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Research collaboration with societal actors plays an important role at doctoral level. In addition to collaboration during the doctorate, it is a fact that a majority of doctoral graduates will pursue careers outside academia.
This EUA-CDE Annual Meeting provided participants with a platform to discuss a wide range of topics related to the contribution of doctoral research and talent to the advancement of society. The conference offered participants the opportunity to share good practices and reflect on how to further strengthen institutional practices in societal engagement at doctoral level and preparing doctoral candidates for a labour market that is wider than academia.
This discussion was particularly timely, as the societal role of doctoral research has gained renewed attention across Europe and internationally. The topic of this year’s conference was closely linked to current EU policy priorities: strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and the skills needed for Europe to succeed in this effort.
This year’s edition offered participants a dynamic programme composed of expert talks and interactive sessions tackling a broad spectrum of issues. Sessions explored how doctoral education is contributing to advancing society, innovative approaches to support doctorate holders’ career pathways beyond academia as well as the importance and need of interdisciplinarity, among many other topics.
In addition, a highlight during the Annual Meeting in Galway was the launch of the findings of the 2025-2026 EUA-CDE Thematic Peer Group, which focuses on best practices in the collaboration with societal actors at the doctoral level.
EUA-CDE Annual Meetings have become the largest and most comprehensive gatherings of academic leaders, doctoral education professionals, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers and other stakeholders working on doctoral education. They are open to anyone with responsibilities and interest in this field.
Background
Dear colleagues,
On behalf of the University of Galway, it is my great pleasure to welcome the European University Association Council for Doctoral Education to Ireland for its Annual Meeting. We are especially delighted that this gathering of European thought-leaders is taking place on our University of Galway campus in the west of Ireland—a place defined by curiosity, creativity, and a deep commitment to societal progress. Céad Míle Fáilte to you all.
The 2026 Meeting celebrates the extraordinary potential of doctoral education to shape society’s future. Across Europe we are witnessing a remarkable evolution: research agendas influenced by real-world needs; flexible researcher development through structured skills training, cohort-based intakes and joint or professional doctorates; and a growing emphasis on widening access, inclusion, and support for diverse learners. The collaboration between universities and societal partners—government, non-profits, industry, and alumni—has never been more vital. Together, we are creating pathways for research that not only deepens knowledge but also drives social justice, economic resilience, and cultural flourishing. This shared endeavour is building a generation of researchers equipped to lead with purpose, insight, and imagination.
At the University of Galway our Strategic Plan 2025–2030 charts an ambitious course for the years ahead. Our research community is deeply engaged in addressing global challenges, national priorities, and regional opportunities. We embrace interdisciplinarity not simply as a method, but as a mindset—one that celebrates collaboration, sparks innovation, and invites diverse perspectives to shape new solutions. Anchored in the distinctive spirit of the west of Ireland, our work converges around four research pillars: Innovation for Health; Creativity, Culture & Society; Sustainable & Resilient Environments: Earth & Ocean; and Transformative Data & AI. Through local engagement and global partnership, we aim to deliver research that is not only excellent but transformative—research that carries forward our mission to contribute meaningfully to the world.
Finally, I hope you immerse yourselves in the unique energy of Galway—its vibrant arts, its living traditions, and its natural surroundings. As the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway offers a sense of place that both grounds and inspires: from the rugged beauty of Connemara to the ancient mystery of the Burren. We look forward to welcoming you to our campus and region in 2026.
Professor David Burn
President
University of Galway
With the support of Fáilte Ireland - Discover Ireland
©University of Galway
Wednesday 17 June 2026
Pre-meeting sessions10:30 – 11:25 - Pre-meeting session I - New to EUA-CDE
11:30 – 12:30 - Pre-meeting session II - How European Universities alliances can support societal engagement at doctoral level
13:30 – 14:25 - Pre-meeting session III - Doctorates beyond campus: Contribution to society through the MSCA Doctoral Networks
14:30 – 15:30 - Pre-meeting session IV - Reforming research assessment & careers and the importance of societal engagement
Annual Meeting16:45 – 18:00 - Keynote I: What the doctorate offers to advancing society
16:45 – 18:00 - Keynote II: The doctorate & society in today’s European policy context
Thursday 18 June 2026
10:30 – 11:15 - Plenary session II - Collaboration beyond academia at doctoral level
11:45 – 12:45 Parallel sessions I
Parallel session I.A. Collaborative doctorates with societal actors
Parallel session I.B. Transferable skills development and career readiness
Parallel session I.C. Institutional practices for future and sustainable career pathways
Parallel session I.D. Career development beyond academia: institutional models and support
Parallel session I.E. Expanding doctoral education through societal and interdisciplinary dimensions
14:00 – 15:15 Parallel sessions II
Parallel session II.A. Advancing interdisciplinarity at doctoral level
Parallel session II.B. Supporting the transition phase of doctorate holders beyond academia
Parallel session II.C. From the doctorate to diverse career destinations
Parallel session II.D. Connecting doctoral education with industry and society
Parallel session II.E. Rethinking institutional approaches to doctoral career preparation
17:00 – 17:30 My university’s greatest achievements in engaging with society at doctoral level in 180 seconds
Friday 19 June 2026
09:30 – 10:15 Plenary session IV EUA-CDE plans for the coming year
About University of Galway
Established in 1845, with an initial intake of 68 students in 1849, University of Galway has grown in size and reputation since then. We are a bilingual (Gaeilge and English), comprehensive, public university comprised of four colleges, 18 schools and six research institutes, with more than 20,000 students, including around 3,500 international students and 1,000 doctoral researchers. We have more than 2,500 staff, including 1200 academic staff. Our innovative and engaged researchers collaborate with over 5,000 international institutions and are recognised for excellence in foundational frontier research and for translation to create new spin-outs and inventions, supported by a strong connection to the MedTech and Creative Arts sector in Galway. The research community in the Colleges and Institutes is supported by the Vice-President for Research & Innovation and the Dean of Graduate Studies and a dedicated researcher development centre focused on enhancing researcher professional development. Researcher excellence and determination drive our research outputs and global impact.
For more information visit https://www.universityofgalway.ie/
About Galway city
Galway is known as Ireland’s cultural heart and is renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals and celebrations. On the edge of Europe, Galway is a city of contrasts – modern and ancient; a city for theatre and the arts, a hub for the biomedical industry and a haven for tourists and scholars. At the heart of this medieval city is the University of Galway.
Galway city has experienced very rapid growth in recent years and has a strong local economy with complementary business sectors, including manufacturing industry, tourism, retail and distribution, education, healthcare and financial, construction, cultural and professional services.
Galway City is ideally situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, a 2,500 km tourism route along one of the world’s most dramatic coastal landscapes – from thrilling seascapes, cliffs, marine life, mountains, glens, loughs, trails and pathways. It is a place to experience nature at its best, and to experience ‘the craic’ through social interactions with our people!
For more information visit https://www.discoverireland.ie/galway
© Professor Chaosheng Zhang
