Student-driven initiatives in the PhD program, have evolved from PhDTicTalks to the new SóCPhD action, on January 23rd 2025.

Rationale for SócPhD (copied from the SócPhD program for 2025-26)

The primary goal of SócPhD is to improve the experience of PhD students at the department. This aim should be strongly aligned with the interests of the department, which currently has little foothold in the community that it can use to enable social interaction, foster awareness on institutional matters, and promote academic collaboration between
students.
Recent research shows that the early stages of doctoral study are often marked by elevated stress, self-doubt, heavy workloads, and difficulties in achieving a healthy work-life balance (Jackman et al., 2022). These academic pressures are frequently combined with personal challenges such as financial concerns and external work commitments. Simultaneously, problems related to the scholarly environment, particularly isolation and weak integration into the departmental community, are key risk factors for reduced mental health and wellbeing. Around one third of doctoral students report having considered dropping out at some point, with the most frequent motives being difficulties in balancing personal life and doctoral work, followed by problems with socialisation and integration into the scientific and department community (Castelló et al., 2017). Feelings of isolation and weak integration are particularly common among students who work individually and are not embedded in a research team.
At the same time, research clearly highlights the protective role of social support. Support from peers, supervisors, friends, and family is one of the strongest buffers against psychological distress and emotional exhaustion in doctoral students (Jackman et al., 2022). Informal interaction with peers, opportunities for collaboration, and a sense of belonging to a community all contribute to stronger motivation, better wellbeing, and a more sustainable doctoral trajectory. These findings highlight the importance of initiatives that strengthen social connection, facilitate information exchange, and promote both academic and social integration at the departmental level.
For that reason, we organize different types of events, reflecting the pillars of PhD life: academic, social, and institutional. We aim to synergize with existing events: PhD Seminars, department events (Welcome Session, Christmas), annual Beach Volleyball Tournament.

Rather than a social or educational institution, SócPhD is a community-based platform for facilitating activities between PhD students and the sharing of important information, always with the goal of enhancing their experience at the department. We are open to supporting anyone who wants to take initiative for organizing an event.

Academic course 2025-25

November 28th: Board games night. 18h, Sala la Nau

November 20th: PubQuiz Night, 19:15h, Imprfcto Poble Nou

November 13th - 15th 2025: Welcome day and introduction to departmental activities

Between November 13th and November 15th, diffrent welcome and introductory activities to the social, cultural and academic activities promoted by and for PhD students in the department will be carried out.

Nov 13th 18:00h: General welcome and presentation of overall social, cultural and academic activities planned for the year

Nov 15th 11:00h: Introduction to social activities - the beach volley tournament at the Dept. of Engineering