Además de la formación técnica en el puesto de trabajo, el Instituto IMDEA Materiales está comprometido con la formación de sus científicos y personal en competencias transversales o soft skills. Estas competencias son relevantes para una amplia variedad de profesiones y sectores (carrera académica o docente, especialización en un campo determinado, o trayectoria profesional en la industria u otro tipo de organizaciones) y constituyen la base para el desarrollo de las competencias técnicas o hard skills necesarias para tener éxito en el mercado laboral.
A continuación, puede consultar el historial de cursos ya celebrados y aquellos que se encuentran actualmente en preparación. Estos cursos están dirigidos principalmente a los Ayudantes de Investigación (Research Assistants), Investigadores Asociados (Research Associates) e Investigadores Principales (Principal Investigators). En todos los casos, su objetivo es mejorar tanto el rendimiento científico como las perspectivas de desarrollo profesional de nuestro personal.
Cursos 2025
Use of artificial intelligence to write EIC Pathfinder proposals
Date and Time: 1st and 3rd July, 2025. 9.30-12.00 (2.5 hours).
Delivered by: Vikesh Chugani (Atrineo AG)
- Day 1 (July 1): The first session lays the foundation for understanding and using AI in the context of proposal preparation. Participants will gain a basic understanding of Large Language Models (LLMs) and generative AI, get hands-on experience with general AI tools such as ChatGPT, and explore their potential applications and limitations.
- Day 2 (July 3): Building on Day 1, this session focuses on the practical use of AI tools throughout the entire proposal preparation process for competitive EIC Pathfinder applications. Participants will explore leveraging generative AI and specialised LLM-based tools to support idea generation, partner search, proposal structuring, content development etc.
Writing the impact section for a pillar 2 Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action (RIA)
27th May 2025. 9.00-13.00 (4 hours).
Delivered by: Adrián Escribano and Chema Castellano (Innovarum)
- Contextualising the impact section: what is it and why is it?
- Impact section 2.1: what is expected, and how do you write it down? + practical tips
- Impact section 2.2: what is expected, and how do you write it down? + practical tips .
- Impact section 2.3: what is expected, and how do you write it down? + practical tips
- Questions and take-home messages
This training is organised within the AM2C3 project, funded by the European Union under grant agreement 101159727 (HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-02)
Introduction to code/software protection and exploitation
10th April 2025. 9.00-12.30 (3.5 hours).
Delivered by: Natalio Rodríguez, Coral Navarro, Leonardo Casado
- Software protection. Software patents: when they apply and what they protect
- Open source licenses, data use in AI, and data protection. Use of data for AI training: what is legally allowed and what is not. Open source licenses: types, restrictions, etc.
- Licensing Agreements, SLA, and Technology Transfer. Licensing agreements: types, key clauses, and best practices
From idea to proposal. The fundamentals of Horizon Europe grant writing
9th April 2025. 9.00-13.30 (4.5 hours).
Delivered by: Maite Ferrando and Mireia Ferri
- Overview of Horizon Europe and its significance for pre- and postdoctoral researchers
- Proposal idea and main errors to avoid. How to identify a key need and challenge. Problem definition and innovative approach. State of the art and scientific/technological gap
- From the idea to the proposal. How to write Excellence, Impact and Implementation sections.
Open science: open access, research data management and citizen science
Date and length of the course is TBC
Delivered by: The instructor of the course is TBC
- Principles of open science, emphasising open access to research findings and effective management of research data
- Insights into fostering transparency, collaboration, and societal impact within the scientific community
- Explore the intersection of science, accessibility, and community engagement
Gender dimension: equality in science and research
Date and length of the course is TBC
Delivered by: The instructor of the course is TBC
- Learn how promoting gender balance contributes to excellence and inclusivity in scientific endeavors
- Understand the importance of fostering gender balance and creating inclusive working environments where all talents can thrive
- Discover how incorporating the gender dimension enhances research quality and relevance to society
Productivity: effective meetings, goal setting, time management
Date and length of the course is TBC
Delivered by: The instructor of the course is TBC
- Effective Meetings: Learn to plan and lead meetings that drive results
- Goal Setting: Master techniques to set clear and achievable objectives
- Time Management: Develop strategies to prioritise tasks and maximise productivity
Career development: networking, career plan, job hunting and selection process
Date and length of the course is TBC
Delivered by: The instructor of the course is TBC
- Effective Networking: Build connections and expand your professional network to uncover new opportunities
- Career Planning: Develop a personalised career plan aligned with your goals and aspirations.
