No 'games', no 'icebreakers', but genuine engagement – with integrity, enthusiasm, and an evidence-based perspective on what works.
As a chemist, I don’t come from the ‘further education scene’ but from evidence-based science. After many years abroad and as a research group leader, junior professor, and DFG Heisenberg Fellow, I have experienced how strongly scientific excellence depends on good leadership, collaboration, and communication. “If you only know chemistry, you don’t even know that properly.”
As a demanding trainer, coach, and facilitator, I now work with people who bear responsibility in complex, often hierarchical and interdisciplinary systems. I support them in clarifying conflicts, sharpening roles, and ensuring the transfer of insights into daily practice.
Priv.-Doz. Dr. ès sc. habil. Alexander Schiller
Born 1976, married, two children
Studies and doctorate in Chemistry at LMU Munich and EPF Lausanne, Postdoc at the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC), Habilitation and Privat-Dozent in Inorganic Chemistry at FSU Jena
Many years of scientific experience as a lecturer, junior professor, international group leader, and DFG Heisenberg Fellow; MSMLG Czarnik Emerging Investigator Award 2018
Trainer, Coach, and Facilitator with certified training (The Thiagi Group)
Coach for the Transfer Strength Method ® (Prof. Axel Koch)
Own training companies since 2011: Schiller & Mertens GbR and Flexible Facilitation
More than 22,000 scientists trained worldwide; Coach & Trainer for Planck Academy, DKFZ, FZ Jülich, University of Luxembourg, and many others
Specialist in evidence-based and interactive learning formats, learning transfer, and leadership and team development
Lead Trainer and Coach for interactive teaching and training strategies according to Thiagi (Dr. Sivasailam Thiagarajan)
"It starts with learning – it only becomes effective when thinking, acting, and attitude come together."
— Priv.-Doz. Dr. ès sc. habil. Alexander Schiller
Mission Statement
This mission statement describes the philosophy behind my work.
People are at the center, not methods. Learning is only meaningful if it is effective in everyday life. Reflection, attitude, and conscious transfer connect insight and impact.
Conflicts are not a disruption, but the starting point for development. My clients and participants recognize in conflict not the problem, but the mandate for a solution.
Through training, consulting, and coaching, I help people apply what they’ve learned to their daily lives and make it effective there.
- Learning arises not solely from experience, but from reflection upon it.
- Those who focus only on learning often miss the bigger picture: the transfer.
- Sustainable transfer arises not only from knowledge, but also from behavior and attitude.
- Learning must have an impact in real life.
- Playfulness and ease are part of seriousness.
- Learning is not a project, but a lifelong principle.
- Mindfulness is the foundation of respect.
- We share what strengthens us – and thereby strengthen others.
Learn something new every day
My mission statement does not end with concepts, but is reflected in my own actions. In my deep learning projects, I consciously make learning visible: as an ongoing process that connects head, heart, and hand and is rooted in real life.
Windsurfing
Learning goals: Implicit learning, tacit knowledge, coordination, dealing with fear, learning slowly when tackling a difficult topic.
Jazz piano in a big band
Learning objectives: Self-directed learning through projects and case studies, dealing with imposter syndrome, listening to my teacher, managing my teacher.
Yoga
Learning objectives: Mindfulness, focusing attention, accepting my body, patience.