Well-being for researchers: stress and burn-out
Cluster
Leadership and Efficiency
Competences as defined in ResearchComp
ResearchComp is a European competency framework developed by the European Commission. It provides a common reference framework that makes researchers’ competencies more visible and comparable—not only for researchers themselves, but also for universities, employers, and policymakers across Europe.
To get started with ResearchComp, you can consult this guide.
| Competence Area | Competences |
| Working with Others |
Maintaining well‑being in research settings |
| Self-Management | Resilience & coping with pressure;Career management & development; |
Target audience
All PhD candidates
Teacher
Jo Bogaerts (PhD career hub, Doctoral School Office)
Abstract
Early career researchers face unique challenges that place them at increased risk for mental health issues, including burnout and stress-related disorders. Recent studies, highlight that PhD candidates are significantly more likely to experience symptoms of common psychiatric disorders compared to the general population. These findings underscore the urgent need for proactive strategies to support well-being in academic environments. UGent will regularly offer this workshop, as well as a second workshop on perfectionism and fear of failure, as a one among many initiatives to address the issue of well-being among academics.
This interactive workshop aims to provide both insight and practical tools for managing mental well-being. It will be organized in a safe environment and for small groups.
Objectives
Participants will:
- Understand the well-being spectrum and where mental health fits within it.
- Explore research findings on mental well-being among early career researchers.
- Recognize that mental health challenges are linked to societal expectations, working environments, and personal vulnerability.
- Learn what burnout is, how it develops, and how to identify typical warning signals.
- Discover strategies to break the stress cycle and foster resilience.
- Reflect on the role of personal stories and intrinsic drivers in the development of burnout.
By combining evidence-based insights with practical exercises, this session aims to empower PhD candidates to take informed steps toward safeguarding their mental well-being throughout their academic journey.
Dates and venue
| Date | Time | Location |
| 01 October 2026 | 13:00 - 18:00 | Leslokaal 0.2 (Campus Ledeganck) |
Programme
13:00 – 13:20: Introduction & getting to know each other
13:20 – 13:40: What is the well-being spectrum and what does Ghent University offer
13:40 – 14:00: What does research say about the well-being of academics?
14:00 – 14:30: The background story: understanding the academic work environment
14:30 – 15:00: Burnout explained: symptoms and the battery metaphor
15:00 – 15:30: Understanding stress and the stress cycle
15:30 – 16:00: Dealing with stress: mental, emotional, and physical tools to foster resilience
16:00 – 17:00: A look at personal vulnerability: why do some people develop burnout while others do not?
17:00 – 17:45: Personal convictions, perfectionism, and drivers: understanding the role of limiting beliefs and Transactional Analysis
17:45 – 18:00: Round-up, available support resources, and next steps
Registration
- Follow this link for the registration and waiting list. We check if you are eligible to participate. Due to limited places, we give priority to PhD students. Your registration will be confirmed by separate e-mail (outlook invite).
- Cancellation of your registration can only be performed by sending an email to doctoralschools@ugent.be.
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The no show policy applies.
Registration fee
Free of charge for Doctoral School members.
Number of participants
Maximum 10
Language
English
Evaluation method
After successful participation, the Doctoral School Office will add this course to your curriculum of the Doctoral Training Programme in Oasis. Please note that this can take up to one to two months after completion of the course.