“Before being a PhD student, we are human,” said Mona Ghaslani from the Università degli Studi di Cagliari – a statement that perfectly captured the spirit of the EDUC Retreat on Mental Health of Young Researchers. From June 1-5, 2025, Masaryk University in Brno welcomed over 100 PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers from eight universities across seven countries. In a field where performance often overshadows well-being, the retreat offered something rare: a dedicated space for reflection, connection, and self-care.
A Week of Insight, Growth, and Connection
The programme was built around interactive lectures and workshops on topics such as impostor syndrome, stress and time management, self-care strategies, mindfulness, and the role of physical health in supporting research performance. Participants also visited local institutions, including the Simulation Centre (SIMU), engaged in reflective group discussions, and connected through guided tours and informal evening events.
Diving deep into discussion – young researchers sharing insights during a workshop session at the EDUC retreat.
What Participants Took Home
Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. In post-retreat surveys, attendees reported gaining useful knowledge, forming new friendships, and developing greater self-awareness.
“One moment that really stayed with me was when a lecturer clearly explained the meaning of stress – something I had never truly reflected on before. I realised that stress is not the opposite of being calm, but rather the opposite of feeling safe. This insight really opened my mind and made me reconsider how I approach and interpret stressful situations in my academic life.” Chiara O. - Università degli Studi di Cagliari
Cross-university collaboration in action! Lively group work moments captured during a skills-building session.
“The idea that struggling doesn’t mean failing really stayed with me. It helped me shift how I view my own challenges during the PhD.” Loredana Lazar - Université de Rennes I
The sense of belonging, vulnerability, and mutual understanding was a highlight: “It was reassuring to see that many others face the same struggles. (Loredana Lazar - Université de Rennes),” another participant shared, “but this retreat made it clear – we’re in the same boat.” Carla Piqueres Centelles - Universitat Jaume I
From research talks to nature walks – because great ideas often spark outside the seminar room.
This gathering didn’t just offer practical strategies – it invited young scholars to reimagine how research communities can be more supportive, inclusive, and human. More than a retreat, it was a call for change in how academia approaches mental health.
Photos: Jakub Tesař, Antonín, Košťál Jakub Mejzr | Masaryk University
Already dreaming of the next retreat? So are we! Whether it's mindfulness in Brno, AI insights in Rennes, or ethical debates in Spain there’s something inspiring ahead.
- Upcoming EDUC Retreat: AI for Research & Education
- University of Rennes | November 3–7, 2025
- Apply here: https://courses.educalliance.eu/course/538
Until then, keep exploring, keep connecting, and we hope to see you at one of our next EDUC adventures soon!