Successful ATHENA BIP Staff Week "Enhancing Doctoral Education"
From March 16 to 20, 2026, representatives from academia, doctoral funding and university management from the ATHENA European University Alliance met at the University of Siegen to discuss the further development of doctoral training and interdisciplinary skills. The focus was on comparing different approaches, exchanging best practices and working together on standards for a future-oriented doctorate.
Over the course of the week, a wide range of topics relating to doctoral support were covered, including the supervision of doctoral candidates, internationalization, diversity and inclusion, interdisciplinary collaboration, research integrity, open science and academic writing, presenting and publishing. In addition, insights were provided into proven tools for effective doctoral supervision and successful project management. There was also a lively exchange on the modalities of joint doctoral supervision within the framework of cotutelle procedures, on the activities of the ATHENA PhD Network and on prospects for further cooperation at postdoc level. In addition, visits to the INCYTE and the House of Young Talents provided valuable insights.
The event made it clear how important European cooperation is for the further development of doctoral training. The professional exchange and personal networking provided valuable impetus to promote early career researchers in a strong European network in an even more targeted manner.
Many thanks to all partners for the open discussions, the valuable impulses and the great cooperation. The event sent out a strong signal for the promotion of the next generation of scientists in Europe.
