Careers at a crossroads
As early-career researchers, whether we are navigating a PhD or starting our Postdoctoral journey, we find ourselves at a crossroads. To stay or not to stay in academia? You are working on an interesting and existing project, but where can it take you next? Whether you are planning to stay in academia or thinking about other possibilities, it is worth taking the time to explore your options. With this event, we provide a space where early-career researchers can explore different trajectories.
Join us at the STS NL 2026 for a dedicated early career event where we’ll dive into the diverse career paths available to PhDs and Postdocs. This event will take place on the afternoon of April 14, 2026, starting with a collective lunch at 12.00. The event provides an interactive and participatory space, bringing together early-career researchers from the rich and diverse disciplines of STS, offering the opportunity to exchange experiences, explore different viewpoints, and connect with peers facing similar questions and dilemmas. The programme will feature a combination of small-group discussion sessions, interactive panel conversations with speakers in both junior and senior career positions, and networking opportunities for the participants.
Questions that might arise during the conversations are
- What can a sustainable academic career look like today?
- What challenges, opportunities, and support can you expect as a Postdoc and/or PhD?
- How and where can we begin to look for jobs beyond academia?
- How do we identify and articulate the transferable skills we’ve gained during our academic training?
- How do we navigate uncertainty while staying true to our personal and professional goals?
What to expect
Selected panel speakers from various STS-related disciplines will provide their insights and expertise regarding the following:
- Conversations about and help navigating academic and non-academic careers;
- Space to reflect on your own goals and future;
- Discussions about recognising transferable skills and how to communicate them;
- A safe space to express concerns and find comfort amongst peers.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Daniela Craciun, University of Twente
- Stans van Egmond, Ministry of Health Welfare and Sport
- Susan van Hees, Utrecht University
- Pieter van Lamoen, Erasmus University Rotterdam & National PostDoc Network
- Le Ahn Long, University of Twente
- Efi Nakopoulou, University of Twente & PostDoc Network UTwente
- Audrey Peters, AcademicTransfer (link to pitch)
- Annemieke Romein, University of Twente
- Alexander Smit, University of Groningen
- Janneke de Sousa, University of Twente
- Andreas Weber, University of Twente
- Sally Wyatt, Maastricht University
Tentative programme 14 April 2026
Activity | Time |
Introduction and lunch | 12.00 - 13.00 |
Session 1: Speed-dating with your future Session 2: Career options after your PhD or postdoc | 13.00 - 13.45 13.00 - 13.45 |
Break 15 mins | |
Session 3: Speed-dating with your future Session 4: Career options after your PhD or postdoc | 14.00 - 14.45 14.00 - 14.45 |
Break 30 mins | |
Session 5: CV flavours Session 6: (Linked)Influencing beyond doi's | 15.15 - 16.00 15.15 - 16.00 |
Break 15 mins | |
Session 7: CV flavours Session 8: (Linked)Influencing beyond doi's | 16.15 - 17.00 16.15 - 17.00 |
Reflection round | 17.00 - 17.30 |
Target audience and participation criteria
Registration has been closed as the maximum number of 40 participants has been reached.
We welcome up to 40 early-career researchers (PhDs and postdocs) participating in the STS NL Conference. Please note that due to limited spots, once the maximum number is reached, we will not be able to host additional participants. Registration for the event will be possible upon registering for the Conference. Details regarding the registration (dates etc.) will be updated at the main conference website.
Practicalities
The early career-researchers event will be hosted in person, at the University of Twente campus, in Enschede, easily accessible by train and bus. For more information regarding the location and the means of reaching the campus, please visit the Venue section on this website.
Participation is only possible in person, and if the main conference is also attended by the participant. The participant fee for the event is 25€ (including lunch, coffee/tea). We are currently in the process of acquiring funding towards offering participants a social outing (drinks and dinner). More information regarding this will be available mid-February and will not financially burden the participants beyond the registration fee.
ContaCT
Contactperson Efthymia Nakopoulou: e.nakopoulou@utwente.nl