Session 1 – Finding Joy in the PhD Journey (Panel)

Building on last years’ panel session on navigating challenges and failure within academia, this year’s panel shifts focus to the positive aspects of pursuing a PhD. There are various reasons why individuals get inspired and motivated to undertake a PhD journey, regardless of potential difficulties that are met along the way.

It is from this angle that we build a panel session driven by one main question: “How does doing a PhD bring you happiness?”. Through the experience of three speakers, each in different stages of their academic careers and each reflecting on their personal and professional experiences, we aim to highlight diverse perspectives on finding joy and purpose in academic research.

This panel is not just about sharing stories; it is an invitation to engage the audience in a broader, collaborative conversation. Attendees will explore what happiness means, and how we encounter and nurture it during our own research journeys.

Sessions 2 and 3 – Exploring PhD’s Experiences: What Brings You Joy Within Your PhD Journey? (Two separate workshops: one on-site and one online)

This interactive workshop provides a safe and welcoming space for PhD candidates to connect, share, and reflect on their experiences. Centered on the theme of joy in academia, the workshop encourages participants to examine the factors that influence their happiness and overall well-being throughout the doctoral journey.

We focus on three topics that can significantly impact ones’ positive experiences within the PhD journey:

1. Work-life balance, and the importance of recognizing the importance of maintaining a healthy equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal well-being.
2. Milestones and achievements, from the first read academic article, to the first presentation, all the way up to defending the final dissertation.
3. Relationship with colleagues and supervisor(s), and how to foster positive interpersonal relationships. 

For some, these themes will already feel positive, bringing them happiness, while for others these might resonate with difficult experiences and obstacles. Divided in smaller groups, participants will share their perspectives, discuss eventual challenges, and brainstorm on how these potential obstacles can be overcome to ultimately achieve joy. This collaborative process aims to draw the focus to the positive aspects of pursuing a PhD and to reflect on how obstacles can be turned around in something positive.