(PhD) Coffee & Connect: 'Made by Human' - The Quality Label of the Future?

As part of our next edition of PhD Reflect & Connect on October 06, 2026 the doctoral schools of UHasselt, in collaboration with our HR Department and Alumni Relations, are hosting a lecture, on the topic of 'Made by Human' - The Quality Label of the Future?', both open to all researchers and UHasselt staff as well as PhD Alumni.

In a world increasingly shaped by automation and artificial intelligence, what will remain uniquely human and will this become a mark of value? In this thought-provoking keynote, Nicky Dries, Full Professor of Organizational Behavior at KU Leuven (Department of Work & Organisation Studies) and at BI Norwegian Business School (Department of Leadership & Organizational Behaviour), explores how technological change is reshaping our ideas about work, talent and quality. The session invites participants to reflect on whether “Made by Human” may become the quality label of the future and what this means for organizations, employees and society.

The fact that this keynote is part of PhD Reflect & Connect has two implications:
(1) There will be a networking coffee moment in the morning (for researchers only)! 
(2) Attending the lecture cannot be acknowledged in fulfilment of the doctoral school requirements. This is a general agreement between doctoral schools.

This event is part of the career week 2026. The Career Week is a joint initiative of the Doctoral Schools and HR Department. During this week, it’s all about exploring your opportunities, discovering which career path suits you and preparing for a better transition after finishing your PhD. The full programme can be viewed by clicking on the red button on top of this page. 

For whom?

• Open to UHasselt PhD students, postdocs & staff & PhD Alumni.

When & where?

• October 06, 2026
  • Welcome Coffee & Connect: 08:30-09:30 - campus Diepenbeek, building D, room: winter garden.
  • Keynote: 09:30-11:00 - campus Diepenbeek, building D, room tbd.

Registration?

• For UHasselt PhD students, postdocs & staff: Register here from June 15 until September 09, 2026.
• For UHasselt PhD Alumni (extern UHasselt): Register here from June 15 until September 09, 2026.
• Please cancel your registration at least one week in advance in case you cannot make it (cf. cancellation & no-show policy).

Acknowledged as?

• Attending PhD Reflect & Connect cannot be acknowledged in fulfilment of the doctoral school requirements.

In valued collaboration with:

UHasselt HR Department & Alumni Relations