Interdisciplinary training programme for doctoral researchers and supervisors | Europe and the World

Twenty people will join this exciting learning experience. As one of them, you’ll explore cutting-edge methods, tools and best practices through two online sessions and a week-long in-person training at Universiteit Leiden. You'll also grow your network and have inspiring conversations with academics, policymakers and publishers.

• Advance your interdisciplinary methods and research skills.
  Doctoral researchers will learn techniques and methods to critically address complex challenges related to global governance and Europe’s place in the world. Supervisors will gain tools and best practices for guiding researchers.

• Learn how to make an impact.
  Strengthen the connection between your research and policy by engaging with EU policymakers and receiving training on how to communicate with non-academic audiences.

• Grow your network.
  Connect with fellow doctoral researchers, supervisors, policymakers, and practitioners from across the Una Europa alliance and Europe as a whole.

All participants will receive a certificate of attendance. The total study load is 84 hours (3ECTS).

• 18–19 October: Preparatory workshop (online)

Participants will receive methods training for both qualitative and quantitative methods. In a roundtable discussion, supervisors will share good practices for the supervision of doctoral researchers. A keynote lecture will explore the role of theory in conducting research.

• 17–21 November: In-person programme live in The Hague

Supervisors will receive guidance on interdisciplinary research supervision and fostering diversity and inclusion. Doctoral researchers will present and refine their research with expert feedback. Advanced methods and research training as well as transferable skills training will cover literature review techniques, research design, conducting policy-relevant research, engagement with EU policymakers, and scientific as well as academic communication. Additionally, there will be sessions on academic publishing, keynote lectures and networking opportunities with policymakers and journal editors.

• 8 December: Follow-up meeting (online)

We will reflect together on lessons learned and future directions.

Lead organisers:

• Seda Gürkan: Assistant Professor in European Approaches to Security, Diplomacy and Global Affairs at Universiteit Leiden (host and academic lead).
• Mariëlle Veldhuijzen van Zanten: Una Europa Senior Project Lead at Universiteit Leiden.

Co-organisers:

• Chad Damro: Professor of European Politics and Academic Convenor of the FUTURES Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence at the University of Edinburgh (academic lead).
• Conor Galvin: Director of PhD Programmes at University College Dublin (academic lead).
• Thomas Rixen: Head of the International and Comparative Political Economy at Freie Universität Berlin (academic lead).
• Matthias Hahn: Berlin International College of Research and Graduate Training.
• Lisa van Hoof-Maurer: research fellow at the Center for European Integration at Freie Universität Berlin.
• Joachim Koops: Professor of Security at Universiteit Leiden.

The programme is open to doctoral researchers in their first or second year of their programme, as well as doctoral supervisors, based at Una Europa partner universities. Proficiency in English (B2) is required. We are focusing particularly on candidates from the social sciences, humanities and law domains, and who are working on topics related to global governance and Europe’s place in the world. For example:

• Peace and security.
• Promotion of universal values and human rights.
• Poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
• Global trade and financial interdependence.
• Global digital connectivity, market regulation, and cooperation on technological developments affecting world affairs.
• Global pandemics and health cooperation, especially with a view to tackling rising inequalities.

There is no tuition fee. At some Una Europa partner universities, doctoral researchers can apply for Erasmus+ funding for Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) from their own university to cover costs related to travel and accommodation.

Erasmus+ funding for BIP mobility is not available for doctoral researchers from KU Leuven. Participants from the University of Edinburgh and Universität Zürich are not eligible for Erasmus+ funding and should discuss funding opportunities with their home institutions. Please contact your university’s institutional contact at the list below for more information on funding options.

List of institutional contact points for questions on funding to participate in the Workshop.

Submit your application by completing the application form by 1 June, 23:59 CEST.

Doctoral researchers are asked to provide a letter of support from their supervisors. A committee consisting of staff members from Una Europa universities will select participants based on their biography and motivation. Participants will be notified by 18 June 2025.