Train-MELIS program for predoctoral researchers

Train-MELIS is a two-year course training system designed to enhance the academic and professional skills of MELIS predoctoral researchers. The ten in-person courses seek to develop and refine researchers’ technical and data analysis competencies, while promoting the continuous learning required in science. Trainers, who are subject-matter experts from both within the institution and external partners, will deliver high-quality training sessions on their respective topics.

Courses Offered
Courses focus on practical, hands-on experience. Please see table at the end for the available courses.

Structure and Duration
The in-person training program will run throughout the academic year, with specific training courses being offered during the first or second semesters. Each course will span one to four days, depending on the complexity of the topic and hands-on required time. 

The program will consist of:

• Lectures for foundational knowledge.
• Hands-on workshops for practical application.
• Interactive sessions to address specific research challenges.

Enrolment: In the 2025/26 academic year, courses are open to second and third-year MELIS PhD students (carrying out their research in a MELIS group). MELIS PhD students will have priority, and if there are any available spaces, they will be offered to MELIS postdocs. Registration for each course will open at the beginning of the academic year, with deadlines provided for each course module. 

Cost: The courses are free of charge.

Certification: Participants will receive a certificate for completing the full two-year program, or for each individual course they finish.

Expectations from Trainees
Participants are expected to:

• Attend all sessions and engage fully in the courses they register for.
• Complete all assigned tasks and activities.
• Provide feedback to help improve future offerings.

Participation in these courses will help trainees acquire new skills that will improve their research capabilities and professional development. 

Evaluation and Feedback
Once the course has been finalised, participants will evaluate several aspects referent to the course through surveys to ensure that the course offerings remain relevant and valuable to the MELIS community. Adjustments and improvements will be made based on feedback.

Contact
If you need further information, please email Prof. Berta Alsina: [email protected].

First year, 2025/26 course
 

Second year, 2026/27 course