A Wrap-Up of the PhD & Postdoctoral Research Day

For this inaugural edition, 11 PhD students and postdoctoral fellows took the stage before an audience of over 60 participants to present their research and engage with the public. Around twenty others hosted poster sessions in small groups, fostering more direct and interactive discussions.

The day was further enriched by targeted presentations on key topics:

• raising awareness about scientific outreach,
• spin-off creation, featuring the example of Exhalon,
• 'New and Revised Surviving Sepsis Campaign Recommendations' webinar (Bram Rochwerg, McMaster University, Canada),
• an introduction to the SPOCs (Small Private Online Courses) on sepsis, available in autumn 2026,
• and an inspiring testimonial from a patient.

A Successful First Edition

Following the event, a satisfaction survey was sent to participants to gather their feedback. Overall, respondents (n = 12) were satisfied with the event, giving it an average rating of 4.58/5, and 83% indicated that they would consider attending the next edition. The additional sessions were considered relevant by 100% of respondents, and 92% felt that sufficient time had been allocated for the oral presentations. However, the time dedicated to the poster session will need to be reconsidered for the next edition, as 42% of respondents felt it was too short.

Participants also suggested topics for future editions, including the growing role of data science in the careers of biologists, as well as several ideas for improvement, such as providing more space to circulate among the posters and introducing flash talks.

We hope to see you all again next year!