Doctoral Student Successfully Completes the International Erasmus+ BIP Programme “Toolkit for PhD Students”
Between 14 April and 22 May 2026, our doctoral student Vesna Grabnar, a third-year PhD student, participated in the international Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) *“Toolkit for PhD Students”*, organised by the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland. The programme brought together doctoral students from various European countries and research fields, offering them an intensive international, interdisciplinary, and practical research experience.
The programme was carried out as a blended mobility format, combining online activities with physical mobility in Szczecin. Prior to travelling to Poland, participants attended online workshops on the use of artificial intelligence in research, open science, research visibility, and effective communication within international research teams.
The central part of the programme took place from 18 to 22 May on the ZUT university campus in Szczecin, where doctoral students developed key competencies of the modern researcher through practical workshops, presentations, and interactive activities.
Our doctoral student participated in:
- workshops on public speaking and preparing effective scientific presentations,
- designing so-called “elevator pitch” presentations,
- training in research visibility and building academic recognition,
- activities related to project management and research planning,
- presentations on research career funding opportunities through the EURAXESS network,
- interdisciplinary mentoring and research meetings,
- and a mini international conference, where she presented her research work to the wider academic community.
One of the programme’s most important aspects was the interdisciplinary networking of doctoral students. The programme encouraged participants to think beyond the boundaries of their own research disciplines and to connect different scientific fields, research methods, and approaches. This exchange of experiences, perspectives, and research practices represents one of the key added values of international mobility programmes.
In addition to professional knowledge, the student also gained important soft skills, including:
- confidence in international collaboration,
- improved communication and presentation skills,
- networking competencies and the ability to establish research partnerships,
- greater research independence,
- and a broader understanding of the international academic environment.
Such experiences make a significant contribution to the personal and professional development of young researchers by enabling them to expand their international network of contacts, develop new ideas, and establish potential future research collaborations.
The *Toolkit for PhD Students* programme also awarded participants 3 ECTS credits and provided valuable experience of working within an international academic environment. Erasmus+ BIP mobility programmes represent an excellent opportunity for all doctoral students who wish to enhance their research work, develop horizontal competencies, and gain international experience, which is now essential for a successful research career.
We encourage all students and young researchers to take advantage of the opportunities offered by Erasmus+ mobility programmes and international initiatives such as the BIP *Toolkit for PhD Students*. These experiences are not only an excellent professional upgrade but also an important step in personal development, building self-confidence, establishing international connections, and gaining new research perspectives.
Participation in an international environment opens the door to new ideas, interdisciplinary collaboration, and future research partnerships, while also providing valuable experiences that cannot be gained solely in the classrooms or laboratories of one’s home institution. Erasmus+ mobility programmes therefore represent a unique opportunity for growth, networking, and the co-creation of an international academic community.
