Trainings

The doctoral training programme contains a practical training facilitated by multidisciplinary research as conducted for the PhD projects (covering aspects of accelerator science, plasma physics, simulations, photon science, radiotherapy) as well as local/network-wide training events. 

The network-wide training is mandatory for all participants of the EPACE doctoral network, and in some cases, offers preferential participation for additional PhD candidates or early-career scientists from beneficiaries and associated partners. When the logistics and venue capacity allow, participation will be opened to early-career researchers from non-associated institutes for a participation fee.

The structured program covers three critical areas of training:

1. Academic Training

Basics and advanced concepts of compact accelerators and their applications will be taught in two one-week-long
summer schools, the first scheduled early during the PhD, the second in the second year. A lesson on concepts of good scientific practice and good scientific conduct will be given at the very start of the Program.

2. Transferable Skills

A broad range of transferable skills will be conveyed in several events every year, for a total of 7 training days
specifically on such skills. This includes courses in scientific writing, specifically including proposal writing, and in science communication and presentation skills. Importantly, training on unconscious bias awareness and mitigation and the importance of diversity and gender equality in science and society will be part of the workshops.

A total of 38 secondments are planned for the students. They give an international perspective and an experience in a different working environment, enhance viewpoint on the PhDs project and foster opportunities. Each secondment will be prepared with an organization meeting, to clarify the objectives, expectations and responsibilities.

Weekly virtual meetings will be organised by and for the PhDs, to discuss, present and debates articles and topics of their choice.

3. Entrepreneurship (in cooperation with HEC, see also below)

Entails following elements:

• Entrepreneurship education with the Future Innovators Module, offered by DESY, to be held during the Kick Off of the Program (2025)
• Extensive programme (10 hours per week for 5 months) on entrepreneurship, provided by the top French business school HEC (equivalent of 17.5 ECTS)
• Design Thinking Workshop, also provided by HEC

HEC Paris is a business school that offers a full range of degree granting programs, from its historic grande école program, also known as the Master in Management, to MSc Programs, a full time MBA program, two Executive MBA programs and a doctoral program. Current enrollment across these programs is around 4500 students. In addition, HEC Paris trains each year around 8000 executives (see https://www.hec.edu/en/overview).