Thirty-seven predoctoral researchers attended the first day, which provided an overview of IDIBAPS and its training and professional opportunities. IDIBAPS Strategy Director Michela Bertero greeted the new professionals with a welcoming address. The Academic Coordination team then detailed the resources available to the PhD students. In the morning, the students were advised of the importance of wellbeing and self-care as they pursued their doctorate and a conversation between research staff from IDIBAPS and Yale University provided insight into the academic career path. The afternoon focused on sustainability and the perspective of sex and gender in research, as well as community building, with participatory activities led by the Sustainability Committee, managers of the PROGENDERS Decalogue and the PhD Community.
The second day addressed the principles of integrity in research, offering students tools to practice responsible and rigorous science. A roundtable discussion focused on the stages of a PhD, where advanced doctoral students and young postdocs shared experiences and practical recommendations. The afternoon sessions dealt with the three essential pillars of a research career: scientific publication, science communication and knowledge and technology transfer, as well as their professional prospects after the PhD, both inside and outside academia. The day ended with a visit to the scientific platforms, which allowed the participants to learn first-hand about the support services that drive the centre’s research.
This new edition consolidated PhD Welcome Days as an essential meeting point to welcome, guide and connect new doctoral students at IDIBAPS. The event strengthens the institution’s commitment to the training, wellbeing and professional development of emerging research staff and helps to support an increasingly active and cohesive predoctoral community. The Academic Coordination Office, the main organisers of the event, would like to thank all internal staff at IDIBAPS and the PhD Community for their participation and commitment.
