REVIEW OF THE PHD SCHOOL SEMINAR

23 january 2025

AN ESSENTIAL STEP FOR RESEARCHERS: REVIEW OF THE PHD SCHOOL SEMINAR

The PhD School seminar of Domuni Universitas took place on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, gathering over thirty participants from across the globe. In keeping with Domuni’s distinctive identity, this quarterly meeting highlighted its transcultural and transdisciplinary nature, bringing together doctoral students, research supervisors, and faculty members engaged in research activities within the three faculties: Theology, Philosophy, and Human and Social Sciences (History and History of Art).

Presided over by Professor Manuel Rivero, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, the seminar began at 5:00 PM (Paris time) with a warm and motivational introduction. Professor Rivero emphasized the importance of these gatherings in cultivating a sense of community within the PhD School. He reminded participants that while research is often a deeply personal endeavor, it is also nourished by the exchange of ideas and perspectives. This collective dimension of research, he stressed, contributes significantly to the intellectual growth of each participant, providing opportunities to challenge assumptions, refine methods, and broaden horizons.

A CROSS-DISCIPLINARY AND METHODOLOGICAL PRESENTATION

The highlight of the first part of the seminar was the intervention by Professor Patrick Monjou, a historian and recognized expert in research methodology. Over the course of fifteen minutes, he presented the fundamental principles of thesis writing, focusing on key aspects such as source management, chapter structure, and the clarity of presentation. His concise and pragmatic presentation engaged the participants effectively and was particularly appreciated for its practical insights.

Following his presentation, a lively thirty-minute Q&A session allowed students to engage directly with Professor Monjou, asking specific questions and sharing examples from their own research projects. These discussions not only enriched the collective understanding of academic methodology but also provided tailored insights for each discipline. Participants remarked on the value of hearing perspectives from peers across diverse fields, which sparked new ideas and encouraged innovative approaches to their own research challenges.

DISCIPLINARY WORKSHOPS: IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS AND EXCHANGE

Following this general introduction, participants were divided into small disciplinary groups for focused, in-depth analysis. Each group was led by the dean of the corresponding faculty, ensuring expert guidance and support. These forty-minute workshops provided an opportunity for each student to present a research problem specific to their field and receive targeted feedback.

The primary goal of these groups was twofold: to deepen thematic explorations related to their respective disciplines while also confronting methodological approaches. Discussions were rich and multifaceted, with students exploring not only their own challenges but also learning from the experiences of their peers. For instance, participants in the History and History of Art group noted parallels with the philosophical analysis of artistic movements, while students in Theology discovered shared methodological concerns with those in Social Sciences. These exchanges emphasized the interdisciplinary connections that are a hallmark of Domuni Universitas.

A COLLECTIVE SYNTHESIS TO CLOSE THE SESSION

In the final segment, the groups reconvened in a plenary session to share the results of their discussions. Designated rapporteurs presented summaries of their group’s deliberations, allowing all participants to benefit from the insights gained during the various workshops. This collective synthesis was especially appreciated as it highlighted the diversity of approaches and the mutual enrichment across disciplines.

The synthesis session also provided a platform to reflect on common challenges faced by researchers in different fields, such as balancing rigorous analysis with innovative thinking, managing time effectively, and navigating the complexities of interdisciplinary work. These reflections underscored the seminar’s role as a catalyst for intellectual collaboration.

A MOMENT OF CONVIVIALITY AND MOTIVATION

A key feature of this seminar was the provision of simultaneous translation in English and French, facilitating exchanges among participants from diverse cultural backgrounds. This initiative allowed everyone to express themselves comfortably in their native languages, reinforcing the seminar’s transcultural dimension. Such measures reflect Domuni Universitas’ commitment to inclusivity and its recognition of the richness of cultural diversity as a cornerstone of academic excellence.

Beyond its intellectual content, the seminar also served as a privileged moment to break the isolation often inherent to research. The opportunity to interact informally with peers, faculty members, and research supervisors fostered a convivial and stimulating atmosphere, strengthening the sense of belonging to an academic community. These interactions not only enhanced the intellectual quality of the seminar but also created a supportive network for researchers, which many participants described as invaluable.

AN ESSENTIAL STEP IN THE JOURNEY OF DOCTORAL STUDENTS

This session of the PhD School stands as a critical milestone in the journey of each doctoral student. It not only enabled methodological and thematic deepening but also demonstrated the strength of transcultural and transdisciplinary exchange. Perspectives and cultures complemented each other, once again showcasing the richness and uniqueness of Domuni Universitas in the landscape of higher education.

Participants left the seminar with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation, equipped with new tools and ideas to advance their research. The success of this event underscores the importance of providing doctoral students with regular opportunities for intellectual exchange, methodological training, and community building.

The upcoming sessions of the PhD School will continue to explore these dynamics, maintaining a balance between academic rigor and conviviality. By fostering an environment that values the diversity of disciplines and cultures, Domuni Universitas reinforces its role as a leader in innovative doctoral training, preparing tomorrow’s researchers to tackle the complex challenges of a rapidly changing world.