On 13 May 2026, the first edition of the European Doctoral Day took place across Europe. As part of the EDD framework, ABG organised an online event that brought together doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, career development professionals, employers and institutional representatives from across Europe and beyond. The event was organised together with its European partners: European University of Technology (EUT+), Euraxess France, the University of Strasbourg, the Polonium Foundation and the PAUSE Programme.
Dedicated to the theme "How a PhD Broadens Career Opportunities Outside Academia", this inaugural edition attracted more than 200 attendees joining the live webinar throughout the day.
In this article, you will find the programme highlights, key messages from the discussions, participants' feedback and resources to continue exploring doctoral career opportunities across Europe.
European Doctoral Day 2026 at a glance
Key takeaways for the future of doctoral careers in Europe
Feedback from the Participants
Resources for doctoral career development
The European Doctoral Day (EDD) was created to foster dialogue between doctoral researchers, employers, higher education institutions and international organisations. At a time when career paths are becoming increasingly diverse and international, the event provided a space to discuss how doctoral training prepares researchers for a wide range of professional environments and societal challenges.
It is targeted at:
Key figures:
The program of the European Doctoral Day comprised two thematic round tables, structured around European perspectives and concrete industry testimonies.
Jean-Luc Beylat, President of ABG
In his opening remarks, Jean-Luc Beylat, President of ABG, described the PhD not as a mere academic title but as a true "passport for innovation". He stressed the crucial role doctoral graduates can play in addressing Europe's major technological, economic and societal challenges. Yet while PhD holders are widely integrated into innovation ecosystems in the United States and several Asian economies, Europe still has progress to make in recognising doctoral competencies beyond academia — making stronger links between research, industry and society essential to its future competitiveness.
"Do not see the world outside academia as Plan B. It is a Plan A, where you can have a massive direct impact on the world and where you are the innovator who will help Europe address the challenges ahead." ( Jean-Luc Beylat)
The first round table brought together representatives from major European organisations supporting doctoral careers and researcher development.
Speakers Laurent Gouzènes (MEDEF), Fiona McBride (Prosper), Gian Maria Greco (MCAA), Joanna Rutkowska (Eurodoc), Simon Marti (Head of the EUA Council for Doctoral Education), Elisa Garcia (Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology, EURAXESS), discussed recent European survey data, policy developments and emerging trends, examining how graduates navigate an increasingly diverse labour market and whether their competencies are recognised beyond academia.
The session was moderated by Janina Fengel, Deputy Secretary General of EUT+ and ECROS.
Key messages emerging from the discussion:
The second round table offered a unique format pairing recruiters and doctoral graduates currently working in innovative companies. Representatives from Michelin, (France) - Jeanine JOLAIN, HR partner, Mateus Garcia Rodolfo, Materials Scientist and Engineer, QDI Systems (The Netherlands) - Artem Shulga, Founder & CEO, Süleyman Kahraman, Research Engineer, and SiPearl (France, Spain, Italy) - Etienne Renault, R&D Computer Science Manager, John Osorio Ríos, Senior AI Benchmark Engineer shared their experiences of recruiting, integrating and working with PhD talent.
Key messages emerging from the discussion:
In the closing remarks, Slaven Misljencevic (European Commission) reminded participants that while a PhD can broaden career opportunities, such transitions do not happen automatically: they depend on recognition, support, confidence, institutional practices and policy frameworks.
"The PhD can broaden career opportunities in many ways, but this does not happen automatically."
He stressed that the diversification of doctoral careers is not a passing trend but a structural shift: society increasingly needs researchers in companies, hospitals, public administrations, start-ups and international organisations, not only universities. Their competencies — critical thinking, decision-making, project management, problem-solving, adaptability — remain highly relevant yet often invisible, because researchers and employers do not always speak the same language. Career development support, he concluded, should be embedded in doctoral education from the start, with European initiatives such as EURAXESS and the European Competence Framework for Researchers playing a key role in supporting mobility and professional development.
The inaugural edition was warmly received by speakers and attendees alike, with discussions continuing beyond the webinar through professional networks. Combined with a 100% recommendation rate among survey respondents, this confirms the relevance of creating European spaces for dialogue on doctoral careers and researcher mobility.
Here is some of their feedback to the question "What did you like the most about the event?":
Several participants highlighted the European dimension of the discussions:
"I like the fact that it included different perspectives from different countries and stakeholders, which reveal a general trend in Europe. The round tables were rich in discussions and information."
The diversity and quality of the speakers were frequently mentioned:
"Excellent composition of speakers and their openness to share insights and experiences."
Participants particularly valued the dialogue between academia and industry:
"The idea exchange between academic and industry experts. Practical life examples of academic experts who have transitioned into the industry. The question and answer sessions."
Others underlined the practical value for career development:
"It was interesting to hear the recruiters' views and opinions about PhD holders. In addition, I learned that R&D is one of the fields where PhD holders can integrate most easily."
ABG warmly thanks all speakers, moderators, partners and participants for contributing to the success of this inaugural edition. The discussions initiated during this first European Doctoral Day will continue through future events, collaborations and resources dedicated to supporting doctoral talent across Europe.
Stay tuned for a forthcoming policy brief on doctoral career development, skills recognition and career pathways in Europe, as well as announcements regarding the next edition of the European Doctoral Day.
Our Job board Our PhDs' testimonials ABG's country by country mobility guide