The Irish Universities Association (IUA) Deans of Graduate Studies Group annual symposium on doctoral supervision will be hosted by Maynooth University in association with Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) on 12th June 2025. This year’s conference theme is "Reflecting on Doctoral Supervision: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Directions".
The symposium is open to both new and experienced doctoral supervisors, and features insightful presentations, expert-led conversations, and panel discussions on doctoral research supervision. The symposium provides a timely opportunity to reflect on the evolution and future of doctoral education 20 years on from the introduction of the Salzburg Principles. Keynote presentations will address the challenges and opportunities of GenAI for doctoral research and building resilience through collaborative research practices. Additionally, the event will launch a new IUA guidance document, Guidance for Viva Voce Examiners and Supports for Doctoral Candidates requiring Access Accommodations.
Registration will open in due course.
Programme
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
| 9.30 | Registration | |
| 10.15 | Welcome and Introduction | Prof. Rachel Msetfi Vice President Research and Innovation, Maynooth University |
| 10.30 | Adding value to doctoral education supervision: Reset or refine? | Prof. Ann MacPhail, Associate Vice President Doctoral College, University of Limerick |
| 10.45 | Break | |
| 11.00 | The Use of AI in Doctoral Research: Challenges and Opportunities | Prof. Barry O’Sullivan, University College Cork |
| 11.45 | Panel Discussion | Convened by Prof. Sharon O’Brien, Dean of Graduate Studies, Dublin City University |
| 12.30 | Lunch | |
| 13.30 | Research Supervision Strategies |
Hugh Kearns, iThinkWell (via videolink) |
| 14.15 | Break | |
| 14.30 | Building Resilience through Collaborative Research Practices | Prof. Orla Muldoon, Queen's University Belfast |
| 15.15 | The Disabled Postgraduate Experience |
Nicole Bennett, LaunchPAD at AHEAD |
| 15.30 | Launch of IUA Guidance for Viva Voce Examiners and Supports for Doctoral Candidates who Require Access Accommodations | IUA Deans of Graduate Studies |
| 15.45 | Close |