The Doctoral Education Pilot launched at the University of Helsinki

The is part of a national pilot, which provides funding for a total of one thousand three-year doctoral researcher positions. All selected doctoral researchers are part of education pilots. The aim of the Doctoral Education Pilot is to create new operating models that strengthen doctoral researchers’ skills, support their career paths, and offer innovative solutions for organising doctoral education.

Participants in the Doctoral Education Pilot were selected through two calls for applications, and the autumn 2024 round filled the remaining doctoral researcher positions in the . 

Of the approximately 170 doctoral researchers selected in the spring application round, three-quarters began their studies and research in autumn 2024, while the remainder — together with those selected in the autumn round—will start at the beginning of 2025. During the first few months, special emphasis was placed on familiarising the doctoral researchers with the research environment and introducing them to the support and resource services offered by the University of Helsinki.

Base Camp sessions introduced research and working life

As part of the pilot’s activities the University of Helsinki Doctoral School organised Base Camp sessions in the autumn for new doctoral researchers at the in Hanko, in Hämeenlinna, and in Juupajoki. 

These intensive training periods served both as orientation and as educational sessions, providing doctoral researchers with skills essential for both academic research and working life. During the Base Camps, participants received training in project management, responsible research, interdisciplinary collaboration, entrepreneurship, innovation, and science communication. 

Also, peer mentoring was introduced, with pilot participants mentoring each other in small groups. This peer mentoring provides additional support for the intensive work involved in completing a doctoral dissertation.

The communal atmosphere of the camps received particular praise from participants.

“I think it’s a great idea to bring together doctoral students from different fields. It allows us to meet people outside of our own research groups, share general feelings about our projects, and exchange tips and advice. While the Base Camp topics of sustainability and AI might not be directly related to my specific research, they are important areas to be aware of. I’ve tried to learn from the lessons presented and consider how I can apply them to my own work.” (Eetu Halm, doctoral researcher, DREAM Doctoral Education Pilot.)

“I think the Camp organization and logistics are extremely challenging, so I really appreciate the effort from the organisers to coordinate these events and doing their best for the students to have a great time while we learn as well.” (Rene Wong, doctoral researcher, iCANDOC Doctoral Education Pilot.)

You'll find more about interviews with Eetu, Rene, and other doctoral researchers on the University of Helsinki’s Doctoral Education Pilot blog .