Each year, the conference brings together a diverse community of stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and build collaborative networks. It is a unique opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of PhD training standards across Europe and beyond.

ORPHEUS 2026 Conference
Sustainable Networks Through Interdisciplinary Partnerships – The Key to Quality Enhancements in Doctoral Education

Location
Budapest, Hungary, Basic Medical Science Centre, Semmelweis University

Dates
26 – 28 May 2026

Deadlines

• Early Bird Registration – 15 March 2026
• Abstract Submission – 22 March 2026

Keynote Speakers

• Prof. Sibusiso Moyo
• Prof. Kurt Deketelaere
• Prof. Ricardo León-Bórquez
• Prof. Neil Osheroff.

Scholarships: ORPHEUS offers 8 scholarships of €500 to cover travel/registration for PhD researchers.

A message from Prof John Creemers, ORPHEUS President

The ORPHEUS 2026 Conference, taking place 26–28 May 2026 in Budapest, Hungary, invites academic leaders, doctoral programme directors, supervisors, quality-assurance professionals, and PhD candidates to engage in an in-depth exploration of:

Sustainable Networks Through Interdisciplinary Partnerships – The Key to Quality
Enhancements in Doctoral Education

Hosted by Semmelweis University and supported by EUniWell, the conference brings together participants from more than 130 member institutions across Europe and beyond.

The three-day scientific programme combines invited keynote lectures by internationally recognised experts, thematic oral sessions selected from abstracts (deadline for submission: 22 March), poster presentations, and interactive workshops. Core topics include sustainability and quality enhancement in PhD education, international and interdisciplinary doctoral networks, supervision and assessment practices, transferable skills development, and institutional frameworks supporting doctoral success. The invited speakers will provide strategic, evidence-based perspectives that frame the discussions and stimulate cross-institutional learning.

Encourage your Doctoral candidates to register as well. ORPHEUS offers 8 scholarships of €500 to cover the costs of travel, registration and accommodation to PhD researchers. Selection is based on abstract submissions (deadline 22 March). The abstract can be the results of a survey, a PhD forum discussion or activity, a newly introduced course/program in your doctoral school,… . Scientific research abstracts are not eligible. Selected candidates can also be invited for a short talk in the program. Abstracts that are not selected can be
presented as posters during the meeting.

Beyond its academic content, ORPHEUS 2026 places strong emphasis on networking and community-building. Structured networking sessions and informal exchanges are further facilitated by an exclusive gala dinner on the Danube, offering participants a distinctive opportunity to connect with invited speakers and peers in an elegant setting while experiencing the cultural richness of Budapest.

Held at the Basic Medical Science Center of Semmelweis University, ORPHEUS 2026 offers a focused yet collegial environment for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. The conference is designed for all those committed to strengthening the quality, relevance, and sustainability of doctoral education in the biomedical and health sciences.

For further details and registration, please visit semmelweispremium.hu/orpheus2026.

Make use of the early-bird discount by registering before March 15.
Looking forward to seeing you in Budapest!

Sincerely,
Prof. Dr. John Creemers
President ORPHEUS

Past Conferences Archive

Discover highlights and access materials from our previous conferences, showcasing the impact and insights shared by leading experts. Below are a list of conferences which have taken place since 2005.