- Research,
PhD studies and Europe: a highlight at the Toulouse Capitole University
on the May 13, 2026
Participation subject to registration
(available below)
Arsenal (amphitheatre Maury)
Hybrid (held in person and online)
Hybrid (held in person and online)
On 13 May 2026, the Toulouse Capitole University is organising European Doctoral Day, as part of a Europe-wide initiative to promote doctoral studies and the skills of young researchers. Focusing on internationalisation, interdisciplinarity and impact, this event highlights the role of the PhD in research and society, as well as the career opportunities it opens up, including those outside the academic world.
This event is in line with European recommendations aimed at improving the recognition of doctoral qualifications and strengthening links between research, society and the socio-economic sector.
The day is divided into two parts:
The day is divided into two parts:
- In the morning, from 10 am, PhD students from the three doctoral schools at the Toulouse Capitole University (Law and Political Science, Economics and Management) will present their theses in the ‘My Thesis in 180 Seconds’ format to an audience comprising sixth-form students, professionals and members of the Université Culture et Partage 3e Âge. Having prepared their presentations in advance, they will speak in either French or English. A panel comprising a student, a professional and a retired person will award prizes for the best presentations in each discipline, as well as a ‘People’s Choice’ award. This session aims to raise the profile of doctoral research and foster its uptake by civil society. A drinks reception will be held at 12 noon to allow PhD students to meet and network.
- In the afternoon, from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm, there will be a conference, organised in a hybrid format and open to all PhD students within the European ENGAGE alliance, on the theme: ‘Leveraging transferable skills and competences acquired during the doctoral training’. The conference will be hosted by Dr. Philippa Cook, who works as a coach and careers advisor with a focus on international PhD-candidates and PhD-holders.
Through this event, Toulouse Capitole University is reaffirming its commitment to a doctoral programme that is open, recognised and fully integrated into the European academic landscape.
Registration
*Legal statements : https://www.ut-capitole.fr/home/legal-statements>> Registration deadline: 11 May.
>> The link to join the online conference will be sent to registered participants a few days before the event.
Updated on May 4, 2026
Contact
Find out more about Philippa Cook
She has an international background - born and raised in England - and worked in research and teaching in German academia for 20 years before she founded her own consultancy practice. She has conducted specialist training in careers advising for PhD-holders and is an intercultural trainer too. All workshops are conducted with sensitivity and close attention is paid to issues of gender, diversity and inclusion.
The first European Doctoral Day
European Doctoral Day is designed to:
- To inspire European and international students to pursue doctoral studies,
- To raise awareness and increase recognition of doctoral qualifications among employers,
- To highlight the diverse career paths and societal contributions of PhD students.
