Lead well. Research better.

I coach and consult leaders in research – from early career to directors.

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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.

Leading International Teams

I led international science communication teams for many years. The decisions came out better and the work was more creative.

Bringing People Together

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

Expanding My Comfort Zone

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

Communication is Art

I keep learning ever more about communication. It is much more than exchanging facts. One listens and builds relationships.

My Mission

I encourage scientific leaders to contribute to societal discourse with drive, competence and clear messages.

My Working Approach

1

Understanding where you are

What bothers you? What do you want to change?

2

Digging for what drives you

Be clear on your why

3

Walk the talk

What do you do to get there?

Trainer presenting science leadership concept on flipchart

My Vision

 

Science and society think together at eye level. Together, they shape a future worth living in.

 

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6 Compelling Arguments

Why science leaders choose to work with me.

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 Prize Laureate Prof. Manfred Eigen.

1999 - 2007

Science Communicator

Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics

Couldn’t stop learning about communication – a curiosity that has stayed with me 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.

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Eco-Friendly Site

Environmental Impact

Carbon Footprint
396.12 g
Energy Consumption
0.8339 kWh