Colloquiums

Like journals, colloquiums are not all rated in the same way and it is more useful in many respects to target the best rated. However, presentations to the general public or speeches at citizen debates, for example, can be gratifying, interesting and offer possibilities to broaden your personal network outside of the university world.

In most disciplines, doctoral students are encouraged to participate in international conferences or congresses before the end of, or even throughout, their doctoral career. These conferences generally comprise discussion areas specially intended for doctoral students. It’s worth finding out right from the start of your doctorate about the prevailing practices in your field.

Colloquiums serve several purposes :

• making your work known ;
• discovering the work of others ;
• progressing with your work through formal and informal exchanges ;
• extending your research dossier ;
• gaining experience.

But also (and perhaps above all) :

• building and developing your network.

Colloquiums have a scientific dimension and a « social » dimension that should not be neglected as it’s often during scheduled intervals (coffee breaks, aperitifs, meals, entertainment) that initial contacts are made among members of a scientific network.

For young researchers, it’s also a good place to introduce yourself to people you would like to work with at a later date or who you would like to invite to be a member of your thesis jury. It’s actually much easier to approach someone when you can mention an initial meeting.