Everything you need to know about pursuing a PhD – meeting at WUM

Two speakers are standing at a lectern with the inscription “Veritatis Splendor” in a lecture hall. A man in a light-colored blazer is speaking into microphones with his hands resting on the lectern, and a woman in a red blazer is standing next to a podium with a computer monitor and is wearing a name badge on a lanyard.

Can you start preparing for a PhD already at the beginning of your studies? How do you apply to the Doctoral School at the Medical University of Warsaw (WUM)? What should you know about publishing? How should you plan your career after earning a PhD? These were just some of the many questions raised during the PhD Pathways meeting organized by the Doctoral Students’ Self-Government of WUM.

The meeting was designed for students planning an academic career. It was led by Aleksandra Zacny and Adam Bujanowicz from the Board of the Doctoral Students’ Self-Government.
The conference was divided into three parts. The first focused on how to prepare for doctoral studies and what can or should be done before starting them. In the second part, doctoral students spoke about their experience of studying at the Doctoral School, with particular emphasis on the role of publications. The final part addressed how to build one’s professional profile and plan a career after completing a PhD.

Where to start

Students were particularly interested in whether it is possible to begin scientific activity during their studies. In this regard, WUM offers many opportunities. Students can participate in symposia held at the university, organize their own events, attend conferences and research camps in other cities in Poland and abroad, and join student research clubs.

“I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities offered by our student research clubs,” said Prof. Marcin Sobczak, Vice Rector for Research and Technology Transfer at WUM, opening the conference. “Their value is reflected in the results we achieve in competitions organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. These competitions recognize the best student projects, and our students are among the winners. This shows that despite demanding studies, you find time for research work, making you natural candidates for the Doctoral School.”

Prof. Mariusz Tomaniak, supervisor of the Student Scientific Society at WUM, also encouraged participation in student research clubs. He emphasized that they are not only an excellent introduction to scientific work but also a way to discover one’s path in medicine.

The importance of relationships

Throughout the meeting, the importance of direct, personal contact was emphasized.

“If you want to interest a researcher or a student research club supervisor in your idea, simply approach them, introduce yourself, and explain what you would like to do. Sending an email will never replace direct contact. If it doesn’t work the first time, try approaching someone else,” advised Aleksandra Zacny.

Building relationships is also crucial during doctoral studies, as emphasized by the Director of the Doctoral School, Prof. Paweł Balsam:

“What will life after a PhD look like? Much depends on how many relationships you build during your doctoral studies. The degree itself is important, but relationships and collaboration are equally essential – both within the university, between departments, clinics, and chairs, and beyond it. We should not be afraid to go beyond the boundaries of our institution. Let us strive to create consortia with other medical, technical, and life sciences universities to build strong research teams,” said the Director of WUM’s Doctoral School.

The event took place on May 4 at the Didactic Center of WUM.

A man in a suit is standing at a lectern with the inscription “Veritatis Splendor” and speaking into a microphone. Behind the presidential table sit a woman in a red blazer and a man, with bottles of water placed in front of them, and a computer on the table.

A man in a dark blazer is standing at a lectern with the inscription “Veritatis Splendor” and speaking into two microphones. He is wearing a name badge on a lanyard, and next to the lectern there is a podium with a monitor.

Conference participants are seated in red armchairs in an auditorium and listening to a presentation. In the foreground, men and a woman in formal attire are seated; they are holding notebooks or wearing name badges on lanyards.

Conference participants are seated in a row of red armchairs in a lecture hall. The men and the woman are wearing name badges on lanyards; one person is holding a laptop on their lap, while the others are resting their hands on their laps or holding notes.