Once you’re signed up, grab a coffee 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 Jouni Hirvonen, Vice Rector for Research, University of Helsinki and Minna Palander-Collin, Director of the University of Helsinki Doctoral School, as well as Lucas Zinner, Chair of the Board, PRIDE Network.
Keynote speaker: Robert Harris (Karolinska Institutet)
Universities have long been regarded as a natural home for students, researchers, and staff, offering education, intellectual freedom, academic community, research innovation and stable employment. At the same time, researchers contribute far beyond the university, bringing advanced expertise, critical thinking and creativity to society at large. Today, this traditional role deserves renewed scrutiny. Falling interest in doctoral education and research careers, combined with post-Covid transformations in how teaching, research, and administration are organised, are reshaping expectations of what universities offer and how campus life is experienced. This plenary lecture will explore how attractive universities actually are for students and staff in this changing landscape, and what is required to revitalise their role as places of choice. It will argue that universities must rethink how they support researcher development, recognise transferable competencies and prepare individuals for a wide range of meaningful careers, while also articulating the unique added value of the physical campus – connection, creativity, and community – that cannot be fully replicated online.
Confirmed panelists: Bob Harris, Vedran Galetic; Session Chair: Melita Kovačević (PRIDE)
Research careers look very different depending on where you stand—whether as a PhD or postdoc navigating uncertainty, an institution shaping policy, or an employer outside academia interpreting research skills. This session brings these perspectives together to reveal how expectations, misunderstandings, and incentives vary across sectors. By including alumni, non-academic stakeholders, and those currently “in transition,” we seek to illuminate how researcher careers are perceived beyond university walls. The aim is to foster mutual understanding and bridge the gap between academic culture and the broader labour market
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.
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Confirmed speakers: Neda Bebiroglu (Observatory of Research and Scientific Careers- F.R.S.-FNRS),
Kenneth Wann (PRIDE); Session Chairs: Mathias Schroijen, João Pedro Pêgo
Doctoral and postdoctoral careers are often characterised by high expectations – in terms of academic future, mobility, recognition, stability and meaningfulness. However, how closely do these expectations align with the realities researchers face, both within and beyond academia? And to what extent are these assumptions realistic in the first place? This session invites an open and honest discussion about uncertainty, perspectives and the value of investing in a PhD, creating space for real-life experiences rather than polished narratives. Through open dialogue, we aim to question fundamentally false expectations, bring uncomfortable truths to light and promote more transparent communication about opportunities and limitations in the world of research. By addressing expectations early and openly, the session contributes to more realistic, empowering, and sustainable approaches to research career development
All attendees are warmly invited to use this break to stretch their legs and connect with colleagues. Take a moment to refresh, grab a coffee, and recharge before we continue with the session on roles and responsibilities.
Confirmed speakers: Sabine Hunke (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), Erkki Raulo (University of Helsinki), Raphaël Porcher (Université Paris Cité); Session Chair: Lucas Zinner
Who holds responsibility for preparing researchers for diverse and sustainable careers—and where do those responsibilities begin and end? We examine the evolving role of universities while acknowledging the essential agency of researchers themselves in shaping their trajectories. We will explore what institutions can and should do, how supervisors, doctoral schools, career services and funding bodies share obligations, and where expectations may be unrealistic. By taking a holistic view, we aim to clarify not only institutional potential and limits, but also how empowered researchers and supportive structures together create meaningful career development.
Session Chair: Lucas Zinner
Join PRIDE’s General Assembly for a crisp 30-minute tour of what we’ve achieved since the last conference and what’s coming next. We’ll share key activities, upcoming priorities and opportunities for members to get involved. We’ll also give a clear, transparent financial update—so everyone leaves informed and aligned. The approval of the budget is 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.
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.
Confirmed speakers: Elena Hoffer (alma.me), Yolana Pringle (VITAE), Lisa Krammer (Science Communication Center Vienna); Session Chairs: Ilaria Orsi, Madeleine Harbich
In the last twenty years, doctoral education has undergone a significant shift: the emphasis has moved from research to the researcher. This renewed focus on individuals not only highlights their specific personal and professional trajectories as integral components of the system, but also encourages the very same system (the academic institutions) to develop human-centred and sustainable solutions for them throughout their journey — supporting them in the present moment and in their future aspirations.
Stretch your legs and grab a coffee, connect with colleagues, and recharge before we move into the session on the role of Career Development Units.
Confirmed speakers: Chiara Lauritano (Politecnico di Torino), Liz Elvidge (Imperial College London), Barbara Janssens (Dkfz – German Cancer Research Center); Session Chairs: Ilaria Orsi, Madeleine Harbich
Career development offices are becoming important players in supporting researchers as they navigate increasingly diverse and complex career paths. Their work includes skills development, employer engagement and individual coaching – but their roles and responsibilities vary greatly between universities. This session will explore what approaches exist, where they are located, and how they can be leveraged within institutional structures to meet the needs of researchers. By sharing experiences and models, we aim to highlight their evolving function and emphasise
the professional expertise they bring to modern research ecosystems.
Confirmed speaker: Owen Gower (UKCGE), Denis Billotte (CUSO)
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 1640, the University of Helsinki is Finland’s oldest and largest university, known for world-class research. Located in the capital, it is a leading European institution in sustainability, innovation, and open science.
The conference takes place in the Main Building on the City Centre Campus (Fabianinkatu 33, 00170 Helsinki).
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Applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis. The application is only completed when you have received the final confirmation by email after your payment.