CAPHRI PhD Kick Off Meeting 2026
Written and unwritten rules of your PhD defence

 

Preparing for your PhD defence involves far more than just navigating the official procedures. To help you successfully prepare for this major milestone, the CAPHRI PhD Office warmly invites you to our upcoming PhD Kick-Off Meeting: "Written and unwritten rules of your PhD defence," taking place on September 16, 2026.

During this session, we will cover both the formal requirements and the informal traditions that come with defending your thesis.

Insights from CAPHRI Alumni
We have invited a diverse group of CAPHRI alumni, both recently graduated and those who defended some time ago, to share their firsthand experiences, practical advice, and personal stories.

Together, we will discuss the official matters, but also tackle the less obvious questions that you might be wondering about:

• What do your paranymphs actually do?
• Should you organise a dinner with your team after your defence?
• Which traditions really matter, and which are just myths?

Valuable for Every Stage of Your PhD
This session is not only highly useful for PhD candidates who are close to their graduation date, but also for those who have just started and want to know what to expect from the very beginning. To help you prepare, we have also created a practical handout filled with useful tips and tricks.

Connect over Drinks and Snacks
Of course, this event is also a wonderful opportunity to catch up and connect with your fellow PhD candidates. Afterwards, we will transition into a fun social activity, complete with complimentary snacks and drinks!

Event details
Date: September 16, 2026
Time: 14:00 - 17:00

 

Please register by September 9 latest to secure your spot!

We hope to see you there! 
The PhD-reps,
Nienke, Anne, Maud and Loek

Caphri-phdreps@maastrichtuniversity.nl  

Note: By signing up, you give us permission to take photos and to distribute them in our network (through e.g., email, the website, social media). In case you do not want to be in the pictures, please contact us at caphri-phdreps@maastrichtuniversity.nl