The first OpenEU Winter School: Three Days of Collaboration, Ideas and Lasting Impact

The first edition of the OpenEU International Winter School for PhD candidates has officially come to a close, and what an inspiring three days it has been!

From 21–23 November 2025, more than 20 doctoral researchers from across the OpenEU alliance met in Athens and online to share their research, exchange perspectives, and strengthen a growing European community of emerging scholars.

Over three intensive days, participants explored cutting-edge ideas across disciplines, received feedback from an international academic panel, and discovered new opportunities for collaboration among OpenEU institutions.

The result? A vibrant space of learning, connection, and mutual support that will continue far beyond this first edition.

Voices From the Winter School

To reflect the diversity of experiences across universities and participation modes, here are some of the testimonies shared by our PhD candidates:

FernUniversität in Hagen — Siju Samuelkutty, Yuning Ding & Katherina Söker

We’re very happy to have been given the chance to participate. In just two days, we gathered insights that will enrich our doctoral work. The exchange with fellow researchers and the opportunity to discuss our projects in an international context have been especially valuable.

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UNED — Isabel Lázaro & Mónica Vilhem Ríos

This experience really helped me share my work-in-progress in a safe environment, where there’s still time to reflect on your first steps. I learned so much from seeing how others approach their PhD in very different fields. Joining remotely doesn’t give you the full in-person experience, but it creates a very meaningful focus—you listen carefully, take notes, and truly concentrate on the content. And with current technology, I felt fully included in the sessions, even from a distance.

Taking part in the First Winter School for PhD candidates was a highly enriching experience. The program enabled me to share and develop my ongoing research with colleagues from universities across the OpenEU alliance. Many thanks to the organizing team. I look forward to future opportunities to continue contributing to this collaborative academic community.

Universitade Aberta — Joana Barosa & Glória Aplugi

 It was a truly interesting and enriching experience, allowing the gathering of so many PhDs from diverse fields and countries.

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I had a three-day fully valuable experience at the 1st OpenEu Winter School. Interaction, experience exchange, collaboration, and support were the vibe among the PhD fellows from various OUs across Europe. The interdisciplinary project's theme, presented by the PhD candidates, gave me insight into what other fellows have been doing and the chance to connect and collaborate with other doctoral students. The dialogue between online and in-person participants also enriched this experience. No doubt, this event is a "must" in a PhD journey, and I feel grateful that it is part of mine. Last but not least, the cultural activity was amazing.

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Open University of the Netherlands — Aida Hustik & Gulet Barre

It was a great experience that gave me fresh insights and a renewed sense of energy. The open atmosphere made it easy to exchange perspectives and connect with peers from across Europe.

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It was an inspiring experience to share insights and exchange ideas with such an engaged audience.

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Hellenic Open University — Kyriaki Rassia

One of the highlights was the interactive workshop led by Prof. Petru Curseu, which opened space for honest dialogue about the challenges we face as doctoral researchers. This Winter School confirmed how valuable it is to connect across institutions, support one another and strengthen our shared identity as researchers.

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UOC — Helena Patiño & Claudia Iglesias

The Winter School has been a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and build partnerships with colleagues from other universities and countries.