How can academic research generate greater societal impact? How can innovation help transform scientific discoveries into practical solutions?
After the success of its first edition, EELISA is launching its 2nd PhD Symposium, bringing together PhD students from across the Alliance. This two-day conference will provide a dynamic environment for learning, collaboration, and networking in Paris.
Hosted by Université PSL and the École nationale des ponts et chaussées (ENPC), this year’s symposium explores innovation as a key dimension of the research journey, encouraging participants to develop new perspectives, exchange ideas, and foster interdisciplinary collaborations.
Tailored specifically for the next generation of researchers, the event aims to cultivate academic exchange, highlight innovation, and strengthen the EELISA research community. If you are a PhD student within the EELISA Alliance, passionate about your work and eager to connect, this is your moment to shine.
Why Join?
Whether you were part of the previous symposium, this is your chance to :
– Explore new perspectives on research impact and discover how innovation can strengthen your research journey.
– Develop practical skills to communicate, protect and enhance the value of your work.
– Learn from international experts and researchers working at the intersection of science, innovation and society.
– Connect with other PhD candidates across Europe and build interdisciplinary collaborations within the EELISA community.
Programme
Welcome addresses
– Marie-Christine Bert, ENPC and Chair of the EELISA Executive Board
– Anthony Briant, Director of ENPC
– Jérôme Lesueur, Vice-Rector for Education & Research of ENPCPanel discussion
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.
– Mehdi BELKAHKA, Founder, Margin Ventures & Oriane KERLEGUER, Head of Dauphine Incubators, Dauphine – PSL
Interactive Workshops
Intellectual Property – Learn how patents, copyright, trademarks and know-how can help protect and enhance research.
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.
– Marion CHAJMOWICZ, Becker & associé
Rethinking Objectivity: How invisible bias shapes research, technology and innovation (featuring the interactive “Bias Hunt” activity)
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.
– Anca MIHALACHE, Gender and Inclusion Project Manager – EELISA & Anita KUMARI, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and International Projects Manager (Université PSL)
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.
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.
– Dana Gherorghe, Director of the Department for Research, Innovation, and European Funds (Politehnica Bucharest)
Application & Selection Process
The symposium is open to PhD candidates from all EELISA member institutions, with up to 10 participants per institution. To succeed in your application your application, you should:
– Submit an abstract from your reseach
– Write a cover letter detailing your interest in participating
How?
Application will be managed via EELISA Digital Campus. Please click on apply and submit you documents compressed as ZIP folder.
*Please note that the outcome of your application will be communicated at the beginning of October. You will be contacted by the EELISA Local Office at your home institution to inform you whether your onsite participation has been confirmed.
WHEN
3 to 4 of November, 2026
WHERE
Onsite, in Paris, hosted by Université PSL & École nationale des ponts et chaussées (ENPC)
FOR WHOM
EELISA PhD Students
APPLICATION DEADLINE
18 September, 2026
