FIRE PhD: A Retreat to Disconnect and Reconnect

From June 22 to 25, the PhD students of the FIRE Doctoral School at EURIP organized their annual retreat in Saint-Malo. This getaway is much more than a break from research, it is a key moment, designed by the PhD students themselves, to build a connected doctoral community. 

Throughout the week, participants took part in a combination of academic and recreational activities.

On the academic side, students were paired up and challenged to present the research project of one of their colleagues. This exercise highlighted the highly interdisciplinary nature of the FIRE programme while encouraging students to discover and better understand each other’s work. On the beach, they also created short videos explaining their PhD projects using natural materials and the surrounding landscape, giving free rein to their creativity. The programme also included a talk entitled “Bench, Bedside and Beyond” by FIRE alumnus Chetan Kumar Velumurugan, founder of the HealthTech Stealth Startup, who shared his journey from academia to entrepreneurship. Finally, the students took part in a discussion on the new thesis chapter dedicated to the real-world impact of their PhD projects, reflecting on how their research can contribute to planetary health.

The recreational programme was equally rich. Students enjoyed a guided tour of Saint-Malo, visited the magnificent Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, and discovered an oyster farm in Cancale.

Now that summer has arrived, the FIRE community is taking some time to recharge before welcoming the new FIRE 2026/2027 cohort this September.

If you are considering pursuing a PhD and are looking for a programme that combines academic excellence, interdisciplinary research, social impact, and a strong sense of community, FIRE at EURIP might be the place for you.

PhD students share their experiences

“This retreat was a great opportunity to get to know other members of the LPI community, including PhD students and administrative staff, while also discovering a new region of France. The scientific activities organized throughout the retreat provided valuable insights into the diverse research projects conducted by fellow PhD students. They also encouraged interdisciplinary exchanges, fostering new discussions, collaborations, and a broader perspective on our respective fields of research. It was the perfect mix of science, discovery, and great company, a retreat to remember !” Georges HANNA, 1st year PhD student FIRE

“The retreat was an opportunity to re-meet fellow PhD students from the FIRE doctoral program in a more relaxed and personal setting, it was much appreciated!” Inès BEN HAJ KACEM, 1st year PhD student FIRE

“The concept of the retreat inspired me to help organize it because it provides an opportunity to develop new skills in many areas related to event management, while also getting to know both the students, regardless of their academic level, and the staff of the doctoral school. During the retreat, the key values are exchange, kindness, science, and the sharing of research fields. This year, we aimed to combine productivity with enjoyment and make the experience more engaging by offering scientific activities that went beyond traditional presentations, while also emphasizing team building and interaction among participants. In terms of activities, Saint-Malo and its surrounding region are exceptionally rich in history. We therefore focused on discovering this heritage through the impact of Saint-Malo on different scales: ecological, historical, and economic. We also took advantage of the cultural richness of Normandy by visiting Mont Saint-Michel and enjoying the culinary traditions of these regions.

Together, these activities created a balance between scientific engagement and cultural discovery, both of which enriched our knowledge and broadened our scientific perspectives. This year’s retreat was a great success, both in terms of the smooth organization of the week and on a human level, where genuine exchanges took place without distinctions between staff, students, or other participants. These interactions were enriching for everyone.” Lucie SIMONIN, 1st year PhD student FIRE