The crucial role of supervision and assessment in creating excellent conditions for the training and professional development of early-career researchers (ECR) has already been emphasised in the Salzburg Principles. However, there is a consensus that it should be an institutional responsibility to create opportunities for the professional development of supervisors in order to ensure high-quality supervision. In this short pre-conference workshop, we will address the incentives, blocks and cultural issues affecting engagement of doctoral supervisors in professional development. Drawing on empirical evidence from the UK Research Supervision Survey 2024 and focus groups conducted as part of the Next Generation Research SuperVision Project (RSVP) we will explore together the content, context and conditions required to give supervision practice the reward and recognition it deserves.
Facilitator: Karen Clegg (Co-Director/Principal Investigator RSVP and Reader in Doctoral Education and Practice, School for Arts and Creative Technologies, University of York)
Once you’re signed up, grab a brown bag and start exchanging ideas with your peers. It’s a perfect way to kick off your experience and connect with fellow attendees.
In our welcome note we will hear a few words of welcome from a representative of our host, UCL, and then an initial introduction to the aims of the conference.
Speaker: Jean Chambaz (former president of Sorbonne University, former chair of EUA-CDE)
In 2003, on a recommendation from the recently launched EUA, the Berlin Ministerial Communiqué included doctoral programmes as the ‘third cycle’ of the Bologna Process. Considering that universities themselves should take the initiative and assume ownership of this task, EUA submitted to the European Commission the Doctoral Programmes Project in 2004. Based on the pooling of the experience of participating universities, the project designed recommendations which were discussed in different conferences, and endorsed as the ten Salzburg Principles in February 2005. These principles were established as the basis of the reforms for doctoral education by the Bergen Ministerial Meeting in May 2005, which called on the EUA to their further development and follow up. Members of the DPP network campaigned with EUA secretariat to convince EUA council to create a dedicated platform, and the Council for Doctoral Education was launched in 2008. Though the achievements and experiences of Europe’s universities affirmed and enriched the original principles, EUA-CDE elaborated recommendations to ensure their full understanding and implementation. The Salzburg Recommendations, released in 2010, presented a series of clues to success and obstacles to clear. The presentation will recall the ins and outs and the issues of these years.
Speakers: Johannes Moes (Head of Services for Doctoral Candidates and Postdocs at the Center for Junior Scholars, TU Berlin), Toby Erik Wikström (Project Manager at the Graduate School, University of Iceland), Monseratt Castelló Badia (Professor in Educational Psychology, Universitat Ramon Llull)
Twenty years ago, the adoption of the Salzburg Principles in Europe marked the beginning of a reform process for doctoral training at universities. Since then, workshops and conferences have explored key questions: What constitutes high-quality doctoral education? What structural measures are most effective? How can universities improve supervision and fulfill their institutional responsibilities? In this session, we will examine the changes that have occurred and assess whether there is evidence of progress and impact. To this end, we invite representatives from selected regions and countries to report on the current state of play.
The break is the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs, network with fellow conference attendees and share ideas and reflections on the sessions so far!
Speakers: Dorothy Kelly (former Vice Rector, University of Granda), Bjørn Stensaker (Vice Rector for Education, University of Oslo)
In our increasingly interconnected world, addressing complex global challenges requires a collective effort, for which transnational education is no longer a choice but a crucial necessity. The European Universities initiative embodies this vision, fostering long-term strategic, structural and sustainable cooperation to enhance the international competitiveness of European higher education institutions, while promoting shared values and a European identity. With its foundation in three key pillars: long-term joint strategies for education, inter-university campuses and knowledge-creating teams, the initiative has seen the creation of 64 alliances since its launch in 2019. These alliances provide opportunities to transform doctoral education through harmonising procedures, sharing resources, and encouraging mobility. In this session, we will examine the tangible impacts of these alliances on doctoral education today. What challenges have universities encountered in implementing this vision? What opportunities have emerged from these collaborations? By exploring good practices and lessons learned we aim to uncover actionable insights that can inspire further innovation in doctoral education across Europe.
Moderator: Melita Kovačević (former Vice-Rector University of Zagreb, former chair of EUA-CDE, member of the PRIDE board)
Panellists: Jean Chambaz, Karen Clegg (Co-Director/Principal Investigator RSVP and Reader in Doctoral Education and Practice, School for Arts and Creative Technologies, University of York), Vicent Botella-Soler (Academic Consultant), Monseratt Castelló Badia
In the past 20 years, doctoral education has advanced through interdisciplinary research, skill development, and global collaboration. Key questions remain: How can we balance academic rigor with societal impact? How should doctoral programs prepare graduates for diverse careers? And how can we ensure inclusivity while maintaining excellence? This panel will wrap up the day’s discussions and prepare for the next by exploring these challenges and future directions for doctoral education.
