Doctoral education is a highly important stage in the development of higher education and research, during which new knowledge is generated, issues of significance to society are investigated, and the next generation of researchers, academic leaders, and professionals is prepared. This is a particularly important time for Latvian higher education, as a new doctoral education model and corresponding regulatory framework are being introduced. There is also a need to address current issues concerning the quality and development of doctoral studies and doctoral students’ experience, as well as to promote dialogue among all parties involved in doctoral education.
“We want to create the Doctoral Week as a space and time for discussions about and around doctoral education, for sharing experiences and strengthening a sense of belonging, while at the same time providing doctoral students and their doctoral thesis supervisors with up-to-date information on the study process, support opportunities, mobility, and academic development,” says Professor Zanda Rubene, Director of the UL Doctoral School.
During Doctoral Week, a series of information seminars and meetings will be held for different groups of doctoral students. International doctoral students will have the opportunity to obtain up-to-date information about studying and living at LU, while first-year doctoral students will discuss the key issues at the beginning of their doctoral studies together with their academic supervisors. Doctoral students in their second to fourth years will have the opportunity to focus on continuing their studies, academic development, and doctoral thesis development.
The week will also feature the second seminar for doctoral thesis supervisors, where current changes to the doctoral education regulatory framework, practical issues, and challenges in supervising doctoral theses will be discussed. Participants will also learn about current developments and opportunities within the PRIDE Network*.
Doctoral Week will conclude with the academic year opening disco “Sapere Aude!”, where members of the academic community will also contribute to the musical atmosphere. This will be an informal way to conclude the week, meet colleagues, and celebrate the beginning of the new academic year together. And perhaps, during the evening, the answer to an important question will finally be revealed – what is the Vice-Rector for Research’s favourite song?
Programme:
| Monday 5 October | 17.00–19.00 | Information Seminar for International Students International PhD Candidate Welcome – “Dare to Know!” The event is intended for international doctoral students in their second to fourth years and aims to provide up-to-date information on the doctoral study process, available support, and opportunities during their studies. During the seminar, participants will be introduced to key aspects of doctoral education organisation, opportunities within the international environment, and practical information to help them successfully continue their studies and engage with the academic community. Language of the event: English | “Sapere Aude” Auditorium, 4 Kalpaka Boulevard, Riga |
| Tuesday 6 October | 16.30–18.30 | Information Seminar for First-Year Doctoral Students The event is intended for first-year doctoral students and their doctoral thesis supervisors, with the aim of promoting a shared understanding of the beginning of doctoral studies, the study process, and mutual expectations. During the seminar, participants will be introduced to the structure of doctoral education, key responsibilities and opportunities, as well as the importance of developing a researcher identity during doctoral studies. Language of the event: Latvian | Auditorium 106 “Magnum”, 1 Jelgavas Street, Riga |
| Wednesday 7 October | 14.30–17.30 | Seminar for Doctoral Thesis Supervisors The event is intended for doctoral thesis supervisors to discuss current changes to the doctoral education regulatory framework and promote a common approach to doctoral supervision. During the seminar, participants will be introduced to the new regulatory framework, discuss practical issues and challenges in doctoral thesis supervision, and hear insights from Associate Professor Sanita Reinsone and Associate Professor Imants Kukulis on current developments within the PRIDE Network* following their participation in the training programme. Language of the event: Latvian | Auditorium 301, 3 Jelgavas Street, Riga |
| Thursday 8 October | 16.30–18.30 | Information Seminar for Doctoral Students in Years 2–4 The event is intended for doctoral students in their second to fourth years and aims to provide up-to-date information on changes to the doctoral study process and future opportunities. During the seminar, participants will be introduced to the new regulatory framework, changes to the doctoral education model, and mobility opportunities. The event will help doctoral students better understand the study requirements and plan their academic development. Language of the event: Latvian | Auditorium 107 “Sinistrum”, 1 Jelgavas Street, Riga |
| Friday 9 October | 17.00–22.00 | Academic Year Opening Disco “Sapere Aude!” The event is intended for all doctoral students and invited guests as the concluding event of Doctoral Week. During the event, participants will hear addresses from university representatives, as well as inspiring stories and experiences from recent doctoral graduates about their research journeys, academic development, and the courage to ask questions. The event will conclude with an informal part featuring dancing, aimed at strengthening the doctoral student community and fostering opportunities to meet one another. Language of the event: Latvian and English | “Sapere Aude” Auditorium, 4 Kalpaka Boulevard, Riga |
Participation in the events of LU Doctoral Week is subject to prior registration.
For any questions:
Linda Dambeniece-Migliniece
Telephone: 67034030
E-mail: linda.dambeniece-migliniece@lu.lv
*The PRIDE Network is an international network for collaboration and professional development focused on enhancing the quality of doctoral education, doctoral thesis supervision
This translation was prepared with the assistance of AI and reviewed and edited by the University of Latvia.
 will hold its first Doctoral Week, dedicated to doctoral studies, current issues in doctoral education, and strengthening the academic community. The Doctoral Week is intended to become a new annual tradition, bringing together doctoral students, academic supervisors, and other members of the LU community involved in the development of doctoral education.){kind=link}