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Following the European Commission’s proposals for the next generation of EU programmes, it is a crucial moment for doctoral education in Europe.
Key discussions are now underway about what important programmes for doctoral education, like Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, will look like from 2028 to 2034. In addition, the European Commission is preparing to bring forward a major piece of legislation in 2026: the European Research Area Act.
This made the EUA Council for Doctoral Education’s 2026 Thematic Workshop a timely platform to focus on the future of European funding programmes and policies that will affect the doctoral level in the years ahead. It was also an invaluable opportunity for the doctoral education community to discuss how universities can position themselves to make the most of upcoming opportunities.
Through keynote speeches, panel discussions and hands-on breakout sessions, EUA-CDE members learned more about the proposals for the next EU funding programmes, exchanged experiences and discussed how to speak with a strong voice for doctoral education. Hosted by the University of Liège in Belgium, the workshop also showcased institutional strategies and best practices from EUA-CDE member universities on leveraging EU funding and policy instruments and explored what could be improved in the next EU funding programmes to support Europe’s future generation of researchers and innovators.
In addition, a highlight of the 2026 workshop was the launch of the second report on the results of EUA-CDE’s Europe-wide survey carried out in 2025. Participants joined us in Liège for a first discussion of our findings about the policy topics that have become key for doctoral education and research training in recent years.
Who should attend the 2026 Thematic Workshop?
Anyone with responsibilities and interest in doctoral education and European funding programmes and policies at the doctoral level. Academic leaders, doctoral education managers & professionals, advisors for European grants and policies at the doctoral level as well as doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers were encouraged to attend this event and engage in this important conversation.
Please note that the participation in the event is reserved to representatives of EUA-CDE member universities only.
Dear Colleagues,
It is a true pleasure to welcome you in January 2026 to Liège and to the University of Liège for Doctoral education for the future of European R&I.
Liège is a millennial city at the very heart of Europe, a meeting point of cultures and ideas. The University of Liège, founded more than 200 years ago, stands proudly in this tradition of learning that stretches back to the Middle Ages. Today, our institution is deeply connected to Europe’s great academic networks and cities, while remaining committed to the spirit of curiosity and openness that has shaped our history.
Each year, over 2,000 PhD researchers pursue their doctorate here, across all fields of knowledge—natural sciences, medicine, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and the arts. They represent not only the future of research but also the future of our societies.
The questions you will address during this event could hardly be more timely or important. In an era marked by rapid technological change, global challenges, and renewed threats to peace and freedom, science remains our most trusted ally. Knowledge is the key to prosperity and well-being, but it also safeguards our freedoms, helps us act for the common good, and ensures that reason and intelligence guide our decisions.
We are delighted that the European University Association has chosen Liège for this meeting. On behalf of our entire university community, I wish you stimulating exchanges, new collaborations, and a memorable stay in our city. May your discussions inspire us all to strengthen doctoral education and prepare the next generation of researchers who will shape Europe’s shared future.
Welcome to Liège. Welcome to the University of Liège.
Prof. Anne-Sophie NYSSEN
Rector University of LIège
© ULiège Jean-Louis Wertz & ULiège (2023) / G. Meuli
The University of Liège (ULiège), founded in 1817, is the largest French-speaking public university in Belgium. It welcomes 28,000 students (25% of whom are international) in 11 faculties representing the humanities, health sciences, sciences and technology. ULiège is located in 3 towns in Wallonia: Liège, Gembloux and Arlon. It collaborates with more than 1,000 teaching and research institutions around the world. It is strengthening its research centres in areas such as biotechnology, life sciences and medical sciences (human and veterinary), agro-bio tech, space sciences, engineering and the environment. It plays an active role in social and environmental transition, encouraging responsible citizenship and ethical, transdisciplinary research. ULiège has strong expertise in the exploitation of research through the management of patents and the creation of spin-off companies. It is a major employer: more than 5,600 employees, and 12,000 jobs together with the University Hospital (CHU) of Liège.
www.uliege.be / #ULiège
Liège, the leading tourist city in Wallonia, is also a European metropolis, but on a human scale. Its friendly welcome is legendary. It mainly owes its success to a rich history and exceptional cultural and architectural heritage.
Dicsover more about Liège:
Province du Liège
Vist Liège
© ULiège Barbara Brixhe
Keynote: The importance of doctoral education for the European knowledge society and the contribution of the ERC, Member of the Scientific Council, European Research Council; Emeritus Science Director, Center for Plant Systems Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB)
Deep dive: European funding opportunities for doctoral candidates and doctoral education activities
Deep dive: the role of social sciences and humanities (SSHA) in Horizon Europe, what it means for the doctoral level and lessons for the future
