Periodic Reporting for period 2 - 6i-DIRS (6i-DIRS: A growing attractive collaborative ecosystem for boosting impact driven research careers)
Período documentado: 2021-10-01 hasta 2025-09-30
Building on the success of the DIRS project, the 6i-DIRS project was an strategic initiative designed to attract outstanding Doctoral Candidates (DCs) to Deusto International Research School. Its overarching goal was to foster a dynamic and inclusive research ecosystem that promotes interdisciplinary, international and intersectoral collaboration. From October 2019 to September 2025, the project offered 19 early stage researchers the opportunity to develop their own PhD projects, while hosted by high-level research teams. Recruited DCs received comprehensive training and support to enhance their career prospects, in line with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers and the European Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training.
The project responded to a critical challenge in the European research landscape: the need to develop a new generation of researchers capable of leading high-impact socially relevant research within the academic institutions—the traditional outlet for PhDs—and in public and private institutions—where knowledge and innovation are becoming key factors for success. In a context where early research careers are often precarious and underfunded, 6i-DIRS provided a structured and supportive environment for young researchers to establish themselves professionally. Thus, the project helped bridge the gap between academic preparation and long-term career development, enabling researchers to contribute meaningfully to knowledge creation, innovation and societal progress, while acquiring a combination of new skills, research-related and transferable ones, and an innovative mindset attentive to the needs of society that has enhanced their employability and strengthen the sustainability of their careers.
The project—built on the 6 “i” research model designed by DEUSTO—successfully fulfilled its recruitment and training objectives, while generating broader institutional and systemic impact. It contributed significantly to institutional learning and capacity building at the University, particularly through the integration of early-stage ethical review, the reinforcement of support structures for DCs and the promotion of international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration, while driving impactful research, fostering innovation and promoting inclusion.
The project has clearly demonstrated the value of a structured, ethically grounded, and internationally oriented approach to doctoral training. It has supported the professional development of a new generation of researchers equipped to address complex societal challenges, while simultaneously strengthening ethical governance practices within the institution.
The legacy of 6i-DIRS lies in its capacity to inspire systemic change in how research careers are supported and how doctoral education is delivered across Europe—setting a benchmark for excellence, responsibility, and innovation in researcher training.
The project responded to a critical challenge in the European research landscape: the need to develop a new generation of researchers capable of leading high-impact socially relevant research within the academic institutions—the traditional outlet for PhDs—and in public and private institutions—where knowledge and innovation are becoming key factors for success. In a context where early research careers are often precarious and underfunded, 6i-DIRS provided a structured and supportive environment for young researchers to establish themselves professionally. Thus, the project helped bridge the gap between academic preparation and long-term career development, enabling researchers to contribute meaningfully to knowledge creation, innovation and societal progress, while acquiring a combination of new skills, research-related and transferable ones, and an innovative mindset attentive to the needs of society that has enhanced their employability and strengthen the sustainability of their careers.
The project—built on the 6 “i” research model designed by DEUSTO—successfully fulfilled its recruitment and training objectives, while generating broader institutional and systemic impact. It contributed significantly to institutional learning and capacity building at the University, particularly through the integration of early-stage ethical review, the reinforcement of support structures for DCs and the promotion of international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration, while driving impactful research, fostering innovation and promoting inclusion.
The project has clearly demonstrated the value of a structured, ethically grounded, and internationally oriented approach to doctoral training. It has supported the professional development of a new generation of researchers equipped to address complex societal challenges, while simultaneously strengthening ethical governance practices within the institution.
The legacy of 6i-DIRS lies in its capacity to inspire systemic change in how research careers are supported and how doctoral education is delivered across Europe—setting a benchmark for excellence, responsibility, and innovation in researcher training.
The project successfully implemented its core activities, achieving its recruitment targets and laying the foundation for long-term impact in research training and career development.
To attract high-quality candidates, a robust dissemination strategy was implemented. Through two competitive calls, 19 DCs from a pool of 191 applicants were selected. The selection process was conducted in accordance with the principles of openness, transparency and merit-based evaluation. Minor delays in recruitment were due to visa and work permit processing.
