The latest EUA (European University Association) report, "Postdoctoral researchers at European universities: profiles, roles and institutional support structures", distinguishes the Postdoc-Fellowship Program in Integral Human Development at Católica Doctoral School as a good practice in the field of "Skills development".

In the report, the post-doc is described as a "unique scholarship programme that offers training courses on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Ethics, Science Communication and Media Coaching."

"For two years, the fellows meet once a week as a cohort for transdisciplinary work and are further supported by institutional mentors. They develop academic research on Integral Human Development and simultaneously address and promote social change in Portuguese society working with non-academic partners," the authors add.

Recognising that "despite their valuable contribution to the research environment, the situation of postdoctoral researchers remains challenging in Europe", the study aims to serve "as a source of reflection for academic leaders, doctoral school managers and professionals on developing the support provided to postdoctoral researchers, suggesting ways to make the postdoctoral period a positive and fruitful experience."

Organised by the EUA Council for Doctoral Education (EUA-CDE), the report was coordinated by Tim Engles (Chair), Alexander Hasgall, Ana-Maria Peneoasu, with the collaboration of Peter Hanenberg, Vice-Rector of Universidade Católica and member of the council.

The EUA-CDE was launched in 2008 as an initiative of the European University Association, of which UCP is a member, "responding to a growing interest in doctoral education and research training in Europe."

 

Read the full report

Peter Hanenberg, Vice-Rector for Research and Doctoral Education at the Universidade Católica and member of the Steering Committee of the Council for Doctoral Education of the European University Association (EUA-CDE), is one of the guest speakers at the Conference ‘Doctoral Education in transition: addressing challenges for inspiring change’, organised by the Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education (A3ES).

Taking place on 29 November in Lisbon, Peter Hanenber will focus on the issue of doctoral student orientation. In the so-called Salzburg Declaration of 2005, this issue was identified as one of the central themes for doctoral education and the success of doctoral students.

The Vice-Rector of Católica will present some solutions based on good practice and using examples from the Universidade Católica and Católica Doctoral School.

PROGRAMME