29 April 2026

Gliwice, Poland — May 2026

The Silesian University of Technology (SUT) is hosting the International Doctoral Week 2026, an inspiring five-day event dedicated to doctoral candidates, researchers, and academic professionals from around the world. Taking place from 11–15 May 2026, the initiative will bring together participants for a dynamic programme focused on research excellence, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development.

Organized by the Doctoral School and the PhD Candidates’ Council of the Silesian University of Technology, the event aims to strengthen international academic cooperation while equipping doctoral students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive both inside and outside academia.

The week will begin with an official opening ceremony at the Education and Congress Centre (CEK) in Gliwice. Participants will attend plenary sessions featuring distinguished international speakers, including Professor Antonio C. P. de Oliveira from the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil and Professor Apostolos Giannis from the Technical University of Crete in Greece. Their lectures will explore the evolving role of doctoral education and the growing opportunities for PhD graduates in industry, entrepreneurship, and society.

A major theme throughout the event will be the future of scientific research and academic communication. Dedicated panel discussions and webinars will examine the role of artificial intelligence in scientific research and academic writing, recent developments in scientific publishing, and practical guidance for producing high-quality research articles.

The programme will also feature the European Doctoral Day, highlighting the importance of transferable skills and employability among doctoral graduates. Professor Luciano Saso from Sapienza University of Rome will deliver a plenary lecture addressing the relationship between hard skills, transversal competencies, and career opportunities for PhD holders. Inspirational sessions will present success stories from doctoral students and graduates who have pursued diverse professional pathways.

Innovation and sustainability will take center stage during the competition “Your Startup Idea: Sustainable Consumption and Production,” where participants will collaborate on entrepreneurial concepts addressing global sustainability challenges. Final project presentations will provide an opportunity for young researchers to showcase creative solutions and interdisciplinary approaches.

In addition to academic sessions, International Doctoral Week 2026 will foster networking and community-building through collaborative discussions, film screenings, social activities, and interactive events such as the PhD Family Feud Quiz. Organizers emphasize that these activities are designed to encourage cultural exchange and strengthen connections between doctoral candidates from different countries and scientific disciplines.

The final day of the programme will focus on soft skills training, reflection, and future recommendations for doctoral education. The event will conclude with a certificate award ceremony and an open forum allowing participants to summarize their experiences and discuss future collaborations.

Through International Doctoral Week 2026, the Silesian University of Technology continues to reinforce its commitment to internationalization, research excellence, and the development of the next generation of scholars and innovators. By creating a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and creativity, the university aims to empower doctoral candidates to address the scientific and societal challenges of the future.

For more information about the event and registration details, visit the official Silesian University of Technology website.