- Job Hunting and Selection Skills: Master strategies for job searches, crafting resumes, and succeeding in interviews.
Developing project management skills for researchers
Date and length of the course is TBC
Delivered by: The instructor of the course is TBC
- An introduction to project management: what is a project and why do I need project management skills?
- An overview of project management areas, with a special focus on the application to a Ph.D. thesis.
- Useful resources
Cursos 2024
ERC Starting Grant proposal writing course for researchers
23rd October 2024
Delivered by: Peter Sheard (founder and CEO of Trend 2000 Ltd)
- Key aspects of ERC StG applications
- Proposal evaluation and what evaluators look for and tailoring your CV for ERC. Presenting your concept, establishing the narrative, explaining novelty etc.
- Identifying and accounting for risk: development of the work plan, writing an appropriate impact section, estimating and justifying the project budget, essential aspects of writing clearly and presenting the proposal effectively etc.
Fundamentals of intellectual and industrial property
17th September 2024
Delivered by: Clarke Modet
- Improving knowledge of how to approach the management of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and the various protective measures for R&D projects in different sectors
- Raising awareness among research personnel about the importance of PII rights in the development of their investigative activities
- Having a basic understanding of Patent Strategic Management: concept, protection strategies, and exploitation. International extension
ERC Starting Grant proposal writing course for researchers
23rd October 2024
Delivered by: Peter Sheard (founder and CEO of Trend 2000 Ltd)
- Key aspects of ERC StG applications
- Proposal evaluation and what evaluators look for and tailoring your CV for ERC. Presenting your concept, establishing the narrative, explaining novelty etc.
- Identifying and accounting for risk: development of the work plan, writing an appropriate impact section, estimating and justifying the project budget, essential aspects of writing clearly and presenting the proposal effectively etc.
Fundamentals of intellectual and industrial property
17th September 2024
Delivered by: Clarke Modet
- Improving knowledge of how to approach the management of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and the various protective measures for R&D projects in different sectors
- Raising awareness among research personnel about the importance of PII rights in the development of their investigative activities
- Having a basic understanding of Patent Strategic Management: concept, protection strategies, and exploitation. International extension
ERC Starting Grant proposal writing course for researchers
23rd October 2024
Delivered by: Peter Sheard (founder and CEO of Trend 2000 Ltd)
- Key aspects of ERC StG applications
- Proposal evaluation and what evaluators look for and tailoring your CV for ERC. Presenting your concept, establishing the narrative, explaining novelty etc.
- Identifying and accounting for risk: development of the work plan, writing an appropriate impact section, estimating and justifying the project budget, essential aspects of writing clearly and presenting the proposal effectively etc.
Fundamentals of intellectual and industrial property
17th September 2024
Delivered by: Clarke Modet
- Improving knowledge of how to approach the management of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and the various protective measures for R&D projects in different sectors
- Raising awareness among research personnel about the importance of PII rights in the development of their investigative activities
- Having a basic understanding of Patent Strategic Management: concept, protection strategies, and exploitation. International extension
Microsoft Office 365
22nd May 2024, 12 hours
Delivered by: The instructor for the course is 2FFormación
- TEAMS - Video conferencing tool and Microsoft 365 hub
- ONE DRIVE - Hard drive in the cloud
- SHARE POINT - Fundamentals, uses and collaborative work
- Other Tools - TO DO and PLANNER
Funding opportunities for research and development: grants overview at national and European levels
6th May 2024, 6 hours
Delivered by: María Teresa Ferrando García (Kveloce)
- Introduction to funding opportunities for postdoctoral researchers
- Funding opportunities at national and European level
- Tools and Platforms
Training on FreeCAD software
21st April 2024
Delivered by: TBC
- This training session provides essential skills utilizing FreeCAD for your projects
- Introduction to FreeCAD Interface: Learn to navigate the user-friendly interface, including workbenches, tools, and customization options for an efficient workflow
- Master basic 2D and 3D modeling techniques and apply FreeCAD skills to real-world projects
Managing conflict constructively across cultures
3rd March 2024, 6 hours
Delivered by: Alicia Marín Muniesa (Coach - The sky is the limit)
- Increase self-awareness of your communication style and cultural preferences
- Identify appropriate practices for managing cross-cultural communication challenges at the workplace
- Practice the win-win negotiation model to manage conflict across cultures
Antifraud Measures Plan
12th March 2024, 15 minutes
Delivered by: IMDEA Materials
- Risks in the management of funds
- The Anti-Fraud Action Plan in the management of Next-Generation Funds
- Specific risk analysis of projects funded with European Funds
- Basic and applied Regulations