UACES Doctoral Training Academy 2025

The UACES Graduate Forum is delighted to invite PhD students and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) to the 2025 Doctoral Training Academy (DTA) - an annual event offering practical support and professional development for those pursuing research in European Studies and related fields.

This year, the DTA will focus on professional life after completing a PhD and strategies when preparing to move into a new career. As we are all aware, the work does not stop after completing a PhD, and current PhDs and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) are considering what the next stage will look like. Whether it be post-doc or lectureship positions, research work in the public or private sector, industry roles as a consultant or entrepreneur, or in not-for-profit areas of advocacy or civil society engagement, the possibilities for career development are varied, and this year’s DTA is designed to help make sense of this period in many PhD and ECR lives.

These sessions will concentrate on tips and strategies that promote professional development and career growth, both within and outside of academic spaces, allowing participants to improve their skills and knowledge to better address life after finishing the PhD.
 

Room: Sala de Video II, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras (Faculty of Philosophy and Letters)

Unfortunately, the designated room for this year’s DTA is not accessible. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Important Travel Update: The EU is rolling out new biometric border checks for non-EU travellers. Find out how this may effect your journey to the DTA.

Over one afternoon and the following morning, this event will feature three panel discussions and a hands-on training session. There will also be ample time to connect and network over regular coffee breaks and a formal drinks reception in the centre of Madrid on the evening of November 20th.

Session 1 - Academia: Strategies for Finding and Getting a Post-Doc or Lectureship (university affiliated postdocs, industry funded, fellowship funded, associate professor/adjunct lecturer, entry-level academic jobs)

Speakers: Carlos Sanz - Elsa Aimé González - Taru Haapala

While it may be tempting to cast a wide net for any open post-doc or teaching positions, this session will cover some strategies and techniques for finding the best options for you and your research. This session will discuss key factors in the process, such as things you can do during the PhD timeline, where to begin searching for these roles, and what things to consider when starting off a career in academia. Drawing on our speakers’ knowledge and experience, this session is designed to be a space for PhD students and ECRs to ask any questions they might have about post-docs and academic careers in a setting that promotes open dialogue on topics of academic and professional growth.
 

Session 2 - Government: Policy and Diplomacy: EU-level and Beyond (Civil servant, government employee, policy expert for development and writing, policy analyst, local representative, consulting)

Speakers:  Ignacio Molina - Vincenzo Pavone - Armando Jimenez San Vicente - Elena Simanschi 

Depending on research and professional aspirations, transitioning into work in diplomacy and policy development may make a lot of sense, but what does this process look like and what does it require? This session, led by several experts with experience in the field of government research and policy advising, will look at the process of moving into policy and diplomacy work after finishing a PhD and how to best facilitate that transition. With expertise in local, regional, and EU-level policy and diplomacy work, this session will provide both a helpful overview and space for more specific questions, facilitating conversation on navigating the ins and outs of establishing a career in policy and diplomacy.
 

Workshop:  Create a Workshop People Actually Want to Attend

Facilitated By: Roberto Baccarini

You have 75 minutes to design a workshop that both students and academics would genuinely want to attend. It must teach or develop a real skill, connect to European Studies broadly, and fit into a 90-minute slot.
 

Workshop: The Career Design Challenge – Entering the EU Job Market as PhDs and ECRs

Facilitated By Elena Simanchi

Deciding on an industry or professional role that interests you is only the first step when developing your post-PhD career. Building on previous sessions, this workshop focuses on practical preparation for entering the EU job market as researchers, policy analysts, and professionals.

Getting to the university using public transport: 

To reach the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) using public transport, the most common option is the Renfe Cercanías train.

You can take lines C-4a or C-4b to the Cantoblanco Universidad station, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the main campus.

It is also accessible via intercity and regional buses operated by EMT and the Community of Madrid, with lines such as 714, 827, and 827A connecting the campus with nearby towns and the city center.

Checking schedules and frequencies ahead of time is recommended to plan your journey efficiently. 
 

Getting to the drinks reception from the university using public transport: 

To get from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) to 100 Montaditos on Calle del Príncipe using public transport, start by walking from the campus to the Cantoblanco Universidad Cercanías station. Take line C-4 from Cantoblanco station toward central Madrid to Sol station. Once at Sol, exit the station and walk about 5–7 minutes southwest through the city center to reach the drinks location.   

If coming from elsewhere, you can also take the metro to Sol (lines 1, 2 and 3) 

The European Union is in the process of introducing a new Entry/Exit System (EES) – a digital border control system that replaces passport stamping with biometric registration, namely facial and fingerprint scans.

The system will apply to all non-EU visitors entering the Schengen Area, including UK citizens. While full implementation is not expected until 2026, parts of the system may be introduced in late 2025.

What this means for delegates:

• You will continue to travel as normal using your passport, but may be asked to provide biometric data at the border (photo and/or fingerprints).
• Once registered, only facial biometric verification will be required.
• Please allow extra time when entering Spain to accommodate any new procedures during your first visit under the EES system.

We recommend reviewing the official EU guidance here before travelling.