Advanced skills training for EuPRAXIA-DN and LIV.INNO students

EuPRAXIA-DN Fellows joined forces with third and fourth-year LIV.INNO students for four days of training designed to equip them with essential career skills. The program followed a successful format previously delivered as part of the LIV.DAT CDT and other European-funded doctoral networks.

Group photograph of the students taking part in the training.

Following an introduction by EuPRAXIA-DN coordinator and LIV.INNO director Carsten Welsch, students spent the first day learning advanced project management skills with Fraser Robertson and Rosie Doyle from Fistral. This session built upon the introductory course undertaken in their first year, focusing heavily on the competencies required to collaborate effectively within large-scale projects across both industry and academia.

Training on advanced project management skills with Fistral.

On the second day, Carsten Welsch hosted a seminar on writing grant applications. This was followed by a session from UKRI’s Corinna Kilpatrick and Megan Franks on CV writing, which highlighted the key differences between academic and industry resumes. To conclude the day, the University of Liverpool Careers team delivered a presentation on interview techniques and optimized LinkedIn strategies.

Students taking part in hands-on activities during the training week.

The third training day was tailored exclusively for EuPRAXIA-DN students, building on the diagnostics and outreach training they received the prior week. Led by Diana Powell of UK Unplugged, the session focused on family and child outreach, with a specific emphasis on the SEND community. The "AI and Eyes" outreach box, developed during the LIV.INNO project, served as a prime example of an engaging, family-friendly activity.

Outreach training led by Diana Powell of UK Unplugged.

The final day featured a dedicated careers workshop, where six speakers from diverse organizations employing physics PhD graduates shared insights into their roles. They discussed their career trajectories and the specific skill sets required for their positions. Academia was represented by Alberto Acuto (University of Liverpool), followed by industry insights from Sai Dintakurti (Quantum Science) and freelance science communicator Lucas Kreuzer. Representatives from Rapiscan and the NHS also contributed before the day concluded with a talk from the British Board of Agrément.

By the end of the four-day program, the students walked away with valuable new skills poised to benefit them immensely in their future professional lives.