Welcome Days and other events – Doctoral studies
Each year, we organise events for LUT doctoral students. On this page, you will find information about events organised by LUT Doctoral School.
If you have any questions about these events, please contact LUT Doctoral School.
Welcome Day is an orientation event for new LUT doctoral students. During the day, we will cover the key information you need when beginning your doctoral studies and doctoral research. Please note that Welcome Day is organised only as an onsite event, remote participation is not possible.
The event offers your an opportunity to meet fellow doctoral students and learn more about doctoral studies at LUT. Topics include the most important practical matters at the beginning of your studies, such as university services, supervision practices, and other essential information. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. You will meet members of the Doctoral School staff as well as staff members from other university services.
The programme is primarily designed for those who have recently started their doctoral studies, but more advanced doctoral students are also welcome to attend. Registration is, however, required.
All new doctoral researchers are expected to attend a Welcome Day at the beginning of their studies (with the exception of those who permanently live abroad). The dates are announced well in advance, allowing you to choose the most suitable session. All Welcome Days follow the same programme.
Welcome Days (full-day events) for the academic year 2026-2027:
- 26 August 2026, Lappeenranta campus
- 3 November 2026, Lahti campus
- 11 February 2027, Lappeenranta campus
- 11 May 2027, Lappeenranta campus
An after-work event organised by LUT doctoral researchers’ association (LUDRA) is often held after the Welcome Day, offering a relaxed opportunity for further networking and discussion.
Further information: susanna.sankala@lut.fi or mariia.vinogradova@lut.fi
Note! The HR-organised Welcome to LUT Orientation Event for New Employees is a separate event intended for all new LUT employees. If you have an employment contract with LUT, you will automatically receive an invitation from HR via email. This event covers employment-related topics and practical matters.
How do you use AI in your work as a doctoral supervisor today? What benefits and challenges do you expect AI to bring tomorrow?
What should you consider as AI reshapes doctoral graduates’ working life?
AI in Doctoral Education seminar is aimed at doctoral supervisors and students. It will be held on 29 October 2026 at the Lappeenranta campus. The day will bring together LUT doctoral supervisors, doctoral students, researchers, keynote speakers and industry representatives to explore the role of artificial intelligence in academia and beyond.
The programme is built around three perspectives, AI in pedagogy, AI in research, and AI in working life, each including a keynote session in the morning followed by breakout discussions in the afternoon.
Registration is required, please register by 20.10. https://link.webropol.com/s/aidoced26(ulkoinen sivusto, linkki avautuu uuteen välilehteen)
Keynotes
AI in Pedagogy – Teemu Roos, Professor, HY
This keynote explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education, teaching and assessment. It invites us to consider how universities can develop new pedagogical approaches, strengthen doctoral students’ AI literacy and make research-based decisions about learning in the AI era.
AI in Research – Niki Loppi, PhD, Solution Architect, NVIDIA
This keynote focuses on how AI is changing the ways research is conducted , supported and evaluated. It highlights how universities and doctoral education need to adapt in research training, evaluation practices and academic skills development to remain relevant in AI era.
AI in Working Life – Paavo Ritala, Professor, LUT
This keynote broadens the discussion to the transformation of work, organizations and society through AI. It connects current developments in working life with LUT’s research profile and invites reflection on what these changes mean for universities and future research.
Seminar programme
The LUT Doctoral School Science Conference (DSSC) offers an opportunity to showcase research, discover new ideas, and connect with doctoral students and researchers across disciplines. By bringing together researchers from across LUT, the conference creates an engaging environment where different perspectives meet and new collaborations can begin.
Research is presented in short five-minute formats designed to be engaging, accessible, and memorable for audiences from different fields. Presentations may take the form of an oral presentation, poster, or video, with a focus on communicating ideas in clear, creative, and inspiring ways.
Beyond presentations, the conference supports professional development by strengthening communication skills, encouraging experimentation with new formats, and creating space for feedback and discussion. Through keynotes, interactive sessions, and networking activities, the event opens opportunities to explore research beyond one’s own field, gain fresh perspectives, and build connections that can lead to new collaborations.
All LUT doctoral students are expected to participate in conference and to present their research. Pre-conference coaching is organised to help participants prepare and present their work effectively.
The conference is more than a platform for presenting research. It is a space where future collaborations begin, where researchers develop their communication skills, and where the wide range of expertise within LUT becomes visible.
Next Doctoral School Science Conference will be organised on 20 May 2027, on Lappeenranta campus (full-day event and evening programme)
Where can I park my car in Lappeenranta?
Parking on Lappeenranta campus
Can I reach the event in Lappeenranta by train?
Please check the event programme for details. As a general rule, we aim to schedule events so that participants arriving from the Helsinki region can reach the campus in the morning using suitable train connections and local transport, and return home later in the afternoon. During August and September, however, please be aware of increased traffic and congestion caused by the arrival of new bachelor and master students.
Where should I go when I arrive on the Lappeenranta campus?
Event signage and registration are typically located in the main entrance hall of the Lappeenranta campus. Members of the organising team are often available there to welcome participants, and the campus information desk is also happy to assist.
Can I buy food or coffee during the event?
Yes. Both Lappeenranta and Lahti campuses offer several places where you can purchase food and refreshments. More information can be found on the respective campus pages. https://www.lut.fi/en/about-us/campuses-and-regional-units If meals or coffee are provided as part of an event, this will be stated in the event programme.
Can I participate remotely?
Please check the event programme and invitation for details. In general, events organised by LUT Doctoral School are held on-site.