The IRTG of (AC)³ offers both, a scientific training program and transferable skills training, which addresses the contents of the (AC)³ project. The IRTG training program is unique because of the diverse expertise within the (AC)³ consortium. With courses offered by (AC)³ researchers, visiting scientists and external trainers, we are able to respond to different needs and offer the most beneficial course program for everyone. In addition to our courses, we encourage all (AC)³ PhDs to search for available and relevant courses within the participating institutions. If you cannot find the course you need at a certain point in your scientific progress, it may be offered by one of our partners.

Scientific training

The IRTG scientific training program consists of online lectures, project-specific workshops, and training sessions. The lectures are prepared by (AC)³ PLs and announced publicly, including in the local graduate schools and in the (AC)³ community. Streaming and additional material is available afterwards through the (AC)³ internal data sharing portal. The regular online lectures are also used to introduce new IRTG members to help them get started efficiently.
In addition, a winter school is planned for 2025 in cooperation with the University of Helsinki. The scientific content of the school will follow the scientific topics within (AC)³, the lectures and working groups will be prepared by (AC)³ PLs, the Mercator Fellows, and the program will be complemented by the expertise of our local partners from Helsinki, including a site visit to the Hyytiälä Forestry Field Station.

Events and networking

In order to facilitate regular exchange, scientific discussion and networking among the doctoral researchers, the IRTG organizes annual retreats in combination with the biannual (AC)³ General Assemblies (GA) and the (AC)³ Science Conference. The retreats promote direct communication between the IRTG members, and familiarize the ECRs in the individual projects with the methodological approaches used in (AC)³. Our doctoral researchers are encouraged to initiate and propose topics for the scientific program, to take an active role in determining the retreat program, and to create your own learning environment.
Furthermore, the PhD Council is actively involved in the scientific planning of (AC)³ project meetings. (AC)³ ECRs generally play an essential role in the (AC)³ GA and the Science Conference, as they contribute the majority of the scientific talks and posters, and act as session chairs.

Skills training

Mental health and diversity issues have recently become more prominent topics of discussion in research in general and among doctoral researchers in particular. Therefore, the (AC)³ IRTG organizes workshops or provides space for open discussions, accordingly. The workshops organized by the IRTG focus on the needs of natural scientists and are therefore often more efficient for (AC)³ ECRs than those offered by local graduate schools and/or central graduate academies.