24 April 2026
Participation in the morning session for first-year PhD Candidates of the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School is obligatory, as well as participation in one workshop of the candidate’s choice.
Senate Hall – Alchemium of TUL
09:15 – 10:00
Opening and welcome
Presentation of IDS TUL activities
Presentation of the Self-Government of Doctoral Students of TUL
10:00 – 11:00 Scientific Competition - "Lightning Talk"
Do you have a research project or an idea you would like to share?
Take part in the “Lightning Talk” competition, aimed at second-year students and doctoral candidates, and show in just three minutes how your research can impact the development of science and society. It’s a great opportunity to present yourself to a wider audience, practice concise and persuasive communication, and compete for the prizes available to participants!
1st prize - 1000 PLN
2nd prize - 600 PLN
3rd prize - 400 PLN
Abstract template lightning talk_deadline 17 April 2026
Consent to the use of the image and voice
Competition rules and regulations
Registration for the competition
11:00 – 12:00 Lecture: “Cultural Intelligence: How to Communicate in an International Team”
The lecture aims to introduce doctoral candidates to issues related to cultural intelligence (CQ) and to developing competencies within effective communication and cooperation in an international environment. It will cover selected models of cultural difference analysis, including Gesteland's and Hofstede's cultural dimensions, which help identify and interpret cultural differences, as well as prepare for preventing potential misunderstandings. The session will be both theoretical and practical – participants will apply the discussed tools in a short workshop exercise.
Presenter:
Maria Plucińska, PhD - graduate in resocialization pedagogy and sociology. During her studies, she actively participated in numerous international projects and was involved in ESN association activities.
Registration for the lecture
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch break combined with a poster session
Prepare a poster presenting your culture, traditions, fun facts, and everything that makes your country unique. It is a great chance to meet other doctoral candidates, exchange experiences, and make new acquiantances. Do not miss this opportunity for creative fun and international integration – join us!
Participation rules
Registration for the poster session
13:00 – 15:00 Workshops for PhD Candidates (participants choose one - all workshops will take place in the Alchemium building)
Registration for Workshops
- Effective reviewing of the competition documentation for the Horizon Europe programme
The workshop focuses on efficient reading and interpreting of competition documentation in the Horizon Europe programme. Participants will learn to analyse key documents (Work Programme, competition rules, evaluation criteria), identify political priorities, and correctly interpret evaluation criteria.
The practical part includes training on the use of the Funding & Tenders Portal, such as searching open calls, applying thematic filters, analysing formal requirements, and identifying potential project partners. The workshop is interactive and based on real competitions, enabling the acquisition of practical skills for preparing competitive applications.
Presenters:
Edyta Milewska – specialist at the Research Support Centre, providing administrative support to scientists in Horizon Europe projects; master contact in EIT Health and EIT Food communities.
Karolina Zwierzchowska – specialist in national and European projects, with experience in public administration and academic environment, combining analytical and project skills with excellent knowledge of competition procedures, reporting rules, and collaboration with research funding institutions.
- Preludium competition at the National Science Centre
Workshopis aimed at presenting key information about the Preludium competition of the National Science Centre, including its assumptions, project duration, and budgeting and cost eligibility rules.
The workshop will cover the elements of grant application, such as defining the research problem, project innovation, impact on the discipline, and coherence of objectives, methods, and work plan. Special emphasis will be on the Gantt chart schedule, planning research stages and milestones, and building an effective research team.
Participants will also learn about OSF, MZP, and EZD systems, formal submission process, and other project opportunities like ‘proof of concept’ and ‘the Lider’ program.
Presenter:
Assoc. Prof. Agnieszka Dybała-Defratyka - Director of the Research Support Centre of TUL. She has over 20-years experience in research and management. Previously she was involved in coordinating and implementing several research and networking projects.
MSc Magdalena Siemińska, specialist in acquiring, managing, and monitoring projects funded by national sources, with many years of experience in public administration and in academic environment.
- Commercialisation of results
Workshops dedicated to effective transformation of research and project results into real market value. Participants will learn the differences between direct and indirect commercialization, and will find out how to select the optimal path for their solution.
The session will also cover principles of preparing compelling pitches and teasers for meetings with investors, as well as current funding opportunities, including national and EU grants.
Presenter:
Zbigniew Szamel, PhD – Director of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship-Parent, responsible for commercialization strategies, unit management, and developing tools to support the commercialization of Lodz University of Technology inventions; member of the PACTT Coordinating Council.
MSc Katarzyna Frączak-Banach – senior specialist at the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, attorney-at-law, responsible for legal aspects of the commercialization process.
- From profile to collaboration: LinkedIn as an ecosystem for personal branding and communication with business and industry
Workshop on using LinkedIn as a tool for building a personal brand, developing a professional network, and communicating with the business and industry world. Participants will learn the principles of creating a profile that reflects competencies and professional experience, increasing its visibility to recruiters and business partners, and strategies for gradually building an image as an expert or leader in the field.
Presenter:
Agata Budzisz – psychologist, career advisor, certified Extended DISC consultant; provides individual consultations for students, graduates, and doctoral students, supporting career development and discovering participants' strengths
15.00 – 16.00, Alchemium, Senate Hall
Information session for first-year PhD candidates
Afternoon Meeting at Broadway 18 Club, Stefanowskiego 17 Street, Lodz
Networking meeting for the community of the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School at Lodz University of Technology
Note - due to limited seating, registration is required!
17:00 – 19:00
Team building drumming workshops. We encourage you to sign up! We hope to have great atmosphere and lots of fun!
Registration for drumming workshops
From 19:00
Welcome remarks
Announcement of the results of “Lightning Talk” scientific competition and of poster session, and award ceremony.
Refreshments, fun together, music!
Registration for the evening meeting