Intersectoral Doctoral Studies Forum

"A scientist by mindset. A problem-solver by profession."

15. oktoober 2026, 10:00-17:00
📍 Ülemiste City | Öpik Conference Centre (Valukoja 8, Tallinn)
Participation is free of charge. The forum will be held in Estonian. Simultaneous translation is not provided.

If your organisation faces questions without simple answers, if you are looking for smarter approaches to development and innovation, or if you are considering whether and how an early-stage researcher could become part of your team, then this forum is meant just for you.

The Intersectoral Doctoral Studies Forum brings together companies, public sector organisations, professional associations and universities‎ to discuss openly and practically

➤ How does a doctoral researcher create value outside the university?
➤ What does the day-to-day work of an intersectoral doctoral researcher look like?
➤ Why does this type of collaboration help address complex problems that have no quick solutions?

The forum is not only about the concept itself, but also about a functioning model of collaboration, the experiences gained so far, and the next steps ahead. The floor will primarily be given to representatives of companies and public-sector organisations, as well as knowledge transfer doctoral researchers, who work daily at the interface of academia and practice.

The highlight of the forum is the dynamic idea exchange session “A Problem Looking for a Researcher”, where the aim is not to find the right answers, but to ask the right questions - questions that may spark meaningful collaboration between universities and industry.

Programme

10:00–10:30	Gathering and morning coffee
10:30–10:50	Avasõnad – Prof. Mari Moora, Vice Rector for Research at the University of Tartu and Head of the Estonian Doctoral School
10:50–11:20	Opening speech "Scientific Thinking as a Competitive Advantage" – Ursel Velve, Chairman of the Management Board at the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency
11:30–12:30	Parallel sessions A. What does an organisation gain when an early-stage researcher becomes part of the team? B. Can doctoral studies be part of your work and career? C. How does knowledge transfer doctoral education actually begin?
12:30–13:30	Lunch and networking
13:30–14:15	Lightning talks on doctoral studies as impactful work “5 Stories from the Field”
14:15–14:45	Coffee break
14:45–15:45	Exchanging collaboration ideas “A Problem Looking for a Researcher”
15:45–16:15	Closing discussion
16:15–17:00	Refreshments, inspiring ideas, and the forging of new partnerships

Come listen, ask questions, exchange ideas, and test new ones!
You can register HERE.

Registration deadline is 1 October 2026.

In case of questions, please turn to hele-riin.urmet@ut.ee.

The forum is organised by the Estonian Doctoral School in cooperation with the Estonian Research Council.

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