On the 6th and 7th of August, delegates from across Europe gathered in Copenhagen, Denmark, for the Eurodoc Conference 2025: Breaking Barriers: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in Academia. A topic as timeless as it is timely, given the growing challenges to equity and academic freedom worldwide. After the conference, on the 8th and 9th of August, Eurodoc held its Annual General Meeting (AGM), the main decision-making body of our association, where the present and future of Eurodoc were discussed and the new administration was elected.
The conference
The event was organised by Eurodoc and the PhD Association Network Denmark (PAND), with the generous support of the IT University of Copenhagen (ITU). Denmark, known for its traditions of equity and flat hierarchies, was a fitting host, though not without its own challenges. As many early-career researchers experience, inequalities persist across Europe. The conference highlighted DEI not only as a moral imperative but also as a driver of innovation and integrity in research. We explored how inclusive academic communities can thrive, through a rich programme of panels, workshops, and keynotes. A heartfelt thank you goes to PAND and ITU for their invaluable and often invisible work in making the conference a success. Stay tuned for a more comprehensive summary of the conference and workshops.
Next year’s conference will take place in Budapest, Hungary, in collaboration with our member organisation, the Association of Hungarian PhD and DLA Students (DOSZ).
The AGM
Following the conference, Eurodoc held its Annual General Meeting. Delegates reviewed and discussed activities and achievements of the 2024/25 term. From policy contributions and training initiatives (such as the Valdem Programme), to contributions to EU-funded projects, to supporting researchers affected by war. The AGM also set the direction for the year ahead, shaped by the current major pressing issues: the future of research careers in the European Research Area, democratic backsliding, and threats to academic freedom.
New administration
A new Eurodoc administration was elected: 7 Board members, a Secretariat Coordinator, 9 Working Group (co-)coordinators, 4 members of the Communication Team, and 3 members of the Advisory Board. Together with countless volunteers and national associations they constitute what Eurodc is: a vibrant and dedicated community working to improve the conditions of higher education, research, and researchers across Europe.
If you would like to contribute, our working groups are open to all early-career researchers. Find more information [here].
Looking ahead
In the year ahead, Eurodoc will continue its advocacy with a focus on:
Strengthening the European Research Area: advancing free mobility of researchers and fair research careers.
Upholding democracy through education: ensuring the voice of early-career researchers is heard in building inclusive and equitable societies.
Reforming research assessment: promoting fairer evaluation systems that value quality, integrity and innovation by creating a new and better system of incentives.
Supporting researchers affected by war: remaining vigilant and responsive to colleagues affected by war and persecution, from Ukraine to other regions.
In addition, Eurodoc will maintain its core commitments to doctoral training, mental health, equitable opportunities, and international mobility.
As we close the 2024/25 term, we wish to give our warmest and most heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed time, professionalism, and energy to strengthening the community of early-career researchers in Europe. Together, we look forward to another year of cooperation.
On behalf of the Eurodoc administration 2025/26,
Nicola Dengo, Aleksandra Lewandowska, Norbert Bencze, Manca Lunder, Magali Weissgerber, Linnéa Carlsson, Luka Savić