Eric Lander, Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and top White House science adviser, stepped down on February 7, 2022. This resignation followed the conclusion of an internal investigation which found he bullied and mistreated his staff members.

Alison Antes, PhD, co-director and coach of The Professional Skills for Researchers Coaching Program, was invited to write an Op-Ed for Scientific American. In the February 11th article How to Be a Great Leader in Science, Antes states that “building a positive research environment requires intention, support and a belief that kindness isn’t weakness.” This article, written in an easy-to-read, digestible fashion, provides eight (8) practical tips to cultivate and maintain good leadership practices. For instance, Antes advises leaders to:

1. Be intentional
2. Budget the time
3. Know and develop your people

The Professional Skills for Researchers Coaching Program fosters an array of skills to promote practical leadership habits which result in a healthy, fertile work environment.