The IMISCOE PhD Network is a community for PhD researchers working on migration, integration and related areas. We connect PhD researchers across disciplines and countries, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, develop skills, build professional and peer networks, and navigate the PhD journey together.
The PhD Network is coordinated by a PhD Network Board of PhDs from across the IMISCOE community. The Board develops activities and initiatives while working closely with the wider IMISCOE Network, the PhD Academy, Standing Committees, and the IMISCOE Network Office.
Our aim is not only to support PhD researchers as academics, but also to create a community where they can learn from one another, develop meaningful connections, and shape the future of migration research.
Get Involved
Join the PhD Network
The wider IMISCOE PhD Network is open to doctoral researchers working in migration and related fields. Membership gives you access to information about upcoming activities, events, opportunities and resources.
Please log on first or create an account to visit the application form.
Join the Board
Each year, the PhD Network opens a call for new Board members. Board membership is a voluntary opportunity to contribute to the network's development, work collaboratively with other PhD researchers, and gain experience organising academic and community activities.
Follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to the PhD Network newsletter to hear about future calls.
The PhD Network Board
The PhD Network Board is a group of doctoral researchers who volunteer their time to develop and coordinate activities for the wider IMISCOE PhD community.
Board members work collaboratively across different countries and research areas. Their work includes:
- organising PhD activities at IMISCOE conferences;
- coordinating PhD Connections and peer-networking initiatives;
- developing workshops and panels;
- producing resources for doctoral researchers;
- communicating opportunities and activities to the PhD community;
- collaborating with the IMISCOE PhD Academy and Standing Committees;
- contributing to the wider development of IMISCOE's support for doctoral researchers.
The Board is PhD-led. Its activities are developed by doctoral researchers, for doctoral researchers, with the aim of ensuring that the priorities and experiences of PhD researchers are represented within IMISCOE.
The structure and functioning of the PhD Network, as well as instructions on how to become a member, are described in full detail in the PhD Network Membership Policy.
Structure and Membership Policy
PhD Network Activities
Read more about the PhD Network’s activities below.
Conferences & eventsThe PhD Network organises and contributes to activities at IMISCOE conferences, including dedicated PhD sessions, workshops, panels and networking activities such as the Pizza Party the day before the annual conference. These activities give PhD researchers opportunities to present and discuss their work, exchange experiences, explore methodological and professional questions, and connect with researchers at different stages of their careers. Our activities are currently organised during the IMISCOE Annual Conference, the IMISCOE Spring Conference, and the IMISCOE Regional Forum. |
PhD ConnectionsPhD Connections creates opportunities for doctoral researchers to build small, informal peer networks across institutions and countries. Through online connections and coffee chats, participants can share experiences, discuss challenges, exchange advice and develop connections with researchers working on related topics.
Regular informal online gatherings where PhD researchers can meet others in the migration research community, exchange experiences and simply have a conversation with peers. |
PhD DayAn annual event dedicated to issues and questions relevant to doctoral researchers, whose aim is to create a space for collective reflection and exchange around the PhD experience. Previous themes include failure, wellbeing, curiosity, community and joy. The event typically takes place in February. |
CommunicationWe regularly share updates, research opportunities and calls for proposals through our trimestrial newsletter and on LinkedIn. Become a member to receive our newsletter, and give us a follow on LinkedIn to stay up to date. |
PhD BlogThe PhD Blog showcases our members' work and reflections. It is made by PhD researchers for PhD researchers and beyond. The Blog working group is also responsible for developing an annual special issue. |
PhD SchoolEvery year, IMISCOE organises a summer school for PhDs in migration, integration, and social cohesion studies. These PhD schools include training in relevant theoretical frameworks, as well as methodological training and specific modules on publication and PhD strategies. |
Exploring the PhD journey
Over recent years, the PhD Network has used annual themes to create space for collective reflection on different aspects of doctoral research and academic life.
2025–2026 — Community and Curiosity in the Research Process
Where has curiosity led you in your research journey? Which specific communities are you in contact with through your research? How did engaging (or not engaging) with certain communities shape your research process?
2024–2025 — Finding Joy in Academia
What keeps us in academia? Where do we find meaning, community and enjoyment during the PhD?
2023–2024 — How to Deal with Failure
What can failure teach us about research, academic careers and ourselves?
Resources for PhD researchers
- Best Practice Guide: Finding Joy in Academia
The Board recently produced the Finding Joy in Academia Best Practice Guide following a year of activities exploring what brings meaning, motivation and joy to doctoral research. The guide draws on contributions from the wider PhD community and offers reflections and practical suggestions for navigating academic life.
- PhD Network Newsletters
Read or re-read our past newsletters and latest updates here: Past Issues.
- PhD Blog
Check out our latest blog posts on our dedicated PhD Blog page.
- Community-generated resources
Coming soon...
Standing Committees
Standing Committees involve research clusters established over a long period of time, with a broad programme of activities and a broad audience they serve within IMISCOE. Each standing committee has PhD Representatives who coordinate activities designed with PhD needs in mind.
Find out more here, or follow them on LinkedIn.