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.

Tentative Programme

Innovation Keynotes

Hear from inspiring researchers and innovators who will share how research can generate scientific, societal and economic impact.

Interactive Workshops

– Intellectual Property – Learn how patents, copyright, trademarks and know-how can help protect and enhance research.

– Inclusive Innovation – Explore how unconscious bias shapes research and innovation through an interactive Bias Hunt activity.

– 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.

Public Speaking Workshop

Strengthen your communication skills and learn how to present your research with confidence to diverse audiences.

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 vover letter detailing your interest in participating

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