Alumni from the six previous editions of the BIST Scientific Project Management course gathered in September for the first alumni meet-up, an event designed to foster networking, share career journeys, and strengthen the sense of community created during the course.
The BIST Scientific Project Management course, a five-day programme, led by Dr Iolanda Marchueta, was first established in 2022 to help postdoctoral researchers boost their careers by acquiring project management skills –crucial competences that are rarely taught formally in scientific training but have a key impact on both performance and wellbeing. Since then, more than 100 participants from across the BIST Community and beyond– including PhD students, laboratory managers, and project managers – have completed the course. Many alumni have since moved into new professional roles, while others are preparing for the next step in their careers.
The course provides a broad introduction to the project management framework, combining theory with practice and emphasising collaborative learning through group case studies. “This teamwork approach fosters not only learning but also a strong sense of community among participants”, explains the BIST Community Programmes Manager, Dr Laia Bahima.
The alumni meet-up, held in one of the historic buildings of La Maternitat, had a festive atmosphere, with participants bringing food and drinks to share – even creating a collective music playlist. Alumni from different editions presented their professional journeys since completing the course, showcasing the real impact of project management skills on their careers.
“The course was mind-blowing for me and inspired me to pursue the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification,” explained Dr Ivana Lapuh, Project Researcher at ICIQ.
“The tools and skills learnt have been instrumental to my work and I still use them on a day-to-day basis. During the programme, I used the course to frame and envision my transition from academia to industry which, thanks to that exercise, became a reality. Meeting Iolanda has also been a game changer: she is not only a natural cheerleader but also a wonderful mentor, fully devoted to helping people as they progress in their careers. Overall, one of the most fruitful courses I have ever attended,” explained Dr Adrián Torres, currently chief scientific officer at the company Aptadel Therapeutics, who did the course back in 2022 when he was a research associate at IRB Barcelona.
Dr Iolanda Marchueta, an independent consultant on management and Innovation, has been leading the course since its inception. She explained: “We are proud to see the real impact of this training has had, and the way these transversal skills are helping scientists lead their work more effectively. Beyond improving individual projects, these competences enhance teamwork and partnerships, and allow us to contribute more strongly to the research community and to society.”
Asked about the outcome of the first meet-up, Dr Marchueta added: “This event proves that our collective learning journey is real, that the connections we’ve built continue beyond the classroom. It means we come together to keep sharing best practices, life lessons, and above all, to support each other.”
The 2025 edition of the Scientific Project Management Course has counted with the support of the Barcelona City Council.
