Program

Date and Venue

PNUT Day 2025 will take place in DesignLab on Feburary 28th from 13:00- 18:30 followed by a dinner in the city center.

Programm

KEYNOTES

Keynote 1 - Joëlle van den Broek (TNO) - Exploring Hidden Layers: The Power of Collaboration

During your PhD, engage in collaborative research with institutes like TNO through their research program, and explore opportunities at one of the 3 joint innovation centers. Learn from real-life examples of PhD students. Post-PhD, consider continuing R&D at research institutes or transitioning to a career in industry.

Jong TNO is an independent organization for young people working at TNO. Our mission is to stimulate cooperation and new initiatives and to support personal development and the job satisfaction of our members

Keynote 2 - Jackie van der Kroft - Hidden Layers of doctoral life 

My name is Jackie van der Kroft; consultant specialised in developing intercultural competences and holding a Master of Arts in Social Sciences (Anthropology). I spend over 12 years working for different humanitarian organisations, mainly for Doctors without Borders (MSF), in countries affected by conflict and/or (natural) disasters. 

The "hidden layers" of the doctoral life are shaped by the broader cultural norms of academia, which can be both empowering and exclusionary. Recognizing these layers allows for a more nuanced understanding of the doctoral experience, that go beyond research and writing. Culture, in this context, plays a key role in shaping how doctoral students experience their education, and how they adapt, survive, and thrive within these complex systems. During this key-note a few of these “hidden layers” will be revealed.

Workshops

Laughter Yoga (available in round 1 and 2)

Are you feeling stressed, tense, looking for a way to unwind or just need a good laugh? Then come to the Laughter Yoga class!
Laughter Yoga combines playful laughter exercises with breathing techniques to bring the body and mind into harmony. Best of all, you don't need a joke or a reason to laugh - we just laugh because it feels good!
Scientifically proven: Laughter releases endorphins, boosts the immune system and helps reduce stress.

What can you expect?

This 45-minute session starts with a quick introduction and warm-up, followed by a variety of laughter exercises to get you and the group going. The session ends with a relaxing laughter meditation where you can fully experience the positive effects of laughter.
Whether you are shy or can laugh out loud, everyone is welcome!

Come along and give it a try - you'll be surprised how contagious laughter can be 😊.
Please bring a mat or blanket if you have one.

If you are nearing the end of your pregnancy, have recently had an operation, or are suffering from an acute slipped disc, please speak to your doctor beforehand to check that you are fit to participate in Laughter Yoga.

I'm Annika and I love making people laugh! I want to show you how powerful and liberating laughter can be - especially in stressful times. With humour, ease and heart, I will help you to experience the positive effects of laughter for yourself.

How to surive (Or Even thrive) at your first conference - Verena Menzel (available in round 1 and 2)

Attending your first academic conference can be both exciting and overwhelming. This workshop will equip you with practical strategies to navigate the experience with confidence—whether it’s planning ahead, making the most of networking opportunities, or delivering a strong presentation.

We’ll cover everything from decoding chaotic conference websites to handling tough questions and knowing when it’s okay to escape to a quiet corner. Join us for an insightful and humorous take on making conferences work for you—and of course there is room to ask "stupid" questions, you might not want to ask your supervisor. ;-) 

If you have already been to one or more conferences and want to share a few of your best tips&tricks - you are more than welcome to join as well!

Verena Menzel (she/her) has been an active board member of P-NUT since 2021 and plays a key role in the EQUITY working group—known for initiatives like free period products, the inclusive sports day, and International Women's Day celebrations at UT. She also serves on UT’s DE&I advisory board. As a PhD candidate in EEMCS-MOR, she is nearing the completion of her research on cybersecurity and electricity grids. Having navigated the post-Covid conference landscape, she now shares her insights to support and inspire PhDs and EngDs embarking on their own academic journeys. When she’s not wrapping up her PhD, you’ll likely find her on the sports field playing or refereeing American football—or tackling a complex board game.

Chain company (AVAILABLE IN ROUND 1)

We, The Chain Company, specialize in recruitment and secondment, connecting highly educated professionals with top positions at reputed companies based in the Netherlands and worldwide. From management trainees to board members, we excel at finding the perfect match for specialized roles, especially in engineering, sales, marketing, and finance domains. To support expats in the Netherlands, our Dual Career Service (DCS) helps expat partners find work aligned with their skills and experience, fostering integration and success. With a strong international track record, The Chain Company has been a trusted partner for organizations seeking expert talent locally and globally for over two decades.

The presentation focuses on the transition from academia to industry, with an emphasis on creativity, networking, and finding a job after completing a PhD. It addresses the key challenges faced by PhD candidates and provides insights into the current job market in Twente. Additionally, it explains the Dutch education system, including the orientation year and visa information, while highlighting the importance of learning the Dutch language and culture. The session concludes with a Q&A to address audience questions. 

This workshop focuses on key practical topics for job seekers. Participants will learn effective networking strategies, personal branding through CVs, LinkedIn profiles, and cover letters, as well as job search techniques. Additionally, the workshop will cover interview tips, dos and don’ts, and post-interview strategies. It will also provide valuable resources and discuss challenges faced during the job search process.

Let's talk about neurodiversity! - Anita KALMANE-Boot (AVAILABLE IN ROUND 1)

15-20% of the world population are neurodivergent, and their numbers are just increasing as more and more is found and understood about how human brains work and function. If you ask Anita, there is not enough talked about what it means for the workforce and how can we fully include and embrace our neurodivergent colleagues.

In this interactive workshop, together we'll be addressing the most common neurodiversity conditions (e.g., ADHD and autism) and see how we can support our colleagues.

At the end of the workshop, participants will walk away with some actionable ideas they can apply and try at work. Regardless of your level of familiarity with neurodiversity, this workshop welcomes all who are interested in fostering inclusivity and maximising team potential.

Anita is a neurodivergent Scrum Master and neurodiversity advocate. She’s passionate about spreading the word, starting discussions and breaking stigma about autism and other neurodiversity conditions. Her close family and friends include people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and bipolar disorder, and even more neurodiversity traits are visible in the teams she has worked with.

Innovative thesis printing - RidderPrint (AVAILABLE IN ROUND 2)

For over 30 years, Ridderprint has been dedicated to designing and printing theses.

Join us for a live workshop where we'll showcase various book designs, materials, and printing options. Discover our services, learn about design possibilities, digital publishing, timelines, and receive valuable tips.

We look forward to your participation!