Integreat researcher training programme INTREF - Integreat young researchers forum is made for and by our early-career researchers.
Integreat offers extensive professional development support to all Early Career Researchers (ECR) at the centre, through mentorship, skill development, and career progression initiatives.
The INTREF initiative is structured around three pillars:
- science
- transferrable skills, and
- social skills
Skills developed through these pillars ensure that Integreat ECRs are prepared for diverse career paths in all sectors, whether it is academia, public, or the private sector, in Norway and internationally. INTREF, owned and driven by the fellows themselves, with support from leadership and administration, provides a range of activities covering all three pillars at different stages of the project cycle.
Scientific training
Integreat fellows work on interdisciplinary projects under the guidance of a team of experienced supervisors from different Integreat related disciplines. This way ensuring both the project's success and steady progress. As part of science training, Integreat ECRs engage in advanced coursework, interdisciplinary collaboration, and hands-on research, developing critical skills in methodology, analysis, and communication to contribute to their field. In addition to the conventional methods expected as part of university researcher training, Integreat provides a range of activities designed to further scientific training, such as including research kitchens, reading clubs, interdisciplinary workshops, collaborative projects, and specialised skill-building sessions.
Research kitchens
“Research kitchens” - pop-up, small workshops, is an innovative, collaborative environment where researchers from diverse fields come together to "cook up" new ideas, solutions, or knowledge. Just as a chef uses a set of ingredients to create something new and useful in the kitchen, Integreat ECRs bring together various inputs — such as data, theories, methodologies, and expertise — to generate novel insights and breakthroughs. In an informal setting, the fellows select the topic for discussions to fill the competence gaps with support from the expert they invite. These workshops help to develop research autonomy, networking and project structuring.
Research visits and networking
There is an active collaboration and exchange between the two Integreat hubs. UiO PhDs and postdocs are encouraged to visit UiT regularly, and vice versa. Additionally, all fellows are encouraged to engage with relevant academic groups abroad, including meetings with Integreat's international partners. Supervisors also participate in these visits to ensure continuous progress.
Mentorship
The mentorship programme is one of the key components of the training programme, both in a traditional way, where we pair ECRs with dedicated mentors, and in the reversed way – namely, the fellows take on the role of mentors, guiding the conversation with the senior researchers. This approach allows both parties to benefit, with senior researchers gaining fresh insights and perspectives, while the younger fellows develop leadership, communication, and pedagogical skills.
PhD courses and Research schools
- NORA Norwegian AI Research School
NORA Norwegian AI Research School aims to unite PhD students across Norway in the fields of AI, machine learning, and robotics while enhancing the quality of PhD education in these fields to a leading European standard.
Academic culture
Our supervisors and research PIs help to develop an intellectual culture and mindset. Through workshops and other events we discuss, for example, the societal responsibility of science, the aim of publish and flourish, how to distinguish options for collaboration and competition with other researchers, and how to balance academic and family life. Our ECR work in teams across the institutions and research groups, who work together.
Transferrable skills
Integreat also provides training across a broad range of transferrable skills, together with the existing programmes and courses at the partnering institutions. Courses and workshops are dedicated to general career development - scientific and proposal writing; techniques for scientific presentations and result visualisation; media training, writing and presenting for the public and social media; scientific supervision and mentoring; coached teaching experience; preparing personal research web pages and social media presence.
Towards the end of the PhD, we help the ERCs explore different career options and support in the transition, including mock interviews.
Social activities
Supportive and inclusive research community is also strengthened through social activities, that have impact on good professional and personal connections. Integreat's social initiatives provide opportunities for the ECRs to engage in meaningful interactions outside of their academic work, promoting collaboration, well-being, and a strong sense of belonging within the research environment.
Community building events
Regularly organised social gatherings, such as welcome events, informal networking sessions, and annual retreats, allow ECRs to connect with peers, supervisors, and administrative staff. These events provide a relaxed setting where researchers can exchange ideas, seek advice, and build lasting professional relationships.
Outdoor and recreational activities
To support work-life balance and overall wellbeing, Integreat encourages participation in outdoor activities, such as hiking trips, skiing excursions, and group sports. These activities not only promote physical health but also serve as a means to strengthen the bonds between researchers from different disciplines and institutions.
Cultural and social gatherings
Recognising the diverse backgrounds of our ECRs, Integreat hosts cultural and social evenings that celebrate the different traditions, cuisines, and experiences of our researchers. These events create an inclusive atmosphere where individuals can share aspects of their culture while learning from others, fostering a globally aware research community.
Peer-support and wellbeing initiatives
Integreat places a strong emphasis on mental health and wellbeing by offering peer support networks, buddy programmes, and informal discussion groups. These initiatives provide a safe space where researchers can share their experiences, discuss challenges, and offer mutual support in navigating their academic journeys.
Alumni
We offer our graduates the opportunity to remain involved in the Integreat community through our alumni network. Alumni are invited to participate in events, mentorship programs, and professional networking activities, ensuring a continued connection between past and present ECRs.