Your Expert in Science Leadership & Communication

I support research leaders in strategic funding, as well as attracting and retaining top talent – both women and men.

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My Experience

Decades of experience in science leadership and strategic communication, combined with a profound understanding of modern research institution challenges.

Communicating is Art

I keep learning ever more about communication. It is much more than facts — it is about building relationships and hearing the unsaid.

Bringing People Together

Together with the European community, I co-created a common purpose. This focal point changed everything — it formed teams from individuals.

Expanding My Comfort Zone

I learned the most from the twists and turns along my career.

Supervising International Teams

I have often experienced the positive effects of diverse teams in combination with thoughtful leadership.

My Mission

My mission is to support ambitious science leaders in securing more funding and attracting top talent. Through strategic communication and leadership development, I help research institutions maximize their impact and visibility.

My Working Approach

1

Understanding where you are

What bothers you? What do you want to change?

2

Digging for your wants

What are you aiming for?

3

Walk the talk

What will you do to get there?

Trainer presenting science leadership concept on flipchart

My Vision

Scientific leaders play a key role in shaping our future. They do so by confidently contributing to the societal discourse with drive, competence, and clear messages.
I support them in this adventure. Together, we strengthen their passion for research, build trust with publics and partners and pursue their vision.

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6 Compelling Arguments

Why science leaders choose to work with me – proven results and lasting impact.

1
We co-create, ensuring you get what you really need
2

You talk to a sparring partner who knows your world

3

You grow in a strictly confidential space

4

You find clarity and remember what is important to you

5

You tackle your personal challenges before you burn out

6

You become an authentic, visionary leader

Professional Background

A career dedicated to advancing science through leadership and strategic communication.

Professional portrait of Petra Nieckchen smiling confidently
2023 - Present

Consultant, Trainer & Coach

Founder of Petra Nieckchen Consultancy

My big leap into the free market – supporting leading scientists to become the leaders they wish they had.

2021 - 2022

Head of Communications and Partnerships

Austrian Academy of Sciences

Returning to molecular biology. Astonishing similarities and differences between life sciences and Big Science.

2008 - 2020

Various Senior Roles

EUROfusion

Serving as spokesperson, head of communications, and consultant for the largest joint European undertaking – the fusion experiment JET.

1995 - 1999

Doctoral Researcher

Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences

Persuading a polymerase to mutate in the highly competitive lab of the late Nobel Laureate Prof. Manfred Eigen.

1999 - 2007

Science Communicator

Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics

Couldn’t stop learning about science communication – a sentiment that keeps me growing to this day.

Qualifications & Certifications

Coaching

Wisdom Thinking® Coach, Harmonia Academy

Management

Recognised Practitioner ISO 20700, International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI)

Project Management, Rücker + Schindele

Leadership

Change Management, Macquarie University, Australia

“Negotiate and Resolve Conflict,” Macquarie University, Australia

Mediation and Conflict Resolution, ESSEC Business School, France

Which service is right for you?

Let’s find out in a complimentary consultation how we can best develop your impact and effectiveness.