Abstract
A PhD is more than a period of research training or the completion of a dissertation. It is also a formative stage in which young scientists begin shaping their professional identity, building independence and preparing for the transition toward an international research career.
What should a doctoral student achieve during these years to be well positioned for the next step? Prof. Arie-Lev Gruzman will address the milestones that matter most:
- learning to formulate and defend scientific ideas independently,
- building a strong publication record,
- developing advanced and transferable skills,
- gaining experience in grant writing
- and establishing a professional network beyond one’s home institution.
Particular attention will be given to the importance of international mobility and postdoctoral experience, especially for researchers aiming to establish themselves as independent Principal Investigators in Poland. The seminar will also highlight opportunities offered by Polish institutions, European funding agencies and other public and private bodies that support early-career scientists.
Beyond the conventional academic checklist, the discussion will explore a number of less obvious factors that can strongly influence career development. Communication in English, presentation skills, teamwork and leadership, familiarity with AI and programming, psychological awareness, financial literacy and practical technical abilities can all become important advantages in a highly competitive research environment.
Finally, the seminar will consider how broader changes in science, the global economy and politics can create both challenges and opportunities for emerging researchers. The aim is to provide PhD students and early-career scientists with a practical framework for making informed career decisions and building a profile that can succeed in Poland or internationally.
Biography
Prof. Arie-Lev Gruzman is a Professor at Bar-Ilan University whose work spans medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and translational drug discovery. With training at Bar-Ilan University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, followed by postdoctoral research in San Francisco, he leads a multidisciplinary program that integrates chemical synthesis, molecular and cellular approaches, computational modeling, and nanotechnology.
His laboratory develops therapeutic candidates for diseases with significant unmet need, including diabetes, ALS, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and retinopathies. He is also active in scientific leadership, having held roles in the broader medicinal chemistry community, and serves on ICTER’s International Scientific Committee, contributing to the Centre of Excellence’s research strategy.
