Reflecting on the UNU-MERIT Internal Conference 2025: Our Annual PhD Event

On 25–26 September 2025, UNU-MERIT hosted its annual Internal Conference, turning out institute into a hub of collaboration and exchange. The event forms part of our Research Week (22–26 September), a dedicated time for all PhD fellows — especially those in the dual career track — to grow and excel in their trajectories.

Held on-site at our institute, the conference brought together more than 70 participants, including staff, senior researchers, and full-time and dual-career PhD fellows. Over two full days, the programme featured presentations, feedback sessions, and lively discussions designed to strengthen connections and advance research across the institute.

This year’s agenda included more than 50 presentations: parallel sessions, research pitches, mock defences, and two successful PhD defences by dual-career fellows. The breadth of topics spanned all of UNU-MERIT’s research themes, which highlighted the diversity, depth, and interdisciplinary nature of UNU-MERIT’s work at the intersection of research and policy.

As in previous years, the sessions were designed to bring together researchers at different stages of their PhD journeys, encouraging constructive feedback, stimulating debate, and building bridges across disciplines and cohorts.

Keynote Speakers

We were honoured to welcome Professor Julian Jamison (University of Exeter and University of Oxford) and Professor Silvia Massini (University of Manchester) as keynote speakers at this year’s Internal Conference. Professor Jamison spoke on “Development Economics Methodology: Stigma, Welfare, and Ethics,” encouraging participants to reflect on how identity, ethics, and lived experience shape development research. Professor Massini followed with a talk on “Digital Technologies, Innovation and Skills: Emerging Issues and Evidence,” exploring how digitalisation is transforming the way people work, how organisations innovate, and what these changes mean for researchers and policymakers alike.

Beyond the Agenda

More than just a research event, the Internal Conference is an important moment for the UNU-MERIT community to come together — especially for our dual-career PhD fellows, many of whom joined us in person from abroad.

The week also marked the arrival of our newest PhD cohort, with 13 first-year fellows officially introduced.  Their proposal sessions were well attended by senior researchers and higher-year fellows, reflecting the open, supportive, and collaborative spirit that defines our community.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to making the event a success— from organisers, session chairs, and presenters, to students, support staff, and volunteers who kept everything running smoothly. A special thanks to SPAR, La Barcelonetta, The Harvest Hub, and Lumière for making the event even more memorable.

We are already looking forward to our next PhD event in March 2026. Until then, thank you for being part of the UNU-MERIT community.