【Date & time held】
　February 20 (Tue), 2024　14:00 – 17:00
【Event method】
　Online (Zoom)
【Instructor】
　Irina FILONOVA, PhD, PCC (professional certified coach)
　the phd whisperer CEO & Associate Fellow, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
【Theme】
　Research Team Dynamics
【Number of participants】
　11

On February 20, 2024, an online workshop was held with Dr. Irina FILONOVA, the phd whisperer CEO & Associate Fellow, JST, instructing the workshop. Unlike the seminar which Dr. FILONOVA presented during the FY2023 Annual Conference, this workshop was held specifically for the HIRAKU-Global Researchers (HGRs) only.

With the main theme of "Research Team Dynamics", Dr. FILONOVA focused on the three key items of "understanding how to create a supportive and productive research group environment", "identifying and addressing diverse team challenges" and "discovering practical strategies for effective collaborations within high-performing teams". Considering the aforementioned three key items, the HGRs were split into groups of 2-3 within Zoom's Breakout Rooms, where they discussed upon various topics, such as "What kind of researcher would you like to hire when you become a PI?". Thereafter, upon returning to the main room, the contents which were discussed within each of the Breakout Rooms was shared and debated upon.

By utilizing the various topics which were discussed throughout the workshop, lively and interactive conversations were constantly held throughout the entire event, which led to the HGRs gaining valuable insight and experiences in regard to working within a research team.

The feedback we received at the conclusion of the workshop can be viewed below (partial extracts).

• Strategies to solve conflicts and the attitude classifications were very helpful to know. Also, the group work was a great opportunity to know and discuss with other members ideas.
• I had a very useful time. I was not sure if I would be able to participate so enthusiastically before the workshop started, but it was very interactive and I learned a lot about how to be/run a team while using my brain, not only listening. At least in my lab, I found it difficult to share goals in scientific "contract" way because the technicians do not have a professional background. However, as our survey also shows, sharing goals is very important, and I would like to think of ways to bridge this gap in the future.
• Good to learn about the series of flows in team building and what was important at each point.
• Today’s workshop was one of the most informative ones I’ve ever attended.