On April 24, 2025, the Institute, in collaboration with Nantes Université, launched a doctoral training program designed to foster exchanges between PhD candidates from the Nantes area and resident researchers. This event aimed to encourage dialogue around the realities of academic life and the challenges of international career development.
The main objective was to create a dynamic space where PhD candidates could engage with international researchers. The aim of this gathering was to inspire and encourage them in their networking journey, while offering a concrete glimpse into the diverse academic career paths available. Emphasis was placed on the variety of professional trajectories and the importance of interculturality in the development of scientific careers.
The half-day event was carefully structured to maximize interaction. Following a warm welcome and an introduction outlining the goals of the program, participants attended a roundtable discussion where four fellows shared their academic journeys. This was followed by a speed networking session that enabled more personal and direct exchanges between PhD candidates and the researchers in attendance. The morning concluded with a feedback session highlighting key takeaways and reflections for future editions.
The training session addressed a genuine need among PhD candidates: gaining a better understanding of international academic paths and the specific challenges faced by researchers. Participants greatly appreciated the opportunity to discuss the diversity of career trajectories, the circulation of knowledge, and the skills required for international academic mobility.
The fellows highlighted the richness of the exchanges, particularly the enthusiasm and curiosity of the doctoral students. For many, it was a moment of sharing new ideas and reflecting on the challenges of conducting research in an international context. These interactions were seen as a way to open up new perspectives—for both the PhD candidates and the resident researchers.
“It was a valuable opportunity for collective reflection on the future directions of research, while also offering enriching perspectives on international challenges” explained Sergio Coto-Rivel, fellow at the Institute and Director of the ALL Doctoral School at Nantes Université. For him, the goal of encouraging constructive dialogue and strengthening connections between participants was fully achieved.
The enthusiasm of the PhD candidates was palpable: several described the event as one of the most engaging and enriching experiences of their academic journey. The opportunity to interact with researchers from diverse backgrounds and to step outside disciplinary silos was seen as a unique chance to reflect critically on their own research paths.
Given the richness of the discussions and the overwhelmingly positive feedback, this first edition clearly demonstrated the strong potential of the initiative. This cross-disciplinary training highlighted the importance of creating spaces that foster mutual learning and collective reflection—key elements for the development of academic careers and their international openness.
The implementation of this kind of program, the result of effective cooperation between the Doctoral College and the Institute, provides a strong foundation for continuing this momentum in future editions.
