3 July 2026

From 29 June to 3 July, the University of Lille welcomed twenty PhD candidates from 9 SGroup member universities for the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on Doctoral Education, organised within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme. The participating SGroup member universities were: 

• Universidad de León
• Universidad de Valladolid
• University of Malta
• Universidad de León
• University of Minho
• University of Maribor
• Université de Lille
• University of Szczecin
• Universidad de Los Andes

Developed in partnership with the University of Lille, the Collège Doctoral de l'Université de Lille, SGroup – Universities in Europe, and the Universidad de Valladolid, the programme offered participants a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore the evolving landscape of doctoral education in an international setting.

The week began with a welcome from Kathleen O'Connor, Vice-President for Europe and International Relations, Kamal Lmimouni, Director of the Doctoral College, and Olivier Colot, Vice-President for Doctoral Affairs, who introduced participants to the University of Lille, its doctoral ecosystem, and the objectives of the programme.

Throughout the week, participants took part in interactive workshops, panel discussions, and campus visits covering topics that are increasingly shaping research careers today. Sessions explored research and society, sustainable development and responsible research, research funding opportunities, artificial intelligence in research, and open science, encouraging participants to reflect on both the opportunities and challenges facing doctoral education.

Beyond the academic programme, the BIP fostered meaningful exchanges between doctoral candidates from different countries and disciplines. The international environment encouraged collaboration, networking, and the sharing of diverse perspectives, helping to build connections that extend beyond the duration of the programme.

SGroup is proud to support initiatives such as this Blended Intensive Programme, which strengthen European cooperation in higher education and provide valuable international learning opportunities for early-career researchers.

We thank the University of Lille, the Collège Doctoral de l'Université de Lille, the Universidad de Valladolid, and everyone involved in organising this successful edition of the programme. We also congratulate all participants and look forward to seeing the collaborations and ideas that will continue to grow from this experience.