The EPFL Doctoral School visits its PhD community at the PSI
© 2026 EPFL, Doctoral School
On 28 April 2026, members of the Doctoral School (EDOC), the Registrar's Office (SAC) and the doctoral programs' adminisitrators visited the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), to connect in person with the 68 doctoral candidates currently conducting their thesis research there.
Spread across 10 doctoral programs these doctoral candidates had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the administrative team that supports them throughout their PhD journey.
The day featured presentations on the full arc of the PhD experience at EPFL: from enrollment and the candidacy exam, through course requirements and annual progress reports, to the oral examination and public defense. Doctoral candidates also learned about the wellbeing resources and support services - including the Trust & Support Network - available to them as members of the EPFL community. They were invited to attend EDOC's flagship events, the PhD Welcome on 5 November 2026 and La Doctorale, the PhD graduates' celebration, on 12 November 2026. Attendees could ask questions in small working groups during the sessions and build stronger connections with the administrative staff over a shared lunch.
This visit marks the launch of a biennial initiative aimed at helping PSI based doctoral candidates feel fully part of the EPFL community. The goal: bride the geographic distance, encourage regular visits to the Lausanne campus, and foster direct, ongoing contact with both the administrative team and their peers.