2nd edition of the EELISA PhD Symposium
On 3 November 2026, the second edition of the EELISA PhD Symposium will take place at the School, followed by a morning session at Université PSL on 4 November. Focusing on the role of innovation throughout the research journey, the event will bring together doctoral candidates from the member institutions of the EELISA European University Alliance. Applications are open until 18 September 2026.
How can academic research have a greater impact on society? How can innovation help transform scientific discoveries into practical solutions?
Following the success of its first edition, the EELISA PhD Symposium returns for two days of keynote sessions, workshops and discussions addressing these questions. Jointly organised by the School and Université PSL, the event will provide early-career researchers with an international environment that encourages learning, collaboration and the development of new scientific networks.
This second edition will focus on innovation as an essential dimension of research. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on how their work can generate scientific, societal and economic impact, while also responding more directly to society’s needs.
The symposium aims in particular to foster interdisciplinary exchanges, strengthen links between doctoral candidates from the different member institutions and further consolidate the EELISA research community.
Doctoral candidates will have the opportunity to share their research, compare approaches and develop new perspectives through discussions with researchers, experts and innovators from several European countries.
Programme - November 3rd (ENPC) and November 4th (Université PSL)
Welcome addresses, November 3rd, ENPC
- Marie-Christine Bert, ENPC and Chair of EELISA Executive Board
- Anthony Briant, Director of ENPC
- Jérôme Lesueur Vice-Rector for Education & Research, ENPC
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Panel Discussion
Speakers: Mehdi BELKAHKA, Founder, Margin Ventures & Oriane KERLEGUER, Head of Dauphine Incubators, Dauphine - PSL
Can Innovation Really Be Objective? Through perspectives from research, entrepreneurship and venture capital, participants will explore how invisible bias can influence which ideas are recognised, which founders receive support, and which innovations attract funding. The discussion will help students recognise bias in decision-making processes and reflect on how research and innovation ecosystems can become more inclusive.
Interactive Workshops
Intellectual Property - Learn how patents, copyright, trademarks and know-how can help protect and enhance research.
Speaker - Marion CHAJMOWICZ (Becker & associé)
An interactive session introducing the key forms of intellectual property protection — including patents, copyright, trademarks, know-how and software — combined with a hands-on workshop. Participants will learn to identify what can be protected, how it can be protected, and what cannot be protected.
Rethinking Objectivity: How invisible bias shapes research, technology and innovation (featuring the interactive "Bias Hunt" activity)
Speakers - Anca MIHALACHE, Gender and Inclusion Project Manager - EELISA & Anita KUMARI, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and International Projects Manager (Université PSL)
An interactive “Bias Hunt” exploring how seemingly neutral assumptions can shape research, technology, healthcare, design and innovation. Through real-world cases, participants will learn to identify who may be overlooked, understand the consequences of hidden bias, and propose more inclusive ways of designing research and innovation.
- Value Proposition Design - Learn how to communicate the value of your research and identify the needs it addresses.
Open Science – Discover how openness and collaboration can increase the visibility, quality and impact of research.
Speaker – Dana Gherorghe, Director of the Department for Research, Innovation, and European Funds (UPB)
An interactive session introducing participants to the fundamental concepts and principles of Open Science, highlighting its importance for PhD candidates and early-career researchers and demonstrating how transparent and open research practices can enhance research visibility, impact, collaboration, and career development. The interactive workshop sessions will focus on two key areas such as Open Data & FAIR Principles and Open Access & Publishing Options.
Call for applications
The symposium is open to doctoral candidates from all EELISA member institutions. Each institution may select up to ten participants.
Applications must include:
- an abstract presenting the applicant’s research
- a motivation letter explaining their interest in the symposium
Selection results will be communicated at the beginning of October by the EELISA Local Office at each applicant’s home institution.
- Dates: 3 and 4 November 2026
- Location: Paris, hosted by the School and Université PSL
- Target audience: doctoral candidates from EELISA member institutions
- Application deadline: 18 September 2026
Interested doctoral candidates are invited to submit their applications through the EELISA Digital Campus.