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The CRG Training and Academic Team (TAO) has 3 main pillars that support the development of scientific talent and strengthen the professional growth of the CRG community.

Academic Programs

Academic Programs

Talent attraction: By designing strategies and implementing initiatives to attract scientific talent at the graduate level.

International CRG PhD Program: By managing the program with more than 100 PhD students, overseeing recruitment, student follow-up, and counselling and coordination with partner universities.

Integrated Training

Integrated Training

CRG staff training: By developing and implementing the internal CRG training portfolio to further develop professional skills of the CRG staff.

International courses: TAO organizes international advanced scientific courses for global researchers.

Tailored courses: By designing and running specific courses for European projects, companies, funders, and various CRG strategic initiatives.

Students and staff initiatives: By promoting and organizing initiatives that foster collaboration and professional development such as Hackathons.

Career Development

Career development

Coordination of Mentoring Programs for PhD students and postdocs.

Organization of career events. These include PRBB Career Month, BIST career week, PRBB Meet the companies, and many more.

Support of emerging scientists and technicians through fellowships and grants such as Master's and Undergraduate students, postdoctoral grants and the Technicians Award.

Next career steps: By running courses that help you navigate your next career steps. TAO provides on-demand service on preparation for job/internship/grant interviews and CV feedback.

Please contact us if:

  • You wish that TAO designs and delivers a course for your institution or company.
  • You wish to collaborate with us.
  • You wish to deliver a course for CRG staff.
  • You wish to apply together with us for a project.
Damjana Kastelic
Damjana leads the design and delivery of institutional training and career development programmes for researchers at all career stages, with a focus on interdisciplinary skills, leadership, and innovation. Her work aligns institutional strategy with the evolving needs of researchers, supporting continuous learning and professional growth. Damjana is actively involved in international collaborations and initiatives, contributing to the development of impactful training programmes.
Damjana Kastelic, PhD
Head of Training and Academic Office
Elena Moreno Castillo
Elena leads the strategic design and implementation of training programs aligned with European projects. She drives the development of several learning opportunities—including digital and AI-related training. She is also a dedicated mentor, supporting scientists in their career progression and professional development.
Elena Moreno Castillo, PhD
Academic and Training Officer
Anna Sole Amat
Anna manages CRG’s International PhD Program, covering recruitment, selection, onboarding, partnerships, and ongoing support for young researchers. She helps attract international talent, strengthens CRG’s research training environment, supports postdocs, and serves as a contact point for undergraduate and Master’s students.
Anna Sole Amat, MSc
Academic coordinator
Gemma Antoja Castelltort
Gemma designs and coordinates courses and learning programs for CRG staff, especially scientific support staff. She leads FUNDAE management as the in‑house expert, delivers training in communication and emotional skills, and moderates events. Her background in design enhances the visual impact and clarity of training materials and projects across CRG.
Gemma Antoja Castelltort
Training Officer
Leonor Avila Goñi
Leonor leads advanced Courses@CRG international courses, by coordinating internal and external stakeholders—speakers, participants, companies, sponsors—to ensure high-quality delivery and smooth on-site execution. She oversees budgets and administrative workflows, ensuring timely implementation and alignment with TAO priorities, while also supporting broader TAO and CRG academic initiatives such as the annual PhD call, symposium, retreat and PhD course.
Leonor Avila Goñi, PhD
Scientific Training Officer