Science Management Associates

This is a highly interactive two and a half to three day workshop in which participants learn and develop the skills to lead and interact effectively with others in the scientific workplace. Learning takes place in both one on one and group settings. The workshop focuses on techniques, situations and challenges that relate specifically to leading and managing in the scientific workplace. It is appropriate for scientists in both the academic and private sectors.

The workshop emphasizes learning by doing and involves role playing, giving and receiving feedback and group problem solving. Much of the learning is peer-to peer. Participants are expected to discuss their own experiences and to be interested in and helpful to others as they discuss theirs.

During the workshop participants will have the opportunity to present and discuss challenging situations in their own workplace and to recieve feedback from other participants and from the instructors.

The workshop helps participants identify areas where they need guidance and growth, as well as how to capitalize on areas of strength. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and challenges with others and to receive feedback and input from others with experience in leading scientists in a variety of settings.

Key focus areas of the workshop include:

    Recognizing and understanding leadership in a science setting
    Using negotiation as a tool in scientific discussions and problem solving
    Identifying and resolving conflicts in the lab
    Dealing with difficult people and situations
    Communicating your ideas and plans in a way that engages others
    Leading effective and productive meetings


Target audience: The workshop is targeted to scientists making, or recently having made, the transition to a leadership or managerial position in either academia or the private sector.

SMA Leadership Workshops

Dr. Carl M. Cohen led the first Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories workshop on Leadership in Bioscience

The first workshop of its type to be offered by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, "Leadership in Bioscience" was held on February 18-21, 2011 at CSHL in Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, NY. Details of the workshop can be found HERE.

Comments from participants in 2011 Cold Spring Harbor workshop on Leadership in Bioscience

"I learned the value of conflict, how not to be afraid of it, and how to make use of it."

".I learned that there is a language for concepts that I thought were common sense but had no way of talking about."

".I learned how to manage my time better and set priorities in order to be more efficient."

".I enjoyed talking to more senior people about my problems and learning that they had had them too."

".I liked the way the workshop was structured and organized and how the information was presented."

".I liked the way that all the participants shared their experiences in an open way and entered into the discussions and exercises."

".I learned that everyone has the ability to be a leader and that it is about what you do, and following a protocol, not what kind of personality you have."