EURODOC

Eurodoc (proper spelling: EURODOC ) is the European Association for doctoral candidates and young researchers. Currently Eurodoc consists of 36 national associations.

Eurodoc brings the voice of young researchers in the European discussion process on issues such as the Bologna Process, 7th Framework Programme, European Research Council, the European Charter for Researchers one etc.. In the course of consultations, conferences and expert groups Eurodoc is in contact with actors within the European research and education policy, in particular with the European Commission and the Association of European Universities, EUA.

Eurodoc organizes an annual conference that serves both the discussion of cross-disciplinary topics of research activity in Europe as well as the exchange of information between European research policy and young researchers. In preparation for this conference will focus on answering a questionnaire from the member organizations created based a comparison of the different systems in Europe.

In his work Eurodoc seeks broad base of participation; any interested member of a national organizations may in the discussions in the Workgroups of Eurodoc on topics such as mobility, student-teacher ratios and acquisition of skills, career, equal opportunities for women and men in research, working conditions and social protection (eg maternity leave) participate.

There are positions and recommendations elaborated, which are then incorporated into the European educational and research policy.

Since December 2008 Eurodoc performs a pan-European survey graduate students. This survey covers the following main topics: qualifications, career paths, financing, training and supervision, working conditions, results of scientific work, mobility and socio- demographic indicators. Objective of the survey it is loud Eurodoc, doctoral more involved in the Bologna process. With Europe comparable data provide a better basis for future recommendations to improve the conditions of graduate students and increase the attractiveness of the European Research Area is to be created.

Objectives

The objectives of Eurodoc according to statutes are:

• Representation of doctoral candidates and young researchers at European level in the areas of education, research and career prospects.
• Promote the quality of doctoral programs and the standards of research activity in Europe.
• Expansion of information sharing on issues that affect young researchers; Organization of events, take part in debates and supporting its development in the areas of policy formation and research in Europe.
• Establishment and support of cooperation between national organizations, the doctoral candidates and young researchers represented.

History

After plans for the establishment of a Europe-wide umbrella organization at a meeting of representatives of several European organizations for young researchers were specified at a conference of the Swedish EU Presidency in Uppsala in 2001, it came in 2002 to the founding of Eurodoc in Girona, Spain. In 2005 Eurodoc was finally legally established under Belgian law as an international non-profit organization based in Brussels.

Eurodoc was represented around the " third cycle " of the Bologna process at several conferences. Since 2007 Eurodoc has officially the status of a partner in the Bologna Process.