Doctoral School

Well-being for researchers: stress and burn-out

Cluster

Leadership and Efficiency

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

26 January 2026 

Leslokaal 1.1 (Campus Ledeganck)

Programme

9:00-9:20: introduction & getting to know each other
9:20- 9:40: What is well-being and where can you get help
9:40-10:00: What does research say about the well-being of academics
10:00-10:30: The background story: describing the academic work environment
10:30-11:00: Burn-out explained: symptoms and the battery metaphor
11:00 - 11:30: Understanding stress and the stress cycle
11:30 - 12:00: Dealing with stress: mental, emotional and physical tools to foster resilience
12:00 – 12:45 A look at personal vulnerability: why do some people end up in burn-out rather than others?
12:45 – 13:00: Round-up and where to get next?

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.

  • 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.