Making a career transition can be a daunting process. From time to time, many of us feel we are on the wrong track, but it is easy to get trapped by fear or self-doubt if we start thinking about heading in a new direction. Understanding when it is time for a change, where you want to get to, and how to go about it, are important tools that allow you to take control of your career.

On October 30, 2025, from 9:00–14:45 in Aarhus, the Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy, Danish Cardiovascular Academy, Neuroscience Academy Denmark and Danish Data Science Academy invite you to a dedicated career day designed to inspire and prepare you for the next steps in your career. The event will combine practical workshops, inspiring talks and open discussion to help you explore your options and gain confidence in your career direction.

Right after the event you can put your new insights into action at the Synapse Career Fair taking place in the afternoon in the neighbouring building.

Programme overview

09:00
Welcome, meet and greet

09:15
Keynote talk: What’s Next after Your PhD? Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity
CEO and Co-founder Elena Hoffer, Alma.Me (SE)

What’s next after your PhD? It’s a question that can feel scary – but it should feel exciting. The truth is, your career can take many paths, and the power to shape it starts with knowing yourself. This talk is about turning uncertainty into opportunity, taking charge of your future, and realizing that the world is wide open if you step forward with clarity and confidence.

09:35
Short break

09:45
Two concurrent workshops:

Workshop A: From PhD to Industry: Crafting a CV that Gets Noticed
Facilitated by CEO and Co-founder Elena Hoffer, Alma.Me (SE)

This workshop is all about writing a strong CV for industry. Together, we’ll break down the key elements, discuss what hiring teams look for, and practice writing different sections. With time to reflect, share, and refine, you’ll leave with a clearer, sharper CV that translates your PhD experience into industry language and positions you for new opportunities.

Some advance preparation is highly recommended to ensure you get the most out of this workshop.

Workshop B:Tips and Tricks on How to Disseminate Your Science
Facilitated by the Scientist’s Editor Anders Høeg Lammers, Videnskab.dk

This workshop is a 2 hour introduction to science dissemination. You’ll get tools to find the stories in your research (and field of research), tools to target your communication to user needs, learn how you can target a journalist/editor, get a model that works for a lot of storytelling and tips on where to communicate your research.

11:45
Lunch

12:30
Panel debate: What Can I Be with a PhD?
Moderated by Anders Høeg Lammers, Videnskab.dk

Learn about the many possible career paths of someone with a life science background.

13:30
Short break

13:40
Round table discussions with panelists

14:35
Concluding remarks and farewell

14:45-18:00
Career Fair hosted by Synapse

When registering, please indicate whether you would like to attend Workshop A or Workshop B.

Want to attend the Synapse Career Fair? Register at the Synapse website by October 30! 

Speakers and panelists:

• Daniel Borch-Ibsen, Associate Professor, Aarhus University (DK)
• Elena Hoffer, Co-founder and CEO, Alma.Me (SE)
• Isabella Samuelson, Scientific Manager, Novo Nordisk Foundation (DK)
• Lei Cheng, Research Facility Manager, CellX, Aarhus University (DK)
• Lene Munk, Postdoc and Founder, Aarhus University and Cobler Health Innovation (DK)
• Sebastian Heimbürger, Scientific Partnership Lead, Sanos Group (DK)

Workshop instructors:

• Anders Høeg Lammers is the scientists’ editor at Denmark’s leading popular science media, Videnskab.dk. He helps researchers from any field communicate their research in a way that is both accessible and interesting to a general audience. Anders teaches workshops and courses in anything related to science communication and has done so for the past 8+ years. He has also moderated science debates at Heartland Festival, among others. Anders has a bachelor degree in philosophy and political science and a Master’s degree in international journalism.

• Elena Hoffer is the co-founder and CEO of Alma.Me, a platform dedicated to supporting PhDs in their transition from academia to industry. She earned her PhD in Medical Sciences from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2023. Already during her doctoral work, she developed a deep passion for empowering early career researchers to explore fulfilling career paths beyond academia. At Alma.Me, Elena leads efforts to provide scalable solutions for universities that equip PhDs with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to navigate career transitions successfully. Elena has also cultivated a vibrant online community, inspiring over 100,000 early career researchers through her daily content on LinkedIn, where she shares insights, advice, and encouragement for those looking to forge new paths in industry.

Organisers:

This event is a Cross Academy Career initiative, jointly organised by the Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy, Danish Cardiovascular Academy, Neuroscience Academy Denmark and Danish Data Science Academy.

This event is intended for early-career researchers, primarily PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, working within any field covered by the academies – cardiovascular research, neuroscience, diabetes and endocrinology – including clinical, basic and translational science and/or interdisciplinary research connected to related fields.

Early-career researchers at research organisations within Denmark and from abroad are welcome to apply.

Workshop participants are selected on a first come, first served basis.

Please note that you are not guaranteed a seat if you do not meet the target group requirements. Priority is given to participants employed at Danish research and health institutions or life science industry, but some seats are reserved for participants employed at research and health institutions or life science industry outside of Denmark. If the event is overbooked, the academies reserve their right to select participants based on the defined requirements.

Latest cancellation date & no-show fee
Please note that it is free of charge to participate in the event however the DDEA will charge a no-show fee of 1000 DKK if you do not show up and have not unregistered from the event by 17 October 2025.