The PROVIDE Network marked a significant milestone with its first training school, held from November 12th to 15th, 2024, at the Maastricht Exhibition & Conference Centre in the Netherlands. This four-day event brought together network members for an enriching program of field-specific lectures, transferable skill workshops, and collaborative discussions to chart the future of the network’s research projects.
Day 1: Building Connections
The opening day focussed on getting to know one another. The principal investigators introduced themselves, followed by the doctoral candidates, who shared their academic backgrounds and current research projects.
Later, the first Doctoral Candidate (DC) committee meeting was held, providing an opportunity for doctoral candidates to connect with one another and collaboratively develop input for the supervisory board. This input is crucial for guiding the board in addressing the needs and priorities of the doctoral candidates effectively. The day wrapped up with a transferable skills workshop on practical time management organized by the company Hertz. Hertz provides training tailored for scientists at all stages in their careers, helping them work more effectively and enjoyably. To close the evening, all attendees enjoyed a dinner together at a local Maastricht restaurant.
Day 2: Diving Into the Vestibular System and Patient Perspectives
Day two kicked off with lectures on the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system, with discussion of both peripheral and central mechanisms and disorders. These expert lectures were given by our network supervisors Herman Kingma, Andreas Zwergal, and Vincent van Rompaey. These sessions were recorded and will soon be accessible via the PROVIDE website’s Learning Hub, ensuring the knowledge can reach a broader audience.
The afternoon featured the Supervisory Board meeting, where updates on recruitment, finances, governance, and training were presented by the management team. These meetings give both supervisors and students the opportunity to contribute to management and shape the network. This meeting was followed by a special session with a patient and a representative from “Stichting Hoormij,” one of the Netherlands’ largest vestibular and hearing disorder organizations . This interactive segment allowed doctoral candidates to gain first-hand insights into the real-life impact of vestibular disorders, adding a valuable human perspective to their scientific work.
The day concluded with the first network-wide supervision team meetings, between doctoral candidates and their international and intersectoral supervisors, enabling doctoral candidates to engage directly with their (co)supervisors to discuss their research projects.
Day 3: Introduction to Systematic Reviews
The third day focused entirely on building essential research skills. Through additional funding received by ZonMw’s “More Knowledge with Fewer Animals” program, a full-day workshop on systematic reviews was organized. The meta-research team from Radboud UMC, led by Dr. Kim Wever and Dr. Carlijn Hooijmans, provided attendees with a structured approach to formulating research questions, conducting comprehensive literature searches, critically appraising studies, and synthesizing data.
After the intense training, participants unwound with a social event—an evening of bowling!
Day 4: From Clinical Practice to Open Science
The final day balanced hands-on learning with discussions on broader scientific principles. The morning session focused on vestibular testing and interpretation, complete with a clinic tour at the ENT Department of the MUMC. This immersive experience allowed participants to see how theory translates into clinical practice.
In the afternoon, interactive workshops on open science, data management, and scientific integrity equipped attendees with tools to ensure their research aligns with modern scientific standards and values.
Thank you to all attendees and trainers for your enthusiasm, expertise, and support in making the first PROVIDE training school a successful and inspiring event!