Holding complexity - A Psychological Developmental Pathway for PhD
Equal Opportunities Service
Start date: 22 April 2026 / 12:00
End date: 3 June 2026 / 14:00
USI
The programme of meetings for the training course "Holding Complexity – A Psychological Developmental Pathway for Doctoral Students", aimed at doctoral students , is now available.
The programme is designed to support the development of emotional and physical skills useful for tackling a PhD in a sustainable way. The aim is to accompany participants in developing the ability to ‘live with complexity’, often present in academic contexts, learning to manage situations characterised by uncertainty, contradiction and plurality without prematurely simplifying problems and relationships, while maintaining open and flexible thinking over time.
The meetings will offer a space for dialogue, expression and sharing of the cognitive and emotional challenges that may arise during the doctoral programme, a process in which knowledge and relationships are often built through trial and error, revisions and non-linear steps.
Particular attention will be paid to the ability to tolerate the ambiguity and complexity of relationships, keep questions open and work with ideas still in development, without losing a clear direction in one's path.
At the end of the course, participants will have acquired the tools to remain engaged in complexity without feeling overwhelmed, to recognise and manage the pressures of the academic context, and to integrate different points of view while maintaining a solid and conscious position.
The course will be led by Elena Micaela Cianitto and Daniela Bertamini, psychologists and psychotherapists. The activities will take place in person, in English and Italian, and will include theoretical and workshop sessions.
Sessions dates:
- 22 April, 12:00–14:00 – Room A23, Red Building, West Campus
- 6 May, 12:00–14:00 – Room SI004, Black Building, West Campus
- 20 May, 12:00–14:00 – Room 253, Main Building, West Campus
- 3 June, 12:00–14:00 – Room A23, Red Building, West Campus
Participation requires registration via the dedicated link.
The offer, developped by the Equal Opportunities Service and USI Listening, is promoted with the support of swissuniversities, as part of the PgB swissuniversities 2025–2028 programme "Équité – Promouvoir l'égalité, la diversité et l'inclusion à tous les niveaux des hautes écoles".
For further information, please write to [email protected]