A Welcome Day Bringing Together All Doctoral Schools at Université de Lorraine
On December 1st, Université de Lorraine held its doctoral welcome day.
- News
For the first time, the event gathered all doctoral schools, offering new doctoral candidates a shared introduction to the doctoral journey and a valuable opportunity to meet the teams supporting them throughout their programme. The day was organised by the Maison du Doctorat.
A Warm and Friendly Start
From 7:30 a.m., participants departing from Metz boarded the bus to Laxou, where teams from the Maison du Doctorat welcomed them with registration, welcome packs, and a morning coffee. The programme opened with an energetic ice-breaker activity, “Representative Sample”, designed to help doctoral candidates get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere.
Key stages
Understanding the Doctoral Journey and the Available Support
A plenary session followed, highlighting the key stages and support structures of the doctoral experience at Université de Lorraine:
- Overview of doctoral studies, key figures and post-PhD career paths;
- Support mechanisms related to disability, equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI);
- The role of the Maison du Doctorat within the doctoral ecosystem, including a timeline of the doctoral journey;
- Essential communication tools (website, emails, ADUM, networks, alumni);
- Doctoral training: credit system, pedagogical rules, soft-skills training and the starter kit;
- International opportunities: mobility schemes, cotutelles, and dedicated support;
- Doctoral community life, associations and elected doctoral representatives.
A Q&A session allowed participants to ask questions and share their first impressions.
Essential topics
Theme-based Sessions Tailored to Doctoral Needs
Doctoral candidates were then invited to join one of several thematic sessions:
- International pathways and English-speaking group,
- Pedagogy and teaching missions,
- ORION, SAPS and business-oriented missions,
- Human Resources.
These discussions provided space to explore topics essential for the successful completion of the doctorate and future career development.
During the buffet lunch, participants explored various information stands and took part in a playful challenge, “In Pursuit of the Lost Diamond”, designed to familiarise them with the support services available throughout their doctoral journey.
Focus on the EURECA-PRO European University Alliance
The welcome day also offered an opportunity to introduce doctoral candidates to the EURECA-PRO European University Alliance, of which Université de Lorraine is a member. A dedicated stand showcased the alliance’s activities and opportunities: international mobility, joint training initiatives, interdisciplinary programmes, open-science actions, and events promoting sustainability.
Representatives from the alliance were available throughout the day to answer questions and encourage doctoral candidates to get involved in the many opportunities offered by EURECA-PRO.
An Afternoon with the Doctoral Schools
The afternoon was dedicated to meetings within each doctoral school (BioSE, C2MP, HNFB, IAEM, SIMPPÉ, SIReNa, SJPEG, SLTC), allowing new doctoral candidates to exchange directly with their supervisory teams and gain a clearer understanding of each school’s expectations.
The day concluded with the prize ceremony for the morning challenge, followed by a group photo and afterwork events in both Metz and Nancy — a warm and convivial ending to a rich and inspiring welcome day.
