News

Doc+ connects research impact with career direction

Published: 18.2.2026

During February wide audiences from all Aalto schools and alumni communities have joined Doc+ panels to reflect on a timely question: what does a meaningful doctoral career look like today? The diversity of participants reflects a shared recognition that there is no longer a single default research career. For some doctoral researchers and postdocs research impact means academic excellence. For others it means working with industry shaping policy building companies or communicating science to wider audiences. Increasingly it means navigating several of these worlds over the course of one career.

A group of people giving thumbs up in front of screens displaying 'Doc+ Dialogues'. Chairs and wooden walls are in the background. — Panelist Tero Ojanperä, in the middle, with audience members and organizers from the first Doc+ panel 2 Feb 2026

Doc+ connects our doctoral community with multi-disciplinary dialogue on career options and how research impact connects with career direction across sectors.

One recurring theme has been taking agency on building skills that travel. A panelist in the first Doc+ session, associate professor Ewald Kibler has reflected on entrepreneurial attitudes required in publishing, academic leadership and building meaningful scholarly communities.

Four people are seated and standing in a room with wooden walls and a screen displaying 'Doc+ Dialogues'. — Panelists Imran Asghar, Frank Martela and Anu Honkalinna with panel chair Sonja Hilavuo, 9 Feb 2026

In the second Doc+ panel, Start-up entrepreneur and associate professor Imran Asghar shared how doctoral-level thinking translates into venture creation, and also how making impact with Aalto Junior is still close to his heart. Author and philosopher Frank Martela illustrated how scientific insight can be brought to public discussion beyond borders. Across these conversations, a common theme emerges: careers are rarely linear, agency matters and researchers must truly care about the questions they study.

A Living Room for doctoral connections

Beyond the panels Doc+ is gradually shaping the Marsio Living Room into a shared space for the doctoral community across disciplines. Informal gatherings around campus art and activities such as doctoral bowling offer moments to meet exchange ideas and connect beyond research topics. The photo gallery gives a glimpse of the atmosphere with more welcoming events planned still for the spring.

Person holding a pen, sitting in front of a screen displaying nature scenes and the word 'IMPACT'.

People sitting in chairs, attentively watching something. Coats hanging in the background. Indoor setting with large windows.

Two people are conversing at a social event. One holds a Fanta can, the other a cup. Others are mingling in the background.

Four people seated on a stage with two large screens displaying 'Shaping our days and decisions' and a potted plant.

A group of people at a bowling alley holding bowling balls, posing near the lanes and ball return machine.

People gathered around a table with food and drinks in a modern indoor setting. Some wear backpacks and winter clothing.

The panel series continues on Monday 2 March 2026 addressing how scientists transition to corporate world and entrepreneurial avenues. Dr Johanna Småros shares insight from founding the science based unicorn RELEX Solutions. Dr Himadri Majumdar reflects on his VTT career and how he spun out the quantum technology company SemiQon. Dr Ulla Maija Uusitalo from Aalto University Executive Education will discuss how scientists can engage with companies and executive education environments. Common theme for this panel is “turning research know-how into value”

On 17 March 2026 Dr Lauri Reuter, Professor Jens Schmidt and David Ventzel discuss “Communication, curiosity and capital in science” addressing e.g. working with different audiences and the media. This session also presents new “VC Explorer” program for scientists curious about building practical skills in start-up evaluation and investing.

Event poster with three people and text about turning research into value. Date: Monday, March 2nd 2026. Time: 15:30 – 17:30.

Welcome to Doc+ Dialogues - new panel discussion series for Doctoral Researchers, PostDocs and Alumni. Come and connect with your collegial community in Marsio at the heart of Aalto.

2.3.2026 15:30 – 17:30 (UTC +2) Events

Doc+ is Aalto University’s new initiative for strengthening the doctoral and postdoctoral community through shared learning, peer connection, and professional growth. It brings together researchers from all disciplines to engaging and enjoyable panel discussions, new courses and co-innovated social events. The initiative has wide support from Aalto faculties, Aallonhuiput Doctoral Researcher Association and Aalto Career Design Lab.

Group photos of doctoral students at events with the text 'Enhance your doctoral experience with Doc+ activities'.

Doc+ brings doctoral and postdoctoral researchers together to build transferable skills, connect across disciplines, and create impact in many directions — from advancing science and developing solutions for society to entrepreneurship and education. Come co-create your Aalto doctoral journey with us!

Doctoral education