PhD Endgame: Build your Breakthrough
On February 4, ICAI hosted the PhD Endgame: Build your Breakthrough at LAB42, an event specifically tailored to support researchers navigating the “high-stakes” final phase of their PhD journeys. Recognizing that the path to the finish line is often filled with big decisions and sleepless nights, the afternoon provided a vital platform for ending-stage PhDs to receive direct mentorship and honest perspectives from both industry and academia.
Event Highlights
The event was structured to provide a 360-degree view of life after the thesis, featuring speakers who have successfully navigated these crossroads:
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From research to revenue: Harro Stokman (CEO of Kepler Vision) put the spotlight on the transition from researcher to founder, offering a roadmap for those looking to turn academic insight into industry innovation.
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How to peer review: Professor Ulle Endriss (Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Collective Decision Making, UvA) tackled the nuances of the peer-review process.
- Life after the PhD: Enrico Liscio (Postdoc Researcher in value-aligned NLP) shared candid strategies for surviving and thriving as a postdoc in value-aligned NLP.
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Polishing the persona: In a hands-on session, Ewout van de Bult (Founder of Brightminds) helped attendees translate their academic prowess into professional branding, providing direct feedback on CVs and LinkedIn profiles.
