On May 13th, the European Doctoral Day was celebrated for the first time, which aimed to value doctoral training and the impact of doctorates on the scientific, social and economic progress of Europe and in a rapidly changing world. This initiative brought together European networks and institutions active in doctoral training, seeking to inspire future researchers, raise awareness among employers and make visible the diversity of professional paths that a PhD can generate.

The UMinho Doctoral College joined the event, promoting the session “Come talk about… Is it still worth doing a PhD?”, in the B-Lounge space of the General Library of the Gualtar campus, in Braga. The opening featured the Director of the Doctoral College, Margarida Correia-Neves, and the presentation of a mural challenging students to share their messages.

Then, a round table brought together the testimonies of António Salgado, Vice-Rector for Research and Scientific Policy; Filipe Alves, R&D engineer at DTx – Collaborative Laboratory in Digital Transformation; and three experienced PhDs and co-founders of spin-offs of this Academy – Miguel Ferreira (Keep Solutions), Neide Vieira (Iplexmed) and Sara Madeira (Extreme Materials).

The moderation was by Luís Ferreira, PhD student at the School of Economics, Management and Political Science and member of the coordinating committee of the UMinho Doctoral College. The closing included a playful and networking moment, with an informal snack between speakers, PhD and master’s students and postgraduate management committees, among others.

SOURCE: UMINHO