SciLink’s PhD Wellbeing Festival | 2026 Amsterdam

Save the date for SciLink’s 2026 PhD Wellbeing Festival!

This page is to register to this full day event organised by SciLink in Amsterdam Science Park on the 20th of February 2026.

Programme and social event details will be shared here. To show your interest, you can already pre-register to the event.

Participation on the in-person event will be complimentary, but registration is mandatory. Costs are associated only to the social event. Pre-registration is ad advantage when we are accepting the final registrations.

Our topics

Boosting Resilience – We all run into tough situations at work and in our private lives. Resilience is about how we deal with those moments. When we pause and look at the situation more closely, we often realize we have more control and more options than we initially thought. In this workshop, we will learn to analyse challenging situations and regain control in order to move forward.

Career planning: Finding your fit – Discover what gives you energy at work, evaluate fit with your current position, and leave with inspiration for your next career move.

Fostering your work-life balance as an early-career researcher –  Learn how to build a healthier work-life balance by discovering your key life roles, setting priorities, and creating a personal action plan you can implement immediately.

Imposterism –  Explore imposter thoughts through scenarios, uncover the fears fuelling them, and build concrete and practical cognitive and behavioural strategies to respond with confidence.

Identity – Thriving Within and Beyond Academia  –  Participants will identify boundaries and apply effective communication to protect their time and energy. They will analyse sources of isolation, evaluate ways to nurture both academic and non-academic identities, and reflect on joining or initiating project groups beyond formal structures. The session invites participants to own their academic identity and celebrate achievements.

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas and Power Dynamics  – Participants will identify and analyze real cases of clashing values, unfair treatment, and ethical discrepancies in research. They will evaluate strategies to address power abuse, exploitation, and policy gaslighting, and reflect on how to “pick battles” effectively (deciding when to speak up or stay silent while maintaining personal integrity and professional relationships).

Our trainers

Lara Solms works as an assistant professor at the department of Work and Organizational Psychology at the University of Amsterdam. Her research focuses on coaching and behaviour change. She loves running, music, and coffee!

Tajda Laure is a postdoctoral researcher and teacher at Erasmus University Rotterdam. She works within EUR’s Student Wellbeing Programme, focusing on content development, user research, and impact evaluation for ROOM to Grow app created to support students through the ups and downs of university life. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, trying new recipes, practicing yoga, and spending time with her favourite people.

Tina Armasu is an organizational psychologist who combines scientific insight with a down-to-earth approach to well-being, confidence, and sustainable academic work. Her research focuses on self-regulation, habits, performance, and well-being. Outside of work, she loves trying new recipes on the weekend, resistance training, a good Chianti, and reading books that make you forget about time.

Eleni Giannakoudi researches hybrid work, self-regulation, and employee well-being at the University of Groningen. She also designs and facilitates workshops that translate research insights into practical tools to help employees work and feel better. On Saturdays, you’ll likely find her in a Reformer Pilates Studio, enjoying a BLT at her favourite Brunch spot, or exploring a new city.

Charlotte Edelmann is a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Management Sciences, Open University of the Netherlands. Her research focuses on how leadership, work design, and teamwork shape employee performance and well-being. Outside of work, she enjoys long walks with her sausage dog, playing tennis, and creating or listening to music.

Luisa Solms is a work and organizational psychologist researching employee well-being and well-being interventions. Luisa works as a postdoctoral researcher at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Luisa loves spending time outdoors, bouldering and drinking coffee!

Stefan Mol is an assistant professor in organizational behaviour and research methods at the Amsterdam Business School of the University of Amsterdam and Chair of the SciLink foundation. Stefan loves multiday hikes, rock climbing, and alpinism.