Registration

Registration 

EDS is open to all ELLIS PhDs and postdocs, as well as PhD students of ELLIS Fellows/Scholars/Members who are not part of the ELLIS PhD program. Students who are not from the ELLIS network may only apply during the second round, pending space availability. 

Capacity is limited to 200 participants. The organisers will prioritise students from the ELLIS network, and those who are early in their PhDs. 

Fees

The participation fee for the ELLIS Doctoral Symposium 2026 is 150 EUR per person. The fee covers access to all conference sessions, coffee breaks, lunches, and social events. 

Important Dates and Deadlines

• Registration opens for ELLIS PhD students: 2nd March 2026 

• First registration round deadline: 26th April 2026 

• First acceptance notification: 1st May 2026

• Registration opens for all students: 4th May 2026

• Registration closes for all: 31st May 2026 

• Final acceptance notifications: 5th June 2026

• Final payment deadline for all accepted students: 15th June 2026

Application form

To apply, please complete the following registration form by the indicated deadline above. 

Payment instructions

Payment instructions will be sent along with the acceptance emails. Payments can be made through bank transfer or PayPal. Should you need an alternative payment method, please get in touch with the organising committee. 

Visa invitation letters

Citizens of some countries are required to apply for a visa to enter Portugal. Please visit Portugal's visa information page for further information. Let us know if you need a letter in the registration form. If you indicate you need one, the organising committee will get in touch with you asking for further information necessary for your letter. Alternatively, to speed up the process, you may also volunteer this information by directly emailing the organising committee with all required information as soon as you have completed your registration payment. Note that invitation letters will only be issued once the registration fee has been paid. 

Student Volunteers – EDS 2026

Student volunteers play a vital role in making EDS 2026 a success. Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the symposium, gain hands-on experience, and connect with researchers and industry partners — all while attending sessions and events.

We are looking for 6 student volunteers, who will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility and Application
You must be currently enrolled as a PhD student at a European institution and be available for the entirety of the event.

To apply, you must email the organising committee, stating which PhD course and university you are currently enrolled in. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

Responsibilities
As a student volunteer, you will be expected to:

• Contribute a total of approximately 15 hours of service across the conference period (before, during, and/or after the event), as assigned.

• Attend a mandatory orientation meeting in the week prior to the conference.

• Support operations at the registration desk.

• Set up and distribute conference materials, including rolls ups, posters, merchandise and welcome packs.

• Assist with setting up poster boards and industry exhibition booths.

• Help manage microphones during Q&A sessions.

• Guide participants to sessions and events, including accompanying attendees to the Gala venue (Casa do Alentejo).

Benefits
As a student volunteer, you will receive:

• Complimentary registration.

• Complimentary lunches and coffee breaks.

• An official EDS 2026 t-shirt.

• Attendance at the Gala dinner.

• Valuable networking opportunities with fellow students, researchers, and industry professionals.