On 1 October 2026, the ICN2 PhD community came together at the Sant Cugat Hotel for the first-ever ICN2 PhD Day, a new initiative designed by PhD students and for PhD students, to strengthen connections across research groups while developing key transferable skills. Organised by the PhD Council, Human Resources and Strategy Development departments of ICN2, the day combined workshops on project management, leadership and teamwork with a PhD communication competition and team-building activities, offering an interactive programme of professional development, scientific communication and networking.

The initiative originated from the PhD Council's commitment to creating opportunities for doctoral researchers to connect beyond their immediate research environments and to develop professional skills identified by the PhD community.

Facilitated by Iolanda Marchueta, an expert in strategic management and the pharmaceutical industry, the morning began with a dynamic Project Management Workshop. Participants formed mixed teams of PhD students from different research groups and took part in a friendly competition, applying practical project management concepts to solve a series of challenges. The activity encouraged collaboration and interaction between researchers who had not previously worked together. This was followed by an interactive Leadership and Teamwork Workshop, where participants explored different leadership styles, reflected on team dynamics and discussed effective ways of working together.

After lunch, participants took part in a more informal activity called “Science for Dummies”, inspired by the challenge of communicating science to non-specialist audiences. Nine pre-selected volunteers were put to the test, presenting their research in just a few minutes and using the simplest terms possible to connect with a broader audience. The jury, composed of three members of ICN2 administrative staff, selected Maria Cristina Pesola, from the Nanomedicine Group, as the winner of the competition.

The day concluded with a collaborative scientific escape-room challenge, where teams applied the concepts explored throughout the workshops: problem-solving, project management, leadership and teamwork.

The event was a big success, allowing participants to develop professionally, learn from one another and strengthen their shared sense of community within ICN2. It was also key to in supporting doctoral researchers not only as scientists, but also as collaborators, leaders and members of a vibrant research community.

“We should have more escape room games organised by the PhD council.” (Testimonial 1)

 “I would definitely attend next year.” (Testimonial 2)

Would you like to join the PhD or the Postdoc Council? phd@icn2.cat | postdoc@icn2.cat