The European H2020 project SKIES (SKilled, Innovative and Entrepreneurial Scientists) aims to provide 500 PhD students and young doctoral researchers in Germany, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and South Africa in the field of astronomy with a new set of skills integrating open science, social innovation and entrepreneurship topics. The IAU E-ROAD, in cooperation with the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship, Stichting dotSPACE and five astronomy research organisations, will develop training modules and work together with local trainers in a co-creation process to tailor the content to local needs.

This new skills training will prepare the participating young researchers to fulfil their potential in careers within or beyond academia and to use their skills to contribute to the economy and societal challenges. A Train-the-Trainer programme will build the capacity of 2 teaching staff members per partner country so that they have the knowledge and tools to continue to provide the training for future students.

To support the project partners and other organisations interested in running similar courses, online training will be made available in the form of a mini Online Open Course (mOOC). This mOOC will remain available after the project has ended to ensure its impact and legacy.