Ascendia at the Heart of European Reflections on the Future of Doctoral Education
In 2025, Ascendia had the privilege of taking part in two major European gatherings of doctoral education professionals:
April at University College London, with the PRIDE Network
June at Université de Lausanne, at the annual EUA-CDE (European University Association – Council for Doctoral Education) conference.
These meetings focused on two major themes:
A retrospective on 20 years of professionalisation in doctoral education in Europe
The next two decades of the Doctorate
Key takeaways:
A significant shift towards professionalisation: over the past 20 years, doctoral education has expanded beyond knowledge production, embracing transferable skills, interdisciplinarity, and internationalisation.
Diversity of career paths as an asset: increasing numbers of PhD graduates pursue careers outside academia. Doctoral education must better prepare candidates for a variety of futures.
The growing role of networks: European and international collaborations (PRIDE, EUA-CDE) are central in sharing practices, ensuring quality, and building a common vision.
Looking ahead: over the next 20 years, doctoral education will need to emphasise sustainability, pedagogical innovation, inclusion, and the societal impact of research.
At Ascendia, we see these collective reflections as crucial to supporting both doctoral candidates and institutions in shaping their strategies. Our ongoing engagement in these networks reflects our commitment to actively contribute to the future of the Doctorate in Europe and beyond.
