The 2024/2025 edition of the EU-CONEXUS PhD Open Courses concluded successfully this academic year, reaffirming the alliance’s commitment to building a shared, high-quality training ecosystem for doctoral researchers. Developed by the EU-CONEXUS PhD Level Joint Actions Work Package team led by the Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest, the initiative brings together expertise from partner universities to offer a cross-campus course catalogue of transversal and research-focused modules. The core aim behind these modules is to support emerging scholars in their academic and professional development.
This academic year, 131 doctoral students from across the EU-CONEXUS partnership registered for the open courses, with 86 successfully completing at least one module. This statistic marks a 65.64% overall completion rate, with several partner universities achieving more than 80% course graduation. Participation was broad and diverse, with the largest representation coming from AUA (35 students), followed by UTCB (20), UNIZD (18), UROS (12), ONU (9), KU (8), LRUniv (8), SETU (8), UCV (7), and FredU (6).
In line with the alliance’s mission to pool advanced knowledge from all partners, the modules were delivered by seven universities:
- Collection and Analysis of Research – FredU (43 participants);
- Research Planning and Project Management – SETU (24 participants);
- GIS and GeoAI – UTCB (12 participants);
- Innovative Teaching Methods in Higher Education – LRUniv (9 participants);
- Introduction to Academic Writing and Presentation Skills – UROS (20 participants);
- Introduction to Bioinformatics and AI Pipelines – AUA (11 participants);
- Strategic Data Management – UCV (12 participants).
The most attended modules this year were Collection and Analysis of Research Data and Research Planning and Project Management. In addition, several courses stood out for exceptionally high completion rates: GIS & GeoAI (83.33%), Introduction to Bioinformatics & AI Pipelines (81.81%), Strategic Data Management (75%), and Innovative Teaching Methods (66.66%).
Learning that shaped research and researchers (testimonials):
While the programme spans different subjects and formats, students consistently highlighted three shared benefits: achieved clarity in their research process, access to practical tools, and the opportunity to learn alongside peers from across Europe.
Following the GIS and GeoAI course, for instance, one participant explained how the module helped them harness technologies they had encountered before but never fully integrated into their research. “I have significantly deepened my understanding of the practical integration of geospatial technologies – such as GIS, WebGIS, and GeoAI – into applied research,” they said. A similar shift was noted in the Bioinformatics and AI Pipelines course as well: students from non-bioinformatics backgrounds found its content unexpectedly accessible. One participant described arriving as “a complete beginner” but leaving with a clear sense of the tools used in AI-driven workflows, while another referred to the module plainly as “the best classes that I attended this year.”
The Research Planning and Project Management module was appreciated for helping students bring structure and clarity to their research journey. A participant highlighted the value of the course by stating, “I obtained valuable information regarding the development of research proposals for funding.”
Meanwhile, the Academic Writing and Presentation Skills course proved particularly useful by helping students refine their academic communication in English: “I have improved my academic writing skills, especially in structuring texts clearly and persuasively.”
Challenges and areas for growth
In addition to the positive feedback, students provided clear recommendations for strengthening the future editions of open courses. Many expressed a need for more interactive, practice-based activities, smoother access to digital platforms, and more flexible scheduling to accommodate laboratory work, fieldwork, and teaching responsibilities. Limited time, overlapping commitments, and occasional platform issues were frequently cited as the most prominent challenges.
In parallel, participants showed strong motivation to continue developing cutting-edge skills. Popular course suggestions included statistical analysis, machine learning and Python, and specialised themes such as Remote Sensing, Digital Twins, and AI applications across disciplines. Students also highlighted the importance of learning opportunities in connection to research communication, publishing, grant writing, and broader topics including sustainability, climate impact, pedagogy, as well as mental, health and professional development.
As preparations for the next edition begin, the commitment remains clear: to continue offering high-quality, interdisciplinary learning opportunities that empower doctoral students and reflect the shared vision of the EU-CONEXUS alliance.
