How to start failing upwards

Target group: all PhD candidates

Registration: How to start failing upwards: Practical advice for doctoral researchers to overcome setbacks 

Language: English

Turn setbacks into progress at “How to start failing upwards,” an interactive workshop for doctoral researchers at European Doctoral Day on May 13, 2026. The workshop examines why failure is integral to innovation and academic careers and introduces practical tools to help respond constructively. The participating doctoral researchers will leave with actionable strategies and peer insights to build a failure-friendly culture sustaining creativity and success throughout their PhD.

About the trainers: 

Gerald Lind studied Literary Studies, History, and Cultural Studies in Vienna and Edinburgh, and completed his PhD as a member of the Doctoral College “Cultures of Difference” (University of Vienna). At the University of Graz, he serves as Deputy Head of the Research Careers Campus and develops institutional strategies to promote the personal and academic growth of (early-stage) researchers.

Raphaela Hemet is currently completing her doctoral thesis in religious studies at the University of Graz. Since 2022, she has been working at the Research Careers Campus as a researcher developer, focusing on supportive research environments and advancing doctoral education.