1. PhD Reflect & Connect: Welcome feedback - Towards a constructive feedforward culture

As part of our next edition of PhD Reflect & Connect on 12/03/26, the Doctoral Schools of UHasselt, in collaboration with our HR Department, are delighted to host a business theatre session on the theme 'Welcome feedback: towards a constructive feedforward culture'. This interactive and humor-filled performance is open to all researchers and UHasselt staff. A constructive feedback culture is essential for building an engaging, supportive and motivating work environment—but we all know it can be challenging in practice. Through a series of realistic and playful scenes, this business theatre invites you to explore how feedback can become more open, constructive and future-focused. You are welcome to participate using color cards, but verbal interaction is entirely optional—no one will be asked to come on stage. Simply watch, reflect and enjoy. Beyond the content, this session is also an opportunity to step out of your daily routine and connect with fellow researchers and colleagues. Many doctoral researchers indicate that they miss informal moments of exchange and peer connection—PhD Reflect & Connect is designed precisely to create that shared space for reflection, recognition and conversation. Registration is possible until 11/02/26.

2. DS courses in the spotlight:

Personal time management

Feeling overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list? Most of us start with a plan, but lose focus when daily distractions take over. In this intensive workshop, by Robin Lefèbvre (Grow2Excel), on March 11 and April 1 you’ll move beyond the juggle and learn to work with intention. By applying scientific insights directly to your own agenda, you will build the habits needed to prioritize effectively and optimize your workflow. This is a hands-on, live session designed to turn your "impossibly large" tasks into an actionable plan. Register by 11/02/26.

Welcome to the real world

Ever wondered how your PhD expertise translates to a corporate R&D environment? In this workshop by Robin Lefèbvre (Grow2Excel), taking place on March 26, 09:00-16:30, we will provide a ‘behind the scenes perspective’ of a typical R&D organisation and the different roles and responsibilities available. You will be given an R&D case study and get to experience the typical functions involved in the innovation and production process. This session bridges the gap between academia and industry, helping you identify your unique value in non-academic sectors. Register by 23/02/2026.
Pitch like a pro: share your research in minutes + VOKA company pitches

The Doctoral Schools, in collaboration with VOKA Limburg and the Tech Transfer Office, invite you to join “Pitch like a Pro: Share Your Research in Minutes”, a dynamic trajectory within the Valorisation Academy designed to help researchers translate their work into a powerful and convincing pitch. Through an intensive workshop, you will learn how to create investor-level clarity, build strong structure and momentum, deliver with confidence under time pressure and design slides that truly support your story. With preparatory e-learning, hands-on practice in small groups and immediate feedback, you will leave with a refined message that resonates. The trajectory culminates in a unique real-life pitching opportunity in front of Limburg-based companies, giving you the chance to test your idea in a professional business setting, receive valuable input and experience what it means to pitch beyond the academic world. This two-step approach ensures you don’t just learn how to pitch — you truly pitch like a pro. Only 15 spots available! Registration is open until 19/04/26.

Please do not reply to this email. Questions can be directed to doctoralschools@uhasselt.be.