• Early trust in early-career researchers
  PhD students and postdocs take on responsibility at an early stage, lead projects, represent the lab at conferences and are listed as authors on publications.

• A clear team identity and shared responsibility
  cBRAIN sees itself as a close-knit team in which trust, transparency and loyalty shape day-to-day working life – regardless of career stage.

• Strategic career development
  Monthly one-to-one meetings and annual career meetings support the development of a scientific identity and long-term positioning both within and outside academia.

• Retreats as a space for co-creation
  At the annual retreat, team members at all career stages jointly define what the laboratory’s research should stand for; early-career researchers in particular are expressly invited to propose new directions.

• High visibility with reliable support
  Those who take on responsibility present results at conferences, lectures or during international research stays – supported by a culture of direct, constructive feedback.

• Flexible, personal and lasting connections
  Family-friendly structures, transparent planning and the close involvement of Aumnae and alumni as collaborative partners and advisors demonstrate that support and team spirit extend far beyond one’s own period of employment.

• Operational autonomy
  One team member designed and led a multimodal MRI study on repeated head impacts. The group leader left the operational management and team coordination entirely to the team member, whilst remaining in the background and being available at all times to offer advice on practical management issues.

• Protection for high-risk ideas
  Another member of the research group designed a challenging field study during the Oktoberfest, investigating acute traumatic brain injuries under the influence of alcohol. The group leader provided the "safety net", offered infrastructural support and, at the same time, placed her full trust in the team to carry out the complex project.

In both cases, young researchers took on genuine leadership roles, knowing full well that advice was available to them at any time. This balance between autonomy and support is rare and contributes significantly to motivation and professional development.

Website cBRAIN