The first edition of the European Doctoral Day organised by the French Association Nationale des Docteurs at Sorbonne University
To mark the first edition of the European Doctoral Day, the French Association Nationale des Docteurs (ANDès) is organising an event on 13 May 2026 on “The role of doctoral studies faced with the major challenges of our time.” Aiming to demystify doctoral studies and highlight their vital role in tackling current societal challenges, this afternoon of debates and discussions is being organised in partnership with Sorbonne University, the Sorbonne University Alliance Doctoral College, the National Network of Doctoral Colleges (RNCD), Adoc Talent Management (ATM), the Association pour l’emploi des cadres (APEC), Réseau Biotechno, the Agence nationale de la recherche et de la technologie (ANRT), the European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers (Eurodoc) and the Gazette du Laboratoire.
A day dedicated to showcasing the impact of doctoral research in addressing critical societal challenges
The PhD, essential yet still largely unrecognised in France, impacts all professional sectors and serves as a key driver of innovation and development. To examine its role, this half-day session of reflection and debate will be structured in a series of workshops designed to reshape perceptions of PhD holders and provide an opportunity to delve into their world.
It will also bring together academic, socio-economic and institutional stakeholders to promote the talents emerging from doctoral studies, create opportunities for dialogue between recruiters and PhD holders, and foster new collaborative dynamics between research, business and society. Sorbonne University is honoured to host this event at the Pierre and Marie Curie campus in Paris’s 5th arrondissement.
“Faced with the societal, geopolitical and technological challenges that place Europe at a crossroads, Sorbonne University reaffirms its core belief: doctoral studies are a key driver for global transformation. With over 3,700 PhD students, accounting for 6% of all theses defended in France, we place the PhD at the heart of tomorrow’s solutions. Our participation in this first European Doctoral Day demonstrates that research and innovation are indispensable strategic pillars of our democratic resilience and sovereignty.”
- Nathalie Drach-Temam, President of Sorbonne University
An international outreach
Originally a French initiative, the first European Doctoral Day will host over 170 events across Europe to showcase the excellence, diversity, and vital role of doctoral careers in advancing knowledge and innovation.
This event complements initiatives such as ‘Choose Europe for Science’, designed to make Europe more attractive to early-career researchers, and aims to:
• encourage European and international students to pursue doctoral studies
• raise awareness among employers of the value of doctoral degrees
• highlight the diversity of career paths and the societal contributions of PhD holders.
Information and programme
Date: 13 May 2026 from 13:45 to 20:15
Location: Amphi 15, Pierre & Marie Curie Campus, 4 place Jussieu 75005 Paris
Access: The conference is free of charge upon reservation here.
European Doctoral Day initiative website: https://www.eurodocday.org/
More information here
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13:45 - Doors open
14:00 - Opening speech: Why should we celebrate doctoral studies?
The PhD on trial
14:15 - Case 1: Do doctorate degrees cost society too much?
14:50 - Case 2: Imagine a world without doctors
15:30 - Break & speed meeting
16:00 - Resumption of activities
16:05 - Quiz: What do you really know about doctoral studies?
16:25 - Telling a different story of science: Improv & scientific culture
16:55 - The PhD as a strategic asset for organisations: a win-win partnership and an evolving debate
17:30 - Research can also be amusing: a humorous interlude
Closing
• 18:00 - And now what?
• 18:15 - 20:15 Cocktail networking