At the heart of EMES lies a long-standing commitment to nurturing and empowering the next generation of scholars in the SE field. This year, our vibrant PhD community exemplified this spirit by designing and carrying out a successful mentoring programme, aimed at supporting doctoral researchers in their academic and professional journeys.

Reflecting on the past, EMES has placed PhD researchers at its core. Over the last 20 years, many EMES PhD students have gone on to become respected academics, policy-makers, and practitioners. Their stories often begin at EMES training schools and conferences—spaces where new ideas are born, and where connections between emerging and senior scholars are first forged.

EMES has also taken part in broader initiatives such as the EMPOWER-SE action, which also enabled PhD students to visit senior scholars and establish mentorship relationships that still bear fruit today. EMES Conferences continue to serve as fertile ground for building lasting academic and professional ties, with universities across the EMES network providing the context and continuity for these relationships to thrive.

This year’s mentoring programme—led by and for PhD researchers—not only upheld this tradition, but revitalised it. It created meaningful spaces for mentors to connect and share insights, and for mentees to network with peers while gaining guidance and support.

Looking ahead, we are excited to launch the second edition of the programme this coming September, with a more agile structure and a shorter timeframe between applications and the November kick-off.

This initiative is a powerful reminder of the value of our community and the collective achievements we build together. Today, we celebrate our PhD community for their vision, dedication, and contribution to the legacy of EMES.

Stay tuned and join us as we continue building the future of the SE field!