PhD Summer School provides the opportunity for intellectually curious doctoral students to explore new knowledge, to expand cultural awareness and to exchange experience. We invite you to be part of this transformative experience!
Aims and goals of KTU PhD Summer School
KTU PhD Summer School focuses on development of key competences required for achieving best results in successful defence of the doctoral dissertation and identifying further research directions.
PhD Summer School:
Target group: up to 40 doctoral students (regardless of major).
Prerequisites: the KTU PhD Summer School is held in English. To participate, doctoral students should have sufficient language skills.
Credits info: 54 academic hours (which are equivalent to 2 ECTS). If you are seeking to transfer credit, be sure to consult with your home institution before applying to the summer school to ensure that your participation will be recognized.
Dates and deadlines:
Any questions or request must be sent to the organizers of the event: phd@ktu.lt.
Cancellation Policy
If a participant is unable to attend an event for any reason, his/her registration can be transferred to someone else from the same institution, subject to the organizer‘s approval.
Where the participant is unable to attend, and is not in a position to transfer his/her place to another person, then the following refund arrangements apply:
2.1. Registrations cancelled before 1 May 2027: the cancellation is free of charge.
2.2. Registrations cancelled 1 May 2027 or later: not eligible for refund.
2.3. The refund will be made by bank transfer and all bank charges payable by the recipient.
2.4. Notification must be received by us in writing (email) for refunds to be eligible. Cancellations received after this cut-off time will not be eligible for refund.
The registration for and the participation in the 11th KTU PhD Summer School program constitutes your acknowledgement and agreement to these terms & conditions.
Fee info
Tuition fee for the KTU PhD Summer School:
Early bird until 15 March – 400 Eur
Standard fee from 16 March – 450 Eur
Tuition fee for KTU, ECIU, Nordtek or SGroup doctoral students:
Early bird until 15 March – 400 Eur
Standard fee from 16 March – 420 Eur
Participation is possible through the Erasmus+ programme. For further details on funding opportunities, please contact your university.
Tuition fee includes:
Tuition fee does not include:
Important notice. Please pay the tuition fee only after your participation in the KTU PhD Summer School if confirmed by the organizing team.
Host and venue of KTU PhD Summer school
The 11th KTU PhD Summer School takes place in Palanga, a seaside resort town in western Lithuania on the shore of the Baltic Sea.
Palanga, largest summer resort of Lithuania, is famous for its beautiful white sand and dune beaches, rich tourism and cultural sites.
Venue: Hotel GABIJA conference centre
Address: Vytauto 40, LT-00129, Palanga, Lithuania
Host: Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) is one of the largest technical universities in the Baltics, a leading research University in Lithuania, offering research and studies in all fields.
Accommodation
Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.
You can find a hotel or private accommodation in Palanga. Prices vary from ~30 euros per night in private sector to ~150 euros per night and more! Check for prices and conditions:
Gabija
Booking.com
Airbnb
Tripadvisor
Leisure
The time schedule of the PhD Summer School allows sufficient amount of free time to appreciate leisure in Palanga. Please find some information on the places to visit:
How to get to Palanga
There are 3 airports in Lithuania: Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga. All flight routes maps can be found here.
Doctoral School
Kaunas University of Technology
Studentų g. 50, Kaunas, Lithuania
Organising team:
Simona Devenytė-Janauskienė
Projects Manager
Monika Kazlauskaitė
Coordinator
Contact us by e-mail: phd@ktu.lt
The TED Talk Approach to Conference Presentations
Wim Blokzijl, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands
What can conference speakers learn from TED Talks? This workshop explores how TED-inspired presentation techniques can make academic presentations more engaging, memorable and audience-centred. Participants will learn how to create a stronger connection with their audience, present with greater confidence and energy, and bring more personality into their presentations. The workshop also explores how personal experiences, challenges and even failures can strengthen a presentation and make research stories more authentic and impactful, while maintaining the depth and rigor expected in an academic context.
Effective Academic Writing: Structure, Storytelling and Style
Lesley-Anne Weiling, Write English, Cologne, Germany
Writing and publishing in English can be challenging, particularly when English is not your first language. This practical 1.5-day workshop aims to demystify academic writing and help you develop a clearer, more confident and productive approach to writing in English. We explore what makes academic writing effective and reader-friendly, from developing a compelling storyline and structuring an argument to creating flow and writing clear, concise sentences. We also look at academic storytelling, finding your own writing voice, the responsible and ethical use of AI tools, and practical strategies for overcoming writer’s block and developing productive writing habits.
