tea and coffee by Xin Su
Image by Xin (Tony) Su, PhD candidate in the Department of Psychology
Tuesday, 5 May 2026

Shared interest and enthusiasm, trust, community and lots of pizza, are among the elements shaping the doctoral experience at UL, as highlighted in a new PhotoVoice-inspired exhibition led by the Doctoral College.

Bringing together postgraduate researchers and their supervisors, the exhibition presents a series of jointly created photographs and reflections exploring what has collectively enhanced their experience of doctoral education at UL. From problem solving in the lab, to working through uncertainty on a personal pilgrimage, to informal moments of connection over cups of coffee, the contributions offer an honest and varied portrait of doctoral life.

The exhibition forms UL’s contribution to European Doctoral Day (13 May 2026), a new annual initiative recognising the value of doctoral education and the achievements of PhD researchers across Europe. The day provides an opportunity for universities to highlight not only research excellence but to celebrate what unites Europeans in doctoral education, the variety of PhD opportunities available, and the rich cultural and intellectual diversity of the continent’s scientific landscape.

At UL, the initiative focuses on reflection and dialogue within the doctoral community. Using a PhotoVoice-inspired approach, participants were invited to respond to the question: What has collectively enhanced your experience of doctoral education at UL? The resulting exhibition highlights the importance of supervision, collaboration, and the less visible supports that enable doctoral researchers to navigate challenges and make progress.

Themes emerging from the project will inform the Doctoral College’s ongoing work in strengthening doctoral support, supervision, and research culture at UL.

“The exhibition highlights that doctoral success is shaped not only by academic structures, but by the quality of relationships, supervision, and the often unseen aspects of the wider research environment.” says Ann MacPhail, Associate Vice President of the Doctoral College. “It gives us important insight into what enables doctoral researchers to move forward with confidence, and will help inform our ongoing work to strengthen doctoral education at UL.”

The exhibition takes place May 12-14 and is located on the Ground Floor of the Glucksman Library outside the entrance to the Plaza café and is open to the campus community. Following the exhibition, the submissions will also be featured on the Doctoral College website ul.ie/doctoral-college.