EUA is a leading voice in doctoral education in Europe. The Association works with members to strengthen their doctoral research capacity and attract the best talent in a competitive and rapidly-changing world. Notably, EUA has widely contributed to doctoral education reform in Europe, as well as research training.

The Association carries this work out primarily through its Council for Doctoral Education (EUA-CDE), a member service that promotes collaboration and exchange of good practices. EUA-CDE is the largest European network in the field. It covers more than 30 countries and brings together a community of academic leaders and professionals from more than 240 universities.

EUA-CDE is the driving force behind the creation and implementation of the “Salzburg Principles and Recommendations”. In this context, its efforts have resulted in strengthening doctoral education at the intersection between the European Higher Education and Research Areas.

In its many activities related to doctoral education, EUA focuses on topics like research ethics and integrity, career paths in and outside of academia, internationalisation, Open Science and the wellbeing of doctoral candidates.