Two Group Leaders from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology Complete Prestigious Leadership Program
 

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology is pleased to announce the successful completion of the “Sign Up! for Leadership” program by two of its outstanding group leaders, Dr. Markéta Kaucká and Dr. Linda Odenthal-Hesse. Both scientists were selected for their exceptional achievements and commitment to leadership and have now received this renowned distinction.

The “Sign Up! for Leadership” program is conducted by the Max Planck Society in collaboration with EAF Berlin, an organization dedicated to promoting diversity, equal opportunities, and the compatibility of career and family life. The program aims to support the professional development of outstanding female advanced postdocs and group leaders within the Max Planck Society. Participation is granted through a rigorous selection process that identifies the most promising candidates from numerous applications.

Notably, our institute was the only one within the Max Planck Society to have two participants selected for this competitive program. Dr. Kaucká and Dr. Odenthal-Hesse successfully completed the year-long program in December 2024, setting a strong example of scientific excellence and leadership skills.

The “Sign Up! for Leadership” program includes a variety of targeted training sessions and workshops, such as modules on networking, self-presentation, and leadership skills. Participants have the opportunity to further develop their leadership capabilities, explore career paths in European science, and learn strategies for success in senior scientific roles. Additionally, they benefit from an expanded career-oriented network and discussions with experienced scientists and experts in the field.

With this achievement, the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology emphasizes its role as a leading research institution that prioritizes not only scientific excellence but also the targeted support of emerging leadership talent.