more than scientific expertise. While most researchers are trained in experimental design and data analysis, far fewer receive formal preparation in how to build and lead a research team, establish lab infrastructure, or develop a sustainable research program. 

This workshop introduces a practical framework for planning and leading a research lab, drawing from real-world experience and structured toolkits designed for early-career investigators. The session will address key domains of successful lab leadership, including defining a research vision, making strategic hiring decisions, establishing systems and workflows, fostering a healthy lab culture, and supporting mentorship and performance. Participants will gain actionable strategies and tools that can be immediately applied in their own research environments, including planning worksheets, leadership frameworks, and approaches to navigating common challenges during the transition to independence.

By making the often “hidden” aspects of lab leadership more explicit, this workshop aims to help researchers build productive, collaborative, and sustainable scientific programs. This session is designed as an introduction to the foundational elements of research lab leadership, highlighting key concepts and practical tools that participants can build on in future training or professional experience.

Registration

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