Join us for the European Doctoral Day, a dedicated event designed to empower Early Career Researchers (ECRs) through expert knowledge, strategic career planning, and modern research tools. This day is focused on addressing the unique challenges of doctoral paths and equipping you with the “competencies of the future.”
Online event addressed to young researchers
European Doctoral Day 2026 is an online event organized by SWPS University as part of the European Doctoral Day initiative. It is specifically designed for Early Career Researchers (ECRs).
The program focuses on strategic career planning, modern research tools, and the commercialization of knowledge. Key topics include the role of doctoral students in global science, the application of GenAI in research (in compliance with current regulations), and individual consultations with innovation brokers from the Center for Knowledge Transfer regarding the practical implementation of research results.
Schedule
10.30–12.00
The doctoral student as an early career researcher: Challenges in supporting young scientists
- The lecture explores the evolving role of doctoral students as early-career researchers, highlighting the systemic and individual challenges involved in supporting their professional development. By synthesizing European Commission reports with current academic literature, the session provides a data-driven analysis of the strategic frameworks necessary to empower the next generation of European scientists.
Yuce Iffet Piraye (University Paris 8, France)
- She is a Ph.D. candidate affiliated with the Centre de recherches sociologiques et politiques de Paris (CRESPPA), currently pursuing a doctorate in sociology. Her research interests include the sociology of religion, gender studies, organizational sociology, and economic behavior, with a particular emphasis on women’s entrepreneurship, gender, and religiosity, especially among Muslim women entrepreneurs in Turkey. She also teaches a qualitative methodology course at the Department of Sociology at the University Paris 8. In addition, she works as a local research coordinator within the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA), where she coordinates research strategies, events, and researcher career development initiatives across eight European Universities.
12.00–13.30
AI in research practice
- The workshop will focus on AI applications in research practice, with particular emphasis on reference management. The starting point will be an overview of Zotero as one of the most widely used reference managers, along with its potential integrations with tools such as Gemini, NotebookLM, Litmaps, and Scispace.
Maciej Kościelniak, Ph.D. (SWPS University)
- He is a psychologist and specializes in social psychology, psychology of social influence, and behavioral economics. He is also a personal coach advising clients on the choice of career paths and career change.
14.00–15.00
Strategic career planning
- This interactive lecture will explore the diverse career paths available to Ph.D. candidates, both within and beyond academia. It should be emphasized that a pursuit of a doctorate is not only work, but also a period of advanced training that equips candidates with valuable, transferable skills. We will address how these skills can be applied across different sectors and how to make informed decisions about future career directions. Participants will gain insight into the opportunities, requirements, and trade-offs associated with various career paths. The lecture will also cover key aspects of career development such as publishing, securing funding, networking, and exploring different options through practical experience. Finally, it will highlight the importance of mental health, managing uncertainty, and maintaining a healthy work–life balance.
Professor Katarzyna Byrka (SWPS University)
- She is a social psychologist. She specializes in environmental and health psychology. Her research interests focus on the dichotomy between people’s intentions and behaviors, i.e. differences between attitudes and behaviors. She is also interested in the methodology of indirect attitude measurement, i.e. the methods, which are not based on statements and declarations.
15.30–17.00
From research to impact: commercialization & innovation
- What is knowledge valorisation? Why are researchers essential to economic development, and how are university roles evolving? During this workshop, we will explore how researchers can benefit from these changes and how to develop science through collaboration with companies, organizations, and public institutions. We will discuss what to keep in mind and how to approach partnerships in a planned, strategic way to achieve research and development goals while creating a positive impact on the world. Together, we will reflect on these questions and develop practical approaches, best practices, and tools to support effective collaboration between science and external partners.
Patrycja Radek, Ph.D. (SWPS University)
- She is an innovation broker at the Center for Knowledge Transfer and Head of Acceleration for the Startup Booster for Social Impact program at SWPS University. She is a mentor, educator, and expert in solving complex organizational and systemic problems.
More information and registration form you find on this website.
Organizers
Partner
Contact
Aleksandra Skowrońska: askowronska2@swps.edu.pl
