European Doctoral Day

University College Dublin is proud to participate in the first European Doctoral Day, a continent-wide initiative that will be held annually on May 13 starting in 2026, during Europe Month. Our university firmly believes that science and research are fundamental European values, with the doctoral degree serving as both a gateway and a key driver of progress. As part of this effort, we are organizing a dedicated event.

On May 13, 2026, Europe will mark the inaugural European Doctoral Day, an initiative launched in 2026 and set to become an annual event. This day aims to highlight the pivotal role of PhD holders and of doctoral education in driving scientific excellence, innovation, and societal progress - both within academia and beyond.

This day complements initiatives like Choose Europe for Science to increase Europe’s attractiveness to early career researchers and is designed to:

• Inspire European and international students to pursue doctoral education,
• Increase employers’ awareness and recognition of doctoral qualifications,
• Showcase the diverse career paths and societal contributions of doctoral graduates.

In addition to affirming the value of doctoral education in Europe, this day celebrates what unites Europeans in doctoral education - the PhD and the “Humboldtian” research-based training model were born in Europe – the range and variety of PhD opportunities in Europe and the rich cultural and intellectual diversity of the continent’s scientific landscape.

Originally a French initiative, European academic networks representing the doctoral community across the continent have mobilized to organise this first edition. A coordination committee has reviewed and labelled event proposals submitted by institutions. The enthusiasm of European universities has been confirmed, with over 170 labelled events taking place across Europe, in Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Poland, Romania, UK, Ukraine etc. These events, registered on the (opens in a new window)Eurodocday.org platform, are hosted by institutions within the EU and beyond.

UCD Online Event: Closing the feedback loop for PhD candidates

As part of this celebration, UCD Graduate Studies invites you to an online event Closing the feedback loop for PhD candidates on Wednesday, 13th May 2026 at 12:30 (GMT+1). This event will showcase examples of closing the feedback loop for enhancing the experience of doctoral candidates at UCD. The data used is obtained from the national PGR StudentSurvey.ie is co-sponsored by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), the Irish Universities Association (IUA), the Technological Universities Association (TUA), and Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (AMLÉ), formerly the Union of Students in Ireland (USI). The event will provide an opportunity for colleagues to share good practice, with a focus on actions that may be associated with improved results in the PGR Student Survey.ie. 

Join us in celebrating European Doctoral Day!

Book to attend

(opens in a new window)Booking Instructions for non-UCD users 

For more information:

• Explore the map of labelled events on (opens in a new window)org
• List of the networks involved in the coordination committee:
  • Coimbra Group - (opens in a new window)Europe’s oldest university network,
  • European University Association - (opens in a new window)Council for Doctoral Education,
  • (opens in a new window)Euraxess network,
  • Eurodoc - (opens in a new window)European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers,
  • FOREU4ALL - (opens in a new window)An initiative of the European University Alliance,
  • League of European Research Universities - (opens in a new window)Doctoral Studies Policy Group,
  • MCAA - (opens in a new window)The Marie Curie Alumni Association,
  • Pride Network - (opens in a new window)The european network for professionals in doctoral education,
  • ANDES - (opens in a new window)Association Nationale des Docteurs,
  • (opens in a new window)French ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space.