May 31, Monday
TBA
1 June, Tuesday
TBA
2 June, Wednesday
TBA
3 June, Thursday
TBA
4 June, Friday
| Time | Activity |
| 9.00-10.30 | Worskhop “The TED Talk Approach to Conference Presentations” Wim Blokzijl |
| 10.30-10.45 | Coffee break |
| 10.45-12.30 | Worskhop “The TED Talk Approach to Conference Presentations” Wim Blokzijl |
| 12.30-13.15 | Lunch break |
| 13.15-15.15 | Worskhop “The TED Talk Approach to Conference Presentations” Wim Blokzijl |
| 15.15-15.30 | Certificates and group photo |
| 15.30 | Farewell snacks |
Wim Blokzijl is a lecturer in communication skills at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. He has been teaching presentation and writing skills for more than twenty years, working with students and researchers at all levels. His main interest is helping speakers develop a dynamic and engaging presentation style while feeling comfortable on stage. In his workshops, he encourages participants to move beyond simply sharing information and to bring their own personality, enthusiasm and passion into their presentations. He also coached speakers for the yearly TEDx Delft event until it came to an end after the COVID-19 pandemic.
No, you don’t.
KTU International PhD Summer School welcomes doctoral students regardless of their institution, country and major.
You may check visiting the official websites of these networks:
ECIU List of members>>>
NORDTEK List of members>>>
SGroup List of members >>>
This PhD Summer School is a full-time activity. Each course consists of about 6-8 academic hours of academic activities. Summer school isn’t only about learning. We also enjoy evening activities including excursions, educational sessions and time together.
Yes, you can e-mail us, and we will proceed your request.
For details on our reimbursement policy, please read the terms and conditions.
The confirmation that your application is received will be sent to you by e-mail indicated in the registration form. Please type your e-mail address carefully. If you are in doubt of your registration, write phd@ktu.lt
Unfortunately, the dates for the school are fixed and participants must undergo the full programme without exception.
Doctoral students have opportunity to come within the Erasmus+ programme, ask for funding to the International Office of your University. We will sign the necessary documents.
Doctoral students can apply to their scholarship organization or research council for a grant to cover the costs of attending this event. Some universities or their departments, doctoral programs, etc. may provide small-scale grants for attending training. Research projects funded through third party funds may also include a budget to cover members’ training needs. Please address your research council, local mentor, supervisor or research-training group for more information.
To complete your registration you must upload a certificate of your doctoral student status at your home university. The document must be signed and stamped by a university official.
Exceptions: if you are a doctoral student at Kaunas Unversity of Technology, you do not need to provide this document.
Upon completing the Summer School, a certificate with 54 academic hours will be issued (which are equivalent to 2 ECTS). If you are seeking to transfer credit, be sure to consult with your home institution before applying to the summer school to ensure that your participation will be recognized.
2026
Frank Witlox, Ghent University, Belgium
Juan Carlos Nieves Sanchez, Umeå University, Sweden
Inge Schouten, Presentation coach, the Netherlands
Ewa Pluciennicka, PhD Success
2025
Frank Witlox, Ghent University, Belgium
Milica Ševkušić, Institute of Technical Sciences of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Serbia
Inge Schouten, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands
José Luis Molina Gonzalez, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain
2024
Magdalena Szuflita – Žurawska, Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland
Vikki Wright, the PhD Life Coach, United Kingdom
Frank Witlox, Ghent University, Belgium
Maria Soriano-Carot, IMFAHE, Spain
Wim Blokzijl, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
2023
Goda Raibytė-Aleksa, science journalist
Inga Popovaitė, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania
Magdalena Szuflita – Žurawska, Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland
Joeri Tijdink, Vrije University, The Netherlands
Jurgita Lazauskaitė-Zabielskė, Vilnius University, Lithuania
Jörg Langwaldt, Tampere University, Finland
Sarah Lynne Bowman, Uppsala University, Sweden
Kjell Hedgard Hugaas, Uppsala University, Sweden
2022
Domenico Golzio, European Patent Office, The Netherlands
Frank Witlox, Ghent University, Belgium
Eva Hnatkova, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Czech Republic
Wim Blokzijl, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
Jörg Langwaldt, Tampere University, Finland
2021
Frank Witlox, Ghent University, Belgium
Domenico Golzio, European Patent Office, The Netherlands
Hallvard Fossheim, University of Bergen, Norway
Nicolas Dintzner, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
Wim Blokzijl, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
2019
Frank Witlox, Ghent University, Belgium
Ari Visa, Tampere University, Finland
Enrico Luzzatto, European Patent Academy, Germany
Hallvard Fossheim, University of Bergen, Norway
2018
Martijn Wackers, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
Telma Esteves, University of Twente, The Netherlands
Roger Strand, University of Bergen, Norway
Arminas Ragauskas, Health Telematics Science Institute, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania
2017
Flavien Massi, Intelligentsia Consultants Sàrl, Luxembourg
Lynn P. Nygaard, Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), Norway
Jacek Fiutowski, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
Sarah Jones, Digital Curation Centre, United Kingdom
Iryna Kuchma, Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL), Lithuania
2016
Lucie Boudova, Elsevier, Czech Republic
Heidi Dyson, Next Level Innovation Ltd., United Kingdom
Dietmar Grichnik, University of St. Gallen, Switzerland
Elīna Gaile-Sarkane, Riga Technical University, Latvia
2026
Communicating your (scientific) ideas – Meeting with the editor
Frank Witlox, Ghent University, Belgium
Governance and assessment of AI systems
Juan Carlos Nieves Sanchez, Umeå University (UMU), Sweden
How to deal with stress during your PhD and use it as a positive power?
