European Doctoral Day: PhD candidates continue to face difficult conditions, says student network

The first European Doctoral Day has generated a great deal of enthusiasm. However, it should not be merely a celebration day, but also an opportunity to reflect on the difficulties faced by doctoral candidates and early-career researchers, according to the European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers (Eurodoc).

Today (13/05/2026) is the inaugural European Doctoral Day, an initiative launched by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research in 2025 to enhance the value of this degree. Across the EU, research organisations, universities and alliances of European universities have organised over 170 events to celebrate.

Nicola Dengo, the President of Eurodoc, told News Tank: "It sends a clear message across Europe that doctoral candidates matter, that doctoral candidates are not only the first stage of a researcher's career, but that they are already a central part of Europe’s research and innovation system, and the highest point of higher education."

He added, however, that: "We don’t want the European Doctoral Day to be just a celebration or a recognition…