Lunch Session 16. September 2026, 12h - 13 h:

International good practices in doctoral education – What can Germany learn from France?

In 2025, UniWinD published „Recommendations for a future-oriented qualification of doctoral candidates in Germany“ available in German and in English (https://www.uniwind.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Publikationen/2025-June-UniWinD_Recommendations_EN_web.pdf) .
The paper formulates interdisciplinary, forward-looking standards for the doctorate. Some framework conditions recommended in the paper have not been implemented at German universities yet and are subject of controversial discussions within UniWinD and beyond.
We would like to deepen these discussions with regard to international examples.

In this lunch session we will have a look at France, whose academic system is largely comparable to Germany. But there are also differences. Especially the standard practices for doctoral education have undergone a significant change in the last 20 years. Among other things, the RNCD – Réseau National des Collèges Doctoraux (https://www.rncdfrance.fr/ ) has been established. The RNCD can be regarded as a kind of „french UniWinD“.

How is the quality of the doctorate ensured in France, for example through cross-university exchange in the RNCD? Are there similar problems or debates? And since learning is always mutual: Can France also learn anything from Germany?
We are very much looking forward to our speakers:

• Nina Bogataïa, Ph.D., University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, member of RNCD
• Hendrik Eijsberg, Ph.D, Cergy Paris University, member of RNCD

After a short presentation there will be time for your questions.

Language of the session: English (subtitles available in Zoom).

The UniWiND Lunch Sessions are organized in cooperation with the University of Hamburg. Participation is free of charge. You will receive the Zoom link via email shortly before the event.