Ewa Pluciennicka, PhD Success
Clear and Confident Speaking: Master Your Message
Inge Schouten, Presentation coach, the Netherlands
2025
Communicating your (scientific) ideas – Meeting with the editor
Frank Witlox, Ghent University, Belgium
How to improve the visibility of individual researchers and their research outputs
Milica Ševkušić, Institute of Technical Sciences of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Serbia
Clear and Confident Speaking: Master Your Message
Inge Schouten, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands
Research ethics in the XXI century
José Luis Molina Gonzalez, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain
2024
Open Science and it’s Phenomena
Magdalena Szuflita – Žurawska, Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland
What to do when you’ve got too much to do
Vikki Wright, the PhD Life Coach, United Kingdom
Communicating your (scientific) ideas – Meeting with the editor
Frank Witlox, Ghent University, Belgium
Developing transferable skills during the PhD as key to career success and employability
Maria Soriano-Carot, IMFAHE, Spain
Make your conference speech sound more like a TED Talk
Wim Blokzijl, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
2023
Science Communication
Science journalist Goda Raibytė-Aleksa and dr. Inga Popovaitė, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania
Open Science and it’s Phenomena
Magdalena Szuflita – Žurawska, Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland
Why Research Integrity Matters – Moving Towards Responsible Research Practices
dr. Joeri Tijdink, Vrije University, The Netherlands
3+1 strategies to boost your motivation
dr. Jurgita Lazauskaitė-Zabielskė, Vilnius University, Lithuania
Research Funding
dr. Jorg Langwaldt, Tampere University, Finland
Cultivating a Soulful and Sustainable Academic Journey
dr. Sarah Lynne Bowman and Kjell Hedgard Hugaas, Uppsala University, Sweden
2022
Intellectual property right for researchers
Domenico Golzio, European Patent Academy
Communicating your (scientific) ideas – Meeting with the editor
Frank Witlox, Ghent University
Open Science and Open/FAIR Data for Early-Career Researchers
Eva Hnatkova, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Czech Republic
Effective scientific presentation: inspiring your audience
Wim Blokzijl, Delft University of Technology
Funding your research and career – research proposals
Jörg Langwaldt, Tampere University, Finland
2021
Scientific writing. Meeting the editor. Do’s and Dont’s of getting your paper published
Frank Witlox, Ghent University
Research data management for PhDs
Nicolas Dintzner, Delft University of Technology
Intellectual property right for researchers
Domenico Golzio, European Patent Academy
Responsibility, interaction, and ethics in research
Hallvard Fossheim, University of Bergen
Effective scientific presentation:inspiring your audience
Wim Blokzijl, Delft University of Technology
2019
Scientific writing. Meeting the editor. Do’s and Dont’s of getting your paper published
Frank Witlox, Ghent University
Big Data – from data to knowledge
Ari Visa, Tampere University
From Idea To (European) Patent
Enrico Luzzatto, European Patent Academy
Responsibility, Interaction, and Ethics in Research
Hallvard Fossheim, University of Bergen
2018
Oral Presentation and Communication Skills Development
Martijn Wackers, Delft University of Technology
Research grant proposal development
Telma Esteves, University of Twente
Research Ethics, Integrity and Responsibility
Roger Strand, University of Bergen
Entrepreneurship and Innovations
Arminas Ragauskas, Kaunas University of Technology
2017
Writing for Scholars
Lynn P. Nygaard, PRIO
Writing Scientific Papers
Jacek Fiutowski, University of Southern Denmark
Project Management for PhD Students
Flavien Massi, Intelligentsia Consultants Sàrl
Open Science and Research Data Management: tips and tools to help you plan to get the most from your data
Sarah Jones, Digital Curation Centre,
Iryna Kuchma, EIFL
2016
How to write a good scientific article
Lucie Boudova, Elsevier
How to overcome hindrance in scientific writing?
