Under the direction of Prof. Claudio Biscaro, JKU researchers joined experts from several EC2U university partners to talk about how to integrate resources, internships, and expertise toward improving the doctoral candidates’ education, support services, and future prospects across the Alliance.

Their discussions not only centered on key topics that included creating parameters to support joint ceremonies and improving career opportunities for PhD candidates and post-docs, they also focused on improving one’s social skill set, such as communication and leadership, in an effort to better prepare doctoral candidates to pursue a future professional career. Prof. Biscaro underscored just how important promoting collaborative efforts between universities is, especially when it comes to improving education at the doctorate level. The goal is to offer students a more inclusive and supportive environment that will ultimately help them successfully pursue an academic or professional career.

The initial outcomes from these discussions will soon be available and there are plans to present the findings which include a more structured approach to doctoral programs across the Alliance. The EC2U plans to hold the doctoral colloquium annually in an effort to discuss and facilitate continual improvements.