Build the communication skills that power great research teams
Research is rarely a solo endeavor.
Whether you're working in a lab, collaborating across disciplines, mentoring students, or contributing to a research group, your ability to communicate effectively can make the difference between a team that simply functions and one that excels.
The Science of Team Communication (TEAMMAPPS) Leadership Cohort is designed specifically for graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, researchers, and undergraduate students in the sciences who want to become stronger collaborators and more effective leaders. Grounded in research on high-performing teams, this cohort combines online learning, facilitated discussions, peer learning, and one-on-one coaching to help participants improve communication where it matters most—within their own research and professional teams.
By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
- Communicate more effectively within research and interdisciplinary teams
- Recognize communication patterns that strengthen, or hinder, team performance
- Adapt their communication style to work more effectively with colleagues, faculty, and collaborators
- Give and receive feedback in ways that build trust, improve collaboration, and accelerate team success
- Navigate conflict, misalignment, and communication breakdowns before they impact research progress
- Apply evidence-based communication strategies to create healthier, more productive, and more innovative teams
This cohort is ideal for students and researchers who want to strengthen one of the most valuable skills in academia and beyond: the ability to work effectively with others.
Whether your future is in academia, industry, healthcare, or entrepreneurship, exceptional team communication will set you apart as a leader.
Fall 2026 Cohort Dates:
- Wednesday, September 23rd, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 7th, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 21st, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 4th, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Fall 2026 Applications are Open
Applications are now open for Doerr Institute fall semester programs. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 4th.
Apply early! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible. Once all available spots in the cohort have been filled, applications will close.
How to Apply
This cohort is an application-based program. Your answers to the following questions will be blind reviewed by a small team, and 15 participants will be extended an offer to join the cohort. Please take 10-15 minutes to thoughtfully answer the questions below. Each response should be approximately 75-150 words.
- What are your beliefs about effective leadership?
- How do you hope this program will support your effectiveness as part of a science team?
- What communication challenge do you hope this program will help you address?
- Where do you see the biggest opportunity to strengthen psychological safety, communication, or adaptability within your research team?
Questions? Contact leadership@rice.edu