The First BCMaterials PhD Day: A Resounding Success

On May 27 and 28, BCMaterials hosted the first edition of its PhD Day, a new initiative designed to support predoctoral researchers and undergraduate and master's students completing their training at the centre. The event aimed to provide guidance on doctoral studies, research careers, and professional opportunities in science and technology. It also offered an opportunity for first-year PhD candidates to present their research plans, while those approaching the completion of their theses showcased the results of their doctoral work.

The event was opened by BCMaterials Scientific Director Senentxu Lanceros-Méndez, who welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of fostering the next generation of researchers. His opening remarks were followed by a keynote lecture from Beatriz Alonso, Head of R&D at Graphenea and Kivoro. Drawing on her own professional journey, Alonso reflected on her path from doctoral studies to industrial research leadership, sharing insights into the opportunities, challenges, unexpected turns, and rewards of a career in research and innovation.

Advice, Experience and Open Discussion

Following the flash presentations by first-year PhD candidates, the first day concluded with the roundtable discussion "How to Survive a PhD." Predoctoral researchers Elvira Vidal, Abdessamad El Adel, Niloufar Abdirad and Josu Fernández shared their experiences and practical advice on topics ranging from administrative procedures and funding opportunities to managing relationships with supervisors and maintaining a healthy work-life balance throughout the doctoral journey.

The second day began with a roundtable dedicated to postdoctoral career development. Researchers Sergio Lucarni, Itziar Oyarzabal, Maibelín Rosales, Eric Hill and Mikel Rincón presented a comprehensive overview of funding opportunities available after the PhD stage, including Basque Government fellowships, Ramón y Cajal grants, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), and the Ikerbasque and ATRAE programmes.

The programme then continued with presentations from PhD candidates approaching thesis completion. Each participant was given ten minutes to present the main findings and achievements of their doctoral research, followed by a five-minute discussion and question session with the audience.

An Event Here to Stay

The event concluded with a final roundtable focused on career pathways beyond the PhD. Participants represented a diverse range of professional sectors and shared their experiences working in technology centres, universities, research institutes and entrepreneurship. Speakers included Ander García (Satlantis), Arkaitz Fidalgo (University of the Basque Country, EHU), Paola Crocomo (BCMaterials), and Iñaki Gandarias (University of the Basque Country and co-founder of the start-up Furantek).

PhD Day 2026 brought together around 80 participants, including researchers at all career stages within BCMaterials, undergraduate and master's students from the University of the Basque Country (EHU), and several associate researchers. The high level of participation, the quality of the discussions, and the positive feedback received from attendees confirmed the success of this first edition.

With such an encouraging start, BCMaterials PhD Day has all the ingredients to become a flagship annual event—one that we look forward to repeating and further enhancing in the years to come.