New Trainings for Doctoral Researchers in International Research Environments
city2science supports MSCA Doctoral Networks with high-quality training programmes that strengthen doctoral researchers’ ability to communicate their research, engage with societal stakeholders, and work effectively in interdisciplinary and international contexts.
Our profound international experience in public engagement, science communication and stakeholder involvement is translated into practical training formats fully aligned with the objectives and requirements of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).
We support Doctoral Networks in developing researchers who are not only excellent scientists, but also confident communicators, reflective collaborators and responsible actors in society.
Our Core Expertise
🔹 Public Engagement & Science Communication
city2science supports doctoral candidates in communicating their research clearly, responsibly and impactfully to both academic and non-academic audiences.
Training topics include:
- Communicating research to different audiences
- Public engagement and dialogue formats
- Communicating complex research clearly
- Science communication beyond academia
- Presenting research with confidence
🔹 Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
Our trainings help researchers work effectively with diverse actors from academia, industry, policy and society.
Training topics include:
- Stakeholder engagement in research projects
- Collaboration in interdisciplinary and intercultural teams
- Roles, responsibilities and expectations in collaborative research
- Communication and trust-building in international consortia
MSCA-Aligned Training Modules
Building on these core competences, city2science offers a modular training portfolio covering key MSCA skill areas:
🔹 Research & Project Management
- Research Project Management
- Project Uncertainty & Risk Management
🔹 Supervision & Research Culture
- Creating a Good Supervision Relationship
- Managing expectations and feedback processes
🔹 Personal Effectiveness & Leadership
- Time Management & Working Smarter
- Leadership and Teambuilding in Research Contexts
🔹 Career Development
- Career Planning & Next Steps after the PhD
- Grant Writing & Career Development
- Preparing for Careers Inside and Outside Academia
🔹 Doctoral Completion & Transition
- Get Ready for Your Viva
- Communicating Research Results Confidently
How We Work with MSCA Doctoral Networks
- Trainings tailored to the specific structure and needs of each Doctoral Network
- Fully aligned with MSCA training objectives and transferable skills framework
- Suitable for international and interdisciplinary cohorts
- Delivered on-site or online
- Interactive, participatory and practice-oriented formats
- Experienced trainers with strong backgrounds in research, engagement and capacity building
We work closely with network coordinators and project managers to ensure that training activities are well integrated into the overall doctoral programme.
Trainer Profiles
Dr. Annette Klinkert, CEO city2science
Annette Klinkert is an internationally experienced expert in science communication, public engagement, research and innovation management. With a PhD in American Studies and a professional background in both city management and science communication, Annette is the Founder and CEO of city2science. In this role, she supports universities, research institutions, and public authorities in developing participatory, impact-oriented approaches to research and innovation.
Annette’s professional work focuses on strengthening the interface between science, society, and stakeholders, with a particular emphasis on capacity building, doctoral training, and institutional transformation. She provides extensive experience in designing and delivering training programmes for early-stage researchers, doctoral candidates, and academic staff across and beyond Europe.
From 2016 to 2025, Annette was Executive Director of the European Science Engagement Association (EUSEA), representing more than 120 member organisations across over 30 countries. From 2024 to 2025, she was Managing Director of the COLOURS European University Alliance, coordinating collaboration between universities, cities, and regional innovation ecosystems. Annette also worked as Project Manager of the Horizon2020 project NUCLEUS, focusing on RRI, science–society engagement and institutional change.
Dr. Verena Molitor, Project Manager, city2science
Verena Molitor holds a PhD in Sociology as well as a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Media Studies. Before joining city2science as Project Manager in 2023, Verena worked for several years at Bielefeld University in an international project, where she gained extensive experience in interdisciplinary collaboration, higher education teaching, and public engagement activities. Her work involved cooperation with diverse stakeholder groups in academic and non-academic contexts. In addition, she worked at a Graduate School in a program for international master’s graduates, where she conducted workshops on funding opportunities, proposal design, and an introduction to the German academic system.
At city2science, Dr. Molitor is responsible for the development and implementation of training formats in the areas of science communication, public engagement, and open innovation. She is also involved in the conceptual development and coordination of large-scale national and European funding proposals. Her work combines academic expertise with practical training design, focusing on participatory methods and the professional development of early-career researchers.
Dr. Annika Kreikenbohm, Project Manager, city2science
Working as a Project Manager at city2science since 2024, Annika Kreikenbohm combines an academic background in astrophysics with professional expertise in science communication and information design. Annika’s work focuses on the development and facilitation of interactive training formats that foster dialogue between research and society. Among these tasks are the design and delivery of workshops for researchers and institutions, with a particular emphasis on inclusive communication, participatory methods, and innovative engagement formats. With a strong background in visual communication and non-violent communication, Annika contributes to the development of accessible and inclusive science communication approaches.
📩 Interested in training support for your MSCA Doctoral Network?
Please contact:
info@city2science.de
