PhD conference with a comedian on stage
The ITM School's PhD conference does not only mean long seminars. Hot tub and a comedian talking about communication were some of the highlights from this year's event, according to Gülten Baysal, Nils Jörgensen, and Beatriz Pérez Horno.
On May 9-10, 2023, it was time for the ITM School's annual doctoral student conference on Lidingö. Poster exhibition and networking were on the agenda as usual. In addition to that, there were workshops on communication, whistleblowing, and publishing strategy.
Gulten Baysal, research education administrator and organizer, why do you arrange this event?
”Firstly, the conference is a great opportunity for the doctoral students to establish new connections among themselves and to feel a sense of belonging to ITM”.
”Secondly, I get a chance to meet those whom I am supposed to support. It is very valuable! This year, I met several doctoral students whom I hadn't had the chance to meet before due to the pandemic”.
According to you, what was the highlight of the year?
”The highlight this year was Anders Sahlman talking about research communication! He had many thought-provoking questions that contributed to fruitful discussions within the group”.
Beatriz Pérez Horno, Doctoral student at INDEK, did you get any new contacts?
"I knew like a 2% of the people there, so I definitely made new contacts! I hope these events can happen in a more regular basis and we can keep expanding the network! Maybe we could have some informal gatherings where we can share our research projects and interests and find common areas, and help one another in our studies!"
According to you, what was the highlight of the year?
"I really enjoyed the conference overall. I think it is a great opportunity to get to know other PhDs and projects that are taking place at ITM. We never get the chance to meet other PhDs and it is very sad as we are all part of the same school. My highlight was getting to know these people and what they are interested in".
Did you learn something new that you are particularly grateful for?
"I would say you always learn something! I found the communication speech very interesting, the tip to make others repeat what you just said was a good advice that I will definitely apply in my career".
Nils Jörgensen, doctoral student at MMK, what are your key take-aways?
”A hot topic of discussion right now is the rules and norms governing authorship in research. It was interesting to see how far KTH has come with its official guidelines”.
Did you establish any new contacts?
”Yes, I did! It was also a good opportunity to get to know my "regular" colleagues better”.
According to you, what was the highlight of the year?
”The highlight was the sauna bath, followed by the heated outdoor pool!”
Text: Ulrika Georgsson