Elina Gaile-Sarkane, Riga Technical University
Writing doctoral thesis and articles
Dietmar Grichnik, University of St.Gallen
Developing H2020 proposal writing skills
Heidi Dyson, Next Level Innovations Ltd.
| Austria |
| TU Graz |
| University of Innsbruck |
| University of Klagenfurt |
| Azerbaijan |
| Azerbaijan State University of Economics |
| Institute of control systems, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences |
| Belgium |
| Ghent University |
| University of Antwerp |
| China |
| Guilin University of Electronic Technology |
| Czech Republic |
| Brno University of Technology |
| Czech Technical University in Prague |
| Czech University of Life Sciences |
| Masaryk University |
| Metropolitan University Prague |
| Palacký University Olomouc |
| Tomas Bata University in Zlin |
| University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague |
| VSB – Technical University of Ostrava |
| Croatia |
| University of Zagreb |
| Denmark |
| Aalborg University |
| Technical University of Denmark |
| University of Copenhagen |
| University of Southern Denmark |
| Estonia |
| Estonian Business School |
| Estonian University of Life Sciences |
| Tallinn University of Technology |
| University of Tartu |
| Finland |
| University of Lapland |
| France |
| The Université Grenoble Alpes |
| Belfort-Montbeliard University of Technology |
| University of Lille |
| University of Vincennes-Saint-Denis (Paris 8) |
| Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Rouen |
| Germany |
| Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts |
| Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
| Konstanz University of Applied Science |
| RWTH Aachen |
| TU Darmstadt |
| University of Cologne |
| Greece |
| University of Patras |
| Hungary |
| Semmelweis University |
| Iceland |
| University of Iceland |
| Ireland |
| Dublin City University |
| Italy |
| University of Ferrara |
| University of Palermo |
| University of Parma |
| University of Sassari |
| University of Rome Tor Vergata and University of Rome III |
| University Uninettuno – Rome |
| University of Trento |
| University of L’Aquila |
| University of Foggia |
| Japan |
| Hiroshima University |
| Shizuoka University |
| Latvia |
| Riga Technical University |
| University of Latvia |
| Ventspils University College |
| Daugavpils University |
| Riga Stradins University |
| BA School of Business and Finance of the University of Latvia |
| Lithuania |
| Aleksandras Stulginskis University |
| Centre for Innovative Medicine |
| Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) |
| Kaunas University of Technology |
| Klaipėda University |
| Lithuanian Energy Institute |
| Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences |
| Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry |
| Mykolas Romeris University |
| Šiauliai University |
| The General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania |
| Vilnius Gediminas Technical University |
| Vytautas Magnus University |
| Vilnius University |
| Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences |
| Malaysia |
| Taylor’s University |
| Moldova |
| State University Moldova |
| The Netherlands |
| Eindhoven University of Technology |
| University Of Twente |
| VU Amsterdam |
| Norway |
| University of Bergen |
| Oslo Metropolitan University |
| University of Stavanger |
| Western Norway University of Applied Sciences |
| Poland |
| Jagiellonian University |
| Lodz University of Technology |
| University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow |
| University of Bialystok |
| Gdansk University of Technology |
| Poznań University Of Economics and Business |
| Adam Mickiewicz University |
| Warsaw University of Life Sciences |
| Portugal |
| University of Aveiro |
| Republic of South Africa |
| Stellenbosch University |
| Romania |
| The National University of Political Studies and Public Administration |
| University “Politechnica” of Bucharest |
| University of Bucharest |
| Slovakia |
| Institute of Measurement Science, Slovak Academy of Sciences |
| Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra |
| University of Zilina |
| Matej Bel University in Banska Bystrica |
| Slovenia |
| University of Ljubljana |
| Spain |
| University of Barcelona |
| Rovira i Virgili University |
| Valencia Polytechnic University |
| Sweden |
| Uppsala University |
| Switzerland |
| University of Neuchâtel |
| Turkey |
| Balikesir University |
| Ozyegin University |
| Ukraine |
| Kiev National University for Construction and Architecture |
| National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) |
| United Kingdom |
| Bath Spa University |
| Chester University |
| University of Bristol |
| University of East London |
| University of Westminster |
PhD Summer School 2020 postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
