PhD & PostDoc Society

The PhD & PostDoc Society (P&PS) was established in 2020 to foster a collaborative community of early-career researchers and provide resources and support to facilitate academic development. Since its foundation, the P&PS has grown significantly and now comprises more than 1,500 members. It is coordinated by a volunteer steering board whose members represent a broad diversity of backgrounds, faculties, funding schemes, and research disciplines. Membership is open to all doctoral and postdoctoral researchers across all of ULB's faculties.

P&PS connects members of ULB’s research community through a range of social and coworking initiatives. It also organises conferences, roundtables, talks, workshops, and other events designed to provide practical guidance, share expertise, and equip members with the skills and resources needed to advance their research careers while maintaining a healthy work–life balance.

The support provided by the P&PS is centred around three key objectives:

• Reducing isolation;
• Promoting knowledge sharing;
• Fostering peer-to-peer support for research-related tasks.

Through networking and social events, the P&PS brings together PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers from diverse faculties and science backgrounds. These activities help reduce the sense of isolation often experienced in academic research, foster a stronger sense of community, and are particularly valuable for international researchers adapting to a new environment.

The P&PS also provides dedicated coworking opportunities where researchers can work alongside their peers, exchange ideas, and receive feedback on a wide range of topics, from research methodologies and conference presentations to navigating academic life at ULB.

In addition, the society organises roundtable discussions, seminars, and workshops led by experienced and often international professors and researchers. These events offer practical guidance and insights into a variety of research-related activities, including data analysis, scientific programming, academic writing, and other essential skills for conducting and communicating research effectively.

The P&PS is structured into four governance levels, all composed of PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers at ULB. The President, a postdoctoral researcher elected by the administrative board, is responsible for overall coordination, strategic direction, and institutional representation. Division Heads oversee thematic areas and, together with the President, form the administrative board, which is responsible for key organisational decisions. The support team implements division activities and carries out operational tasks. Members constitute the broader community of PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers who participate in and benefit from P&PS activities.

The P&PS operates independently in its functioning and decision-making, while maintaining close institutional ties with ULB to better serve its community. These collaborations include partnerships with the ULB Libraries, the Research & Innovation Support Department (PhD & Postdoc Office), the Well-Being Unit, and other institutional services. The P&PS is also primarily funded through grants provided by the Rector and the Vice-Rector for Research and Valorisation. 

To become a member of the P&PS, you must be a PhD candidate or postdoctoral researcher at ULB. For further information, please consult our webpage. 

For specific questions regarding membership or any other matters related to your PhD or postdoctoral experience at ULB, please contact us at pps@ulb.be.