PhD House: An inspiring place designed by and for young researchers and doctoral students

Anchored in networks of excellence and with the desire to provide the best possible training for the researchers⋅euses of tomorrow, the Université de Liège has always ensured that each doctoral⋅e can complete their training in the best possible conditions.

To this end, it has put in place sustained support for its young researchers⋅euses through, in particular, supervisors⋅es and its administrations. And yet, there is a growing need for support and guidance for these junior researchers. ULiège, through the RISE service, is listening to them on a daily basis to offer them relevant solutions to facilitate their doctoral career. It is by working for and with them that the provision of dedicated spaces where they can come together, exchange ideas, share activities and best practices, and develop their skills, has become a matter of course for ULiège in 2020.

Located on the Sart Tilman campus, the PhD House was designed in partnership between ReD and the RISE administration to host all types of doctoral events or events related to doctoral students at ULiège. Thesis defenses, doctoral training, writing retreats, coworking days, discussion tables, PhD Days, welcome days for new researchers, as well as meetings of the Doctoral Office and the University Council for Doctoral Training and Doctorates (CUFDD): these are just some of the activities that make this extraordinary place in Wallonia so vibrant!  

Why a PhD House at ULiège?

• Promoting conditions conducive to carrying out and completing research projects: The PhD House offers a wide range of activities and resources to support doctoral candidates throughout their studies, right up to their thesis defense! High-quality technical equipment enables remote viewing and interaction, such as during thesis defenses with international jury members, or the broadcasting of visual presentations on a large touchscreen with audio support in the room.  
• Strengthening recognition of doctoral degrees and doctoral candidates' identity: Through its RISE service, ULiège is attentive to doctoral candidates and their needs. The project was created under the dual impetus of the Doctoral Student Network and the Doctoral Affairs Department (RISE). In 2020, the university celebrated the opening of this space dedicated to doctoral studies and its doctoral students, offering them unprecedented recognition. 
• Encouraging training and professional development: Beyond their research work, doctoral candidates need to develop cross-disciplinary skills to succeed in their careers. The PhD House hosts events, workshops, and training sessions led by experts from a variety of fields, covering topics such as scientific communication, well-being, and career development. These opportunities strengthen their thematic and cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills, preparing them for their professional future. 
• Promoting networking, collaboration, and exchange: Thanks to its size and layout, the PhD House provides an environment conducive to all types of exchange and collaboration. Young researchers can meet there, discuss their projects in groups, and share best practices in a coworking setting or in front of an audience. The PhD House can be adapted to numerous configurations to promote interdisciplinary exchanges. 
• Offering a quiet, comfortable, and inspiring place to study: The PhD House offers doctoral candidates a quiet and studious place to concentrate during the most important stages of writing. Equipped with the latest technology, the PhD House creates an environment conducive to concentration and productivity.   

Open to all doctoral candidates, the PhD House at ULiège is much more than just a place to work. It is a dynamic and collaborative living space where ideas come to life, interactions make sense, and learning and skills are perfected. By investing in this type of space, the University of Liège demonstrates its commitment and unwavering support for the researchers of today and tomorrow! 

As well as being open to every doctoral⋅e, the PhD House also hosts doctoral-related gatherings or sectoral or faculty doctoral events. These include meetings of the ULiège Doctoral Office, the Conseil Universitaire à la Formation Doctorale et au Doctorat (CUFDD), as well as days devoted to the research of doctoral⋅es from specific research sectors or faculties.

Practical info

The PhD House offers 4 dedicated areas:

• A training area (28 to 52 places)
• A work area (24 workstations)
• A meeting room (15 places)
• A relaxation area

Are you planning to organize an event for doctoral students (e.g., coworking, welcome day), for the doctorate, or to defend your thesis at the PhD House?

The process takes place in two steps: 

1. Add your event in your Outlook calendar, selecting the PhD House Training Room or Meeting Room (B8) as the location. This will place your request in OPTIONAL reservation status.
   NB: For thesis defenses, the meeting room may also be reserved for the time of the deliberation. 
2. Contact us by email so that we can confirm the organization of your event. Without this step, the reservation cannot be validated or made effective. 

Access, opening hours and management

To attend events at the PhD House, please bring your staff badge to open the door. If you encounter access difficulties or notice a problem on site, please inform the PhD House contact persons or the building manager.

During holiday periods, the PhD House remains continuously accessible to doctoral candidates for coworking, following the opening and closing hours of building B8. 

Join the PhD House