Call for Participation

Workshop on supporting and creating The Guild young researchers’ networks

Participants: 10-20 doctoral researchers from The Guild Member Universities

Dates: 25-26 November 2025 (2-day interactive workshop)

Location: Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB), Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Format: Hybrid (for those unable to attend on-site)

Deadline for applications: 3 November 2025

Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB, Romania) is pleased to invite doctoral researchers from The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities member institutions to a focused, two-day interactive workshop dedicated to exchanging best practices and research findings, and exploring together institutional strategies and funding opportunities related to supporting young researchers.

Suggested topics for discussion

In alignment with the interests of The Guild's working groups, we suggest the following relevant topics for doctoral researchers:

• Promoting inclusion and well-being in research environments (Focus on mental health, work-life balance, and creating supportive research cultures for diverse academic talent),
• Digital and Data Science (Examining biases in algorithms, AI, and data collection, and strategies for equitable access to digital education and resources),
• Intercultural competencies and international careers (Research on enhancing cross-cultural understanding, managing diversity in global research teams).
• The future of Higher Education (Exploring how policy, funding, and institutional governance address grand societal challenges and enhance institutional resilience).
• Intersectionality in Higher Education (Investigating the interplay of different aspects of identity (e.g., gender, ethnicity, disability, socio-economic background, sexual orientation) and its impact on access, progression, and experience within research).
• Building collective resilience among young researchers and doctoral students in The Guild member universities.
• Supporting Researchers at Risk (Developing collaborative programs and support structures for young researchers whose careers are jeopardized by conflict, political instability, or discrimination).
• The Role of Science Diplomacy (Investigating how international scientific cooperation and exchange can address global challenges and build bridges between nations, particularly within the context of doctoral training and research).

Workshop Structure

The two-day workshop will include:

• dedicated sessions for participants to present their current research and receive constructive feedback from peers and senior academics,
• discussion on how universities, i.e. The Guild members, support young researchers and research careers.
• a practical session on identifying and preparing successful funding applications for European calls (e.g., Horizon Europe, COST Actions).
• opportunities to establish a strong European network of The Guild young researchers.

Cost Support and Logistics

Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB) will provide financial support for the participants’ stay in Cluj-Napoca:

• flight tickets,
• accommodation will be covered by UBB (max. 3 nights),
• meals and coffee breaks (lunches and dinners during the workshop) will be covered by UBB.

There is no participation fee.

To express your interest in participating and presenting your research, please submit your application, including an abstract of your research topic (max. 300 words), by the 3 November 2025 deadline