PhD Circle — Frequently Asked Questions

PhD Circle is a global, non-profit association of PhD professionals and researchers spread worldwide. Based in Zurich and established in 2025, it connects scholars and innovators across 26 countries, fostering collaboration in science, innovation, and society.

We are a diverse community of 155 members spanning academia, research, startups, and industry. Members include PhD students, postdocs, professors, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and senior industry professionals.

Our expertise spans Life Sciences, Medicine (MD/PhD), Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Artificial Intelligence and 60 other disciplines.

Our members are alumni of leading universities such as ETH Zurich, MIT, Harvard, Oxford, Yale, Stanford, and UC Berkeley.

Membership is open to PhD students, postdocs, doctoral graduates, and professionals in science, innovation, academia, industry, or entrepreneurship — of all nationalities and ethnicities — who share our mission of collaboration and mentorship..

You can apply through the official membership form on our website. Simply provide details about your academic or professional background and interests.

Yes. The membership fee is 70 CHF.

• • Mentorship Circles (one-on-one and group guidance)
• • Digital Labs (virtual collaborative research spaces)
• • Global retreats, webinars, and monthly talks
• • Startup Studio support for turning research into ventures
• • Eligibility to join Horizon Europe project proposals via our association’s official registration
• • Networking opportunities with 155+ PhD peers across 26 countries

Yes. By joining the PhD Circle, all members agree to follow our Code of Conduct, which ensures a safe, inclusive, and ethical environment. Key principles include:

• • Academic & Professional Integrity: Upholding honesty, transparency, and accountability in research and communication.
• • Respect & Non-Discrimination: Creating an environment free of bias, harassment, or exclusion. We welcome individuals regardless of ethnicity, language, religion, gender, nationality, or background.
• • Diversity & Inclusion: We celebrate multilingual, multicultural perspectives and promote equitable participation in all activities.
• • Neutrality: The Circle maintains strict neutrality in political and religious matters, strongly rejecting nationalism, racism, or discrimination of any kind.
• • Positive Engagement: Members are expected to contribute constructively, support one another’s growth, and collaborate ethically.

By adhering to this Code of Conduct, members strengthen PhD Circle as a respectful and impactful global community.

We host monthly scientific talks, themed webinars, in-person retreats, and innovation workshops. Events are designed to foster collaboration, reflection, and growth.

Upcoming events are listed on our website’s Events page. Retreats usually require application or invitation, with details shared via email and online.

Each month, PhD Circle features distinguished speakers - leading academics, entrepreneurs, and innovators from our community who share insights, breakthroughs, and real-world impact.

We have 66 active mentors who support PhD students and young researchers with academic guidance, career advice, and startup mentorship. Mentorship can take place one-on-one or in group circles.

Digital Labs are virtual workspaces that allow members to collaborate across countries and time zones. They support activities such as research co-development, proposal writing, publication editing, and startup pitch preparation.

Yes. We actively support innovation and entrepreneurship. We are engaged in helping our members with their entrepreneurial journeys.

Yes. Members can share research summaries or innovation stories. Submissions are reviewed and, if aligned with our mission, published on our platform.

Yes. We can connect you with individuals who provide writing, proofreading, and editing support for technical and scientific publications.

• • Academic integrity and ethical research practices
• • Respect, inclusivity, and non-discrimination
• • Mental well-being, fairness, and equal opportunities
• • Transparency in collaborations and conflicts of interest
• • Environmental responsibility and sustainability

We comply with GDPR standards. Personal data is processed securely and only for purposes such as membership, events, or whistleblower reporting.

Only authorized members of the Ethics & Governance Board and, if necessary, external advisors under confidentiality agreements.

The Executive Board (6 members) oversees operations and reports to the General Assembly, which meets annually to review reports, approve budgets, and update bylaws.

No. The Executive Board and Advisory Boards serve voluntarily. Travel and certain expenses may be reimbursed under internal guidelines.

• • Events with low environmental impact
• • Gender-balanced leadership and panels
• • Collaboration in international sustainability networks

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