Whether you’re looking to discuss the day’s sessions or simply enjoy eating and drinking with new friends, this is the perfect opportunity.
We reflect on the highlights and key takeaways from yesterday’s discussions. This recap will set the stage for today’s activities, ensuring everyone is aligned and energized for another day of presentations, discussions and networking.
Speakers: Manuel Heitor (Full Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, former Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education in the Government of Portugal), Laura Flynn (Head of Partnerships Divison, at Quality and Qualifications Ireland), Claudia Sarrico (OECD, Project Lead, Research and Innovation Careers Observatory REICO)
The Salzburg Principles have placed the advancement of knowledge through original research at the core of the doctorate. However, as the discourse around doctoral education evolves, increasing attention is being given to the skills and abilities required for a rapidly changing labour market and the expected contributions of doctoral training to the knowledge economy. As with developments in research funding, the demand for immediate impact is becoming an increasingly important criterion for assessment of the doctorate. At the same time, the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 underscores the urgent need for skills such as adaptability, versatility, technological expertise and lateral thinking – skills identified as alarmingly absent in traditional doctoral education. This raises a critical question: is the traditional, curiosity-driven doctorate coming to an end?
In this session, we invite funders and quality assurance agencies to reflect on the future of doctoral education. What measures do they envision to incentivise change? Are universities adequately equipping doctoral candidates with the skills required to thrive in careers beyond academia, or is a transformation in doctoral education needed to meet these demands in the labour market?
All attendees are invited to use this break to stretch their legs and socialise. Take a moment to refresh and recharge before diving back into the conference.
Speaker: João Amaro de Matos (Vice Rector of Nova University)
In an increasingly interconnected world, doctoral programs face the dual challenge of embracing global perspectives while nurturing local uniqueness. This keynote speech will explore how academic institutions can balance these seemingly conflicting objectives. We will discuss the importance of global collaboration in research and the need for curricula that reflect diverse cultural contexts. The speech will highlight case studies of successful doctoral programs that have integrated local insights with international standards, thereby enhancing the academic experience and promoting innovative research.
Furthermore, we will address the role of faculty in fostering a global mindset among students, as well as the significance of community engagement in shaping relevant research topics. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to cultivate a program ethos that respects local traditions and perspectives while preparing graduates for a globalized job market.
Join us for an inspiring conversation on redefining doctoral education in the 21st century.
At the General Assembly, the board reports on the past year and plans for the coming year. In addition, the approval of the budget and the election of the board are the responsibility of the General Assembly. The GA serves as a platform for members to express their opinions, exchange news and views, and jointly shape the future direction of the association.
Join us for lunch and get re-energised for the afternoon! Chat with speakers and moderators and network with new PRIDE friends while enjoying a meal.
We will give the PRIDE working groups the opportunity to report on the status of their joint work in this short session.
Facilitators: Verity Elson (Co-Directrice of the Graduate Campus at UNIL, member of the PRIDE Board), Mathias Schroijen (Project Manager at ULB, member of the PRIDE Board)
The future of doctoral education stands at a crossroads, requiring (r)evolution to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. This interactive workshop invites participants to collaboratively explore how doctoral education can adapt and thrive in the response to societal, economic, and technological transformations.
Following a brief introduction, participants will have the opportunity to engage in dynamic and facilitated discussions on the future of doctoral education through the prism of the key issues raised during the conference.
Participants will have the opportunity to join two different discussions, guided by facilitators who will collect ideas and key observations. The session will conclude with a collective reflection, highlighting insights and actionable takeaways to shape the future of doctoral education.
Moderator: Kenneth Wann (Honorary Professor of Cell Physiology at Cardiff University and member of the PRIDE board)
In our final panel discussion, we will take stock of all that has been explored during the conference to ask critical questions: Is it enough to make incremental adjustments to doctoral education, or is a more radical reset needed – one that allows us to fundamentally rethink the current form of the doctorate? Such a transformation would certainly bring significant changes for doctoral candidates, supervisors, professionals and support structures. If this change happens, what might it look like?
At the end of the conference, we would like to invite you to join us for a final networking session with a farewell drink.
Founded in 1826 in the heart of London, UCL is London’s leading multidisciplinary university, with more than 16,000 staff and 50,000 students from over 150 different countries.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Required for Conference Participation
Travelers from countries that do not require a visa for entry to the UK—including all EU member states—will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in addition to a valid passport for entry into the UK starting in 2025. As of January 8, 2025, this will initially apply to non-EU citizens, with travelers from EU countries required to obtain the ETA starting on April 2, 2025.
The ETA application must be completed online, where personal information will be entered, and questions regarding the trip will need to be answered. A processing fee of approximately £10 (about €11.85) will be charged, which must be paid via credit card. Processing of the application is expected to take up to 72 hours, and the approval will be sent by email.
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