Summer is fast approaching, bringing with it warm sunshine that lasts until 9 pm. On one such day, our PhD students held  their final meetup before the slower months of July and August.

The garden at Campo Grande was the preferred meeting point, and on July 3, around 20 INESC-ID PhD students gathered near the lake. Although the rest of the week saw scorching temperatures, this particular day was perfect for a picnic. Popcorn, chips, small cakes, tortilla, and even healthier snacks like carrots and cucumber were laid out in the centre of the circle formed by the students, creating an enjoyable evening to wind down after work. 

In addition to casual conversation, there was also time to reflect on previous meetups, sharing both ups and downs. From technology transfer to mental health, the meetups have been having a great impact on the community, with everyone agreeing that the PhD student room, inaugurated back in April, was a huge success. 

The PhD Students Meetups are a series of community building initiatives aiming to connect and empower our students. Developed by the Communications and Outreach Office of INESC-ID, these allow students to share ideas and experiences while also acquiring skills and insights into the opportunities available to them. 

We will be back with more meetups right in September!