DCs received continuous support to facilitate their integration, including assistance with contractual arrangements, registration, and relocation, while being embedded in their PhD programmes and host research teams, ensuring a high-quality training environment and access to interdisciplinary expertise. They engaged in international mobility, and collaborated with external stakeholders. These experiences enriched the researchers’ training and expanded their professional networks.
Deusto Research Ethics Committee conducted a rigorous review of all research projects. Its role was central in ensuring that each project addressed key ethical dimensions, including participant recruitment, informed consent, data protection, and interactions with vulnerable populations. This process reinforced the project's commitment to responsible research and innovation.
Results were disseminated through the project website, academic publications, conference presentations and stakeholder engagement activities. For each researcher, an individual profile was created, detailing academic background, doctoral research topic, societal impact of research and publications. These efforts aim to maximise the visibility and impact of the research and ensure that the knowledge generated contributes to societal and scientific advancement. Deusto social media channels were actively used to increase outreach. Two specific campaigns were highlighted: the “Meet Our Researchers” series, published upon arrival of the DCs, and the “Farewell” series, shared at the end of their contracts to reflect on their achievements. A concise project flyer was also produced to support communication and visibility.
To attract high-quality candidates, a robust dissemination strategy was implemented. Through two competitive calls, 19 DCs from a pool of 191 applicants were selected. The selection process was conducted in accordance with the principles of openness, transparency and merit-based evaluation. Minor delays in recruitment were due to visa and work permit processing.
DCs received continuous support to facilitate their integration, including assistance with contractual arrangements, registration, and relocation, while being embedded in their PhD programmes and host research teams, ensuring a high-quality training environment and access to interdisciplinary expertise. They engaged in international mobility, and collaborated with external stakeholders. These experiences enriched the researchers’ training and expanded their professional networks.
Deusto Research Ethics Committee conducted a rigorous review of all research projects. Its role was central in ensuring that each project addressed key ethical dimensions, including participant recruitment, informed consent, data protection, and interactions with vulnerable populations. This process reinforced the project's commitment to responsible research and innovation.
Results were disseminated through the project website, academic publications, conference presentations and stakeholder engagement activities. For each researcher, an individual profile was created, detailing academic background, doctoral research topic, societal impact of research and publications. These efforts aim to maximise the visibility and impact of the research and ensure that the knowledge generated contributes to societal and scientific advancement. Deusto social media channels were actively used to increase outreach. Two specific campaigns were highlighted: the “Meet Our Researchers” series, published upon arrival of the DCs, and the “Farewell” series, shared at the end of their contracts to reflect on their achievements. A concise project flyer was also produced to support communication and visibility.
The 6i-DIRS project aimed to go beyond traditional doctoral education models by embedding DCs in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, international, intersectoral, impactful and inclusive research ecosystem. 6i-DIRS represented a significant shift from conventional, discipline-bound doctoral programmes by fostering collaborative research addressing real-world social challenges, strong mobility and exchange schemes—both nationally and internationally—enhancing young researchers' employability beyond academia, and cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary training, equipping researchers with a versatile skill set relevant to diverse professional environment. DCs were supported by excellence-labelled research teams and integrated into PhD programmes that promote cooperation across disciplines and sectors. Deusto’s research ecosystem ensured a rich environment for co-creation, innovation, and knowledge transfer. Thus, a cohort of highly skilled researchers with international experience and cross-sectoral exposure has contributed to the development of innovative solutions with potential for real-world application. The results of their research have been disseminated through academic publications, conference presentations, institutional communication channels, and the project website. The visibility of the DCs and their work has been further enhanced through dedicated researcher profiles, social media campaigns, and outreach materials.
6i-DIRS has contributed directly to the development of high-quality human capital in research and innovation. By embedding researchers in regional, national, and international networks, the project fostered the cross-fertilisation of knowledge and strengthened the link between academia and society. The project also supported the implementation of the EU’s principles for human resources development in R&I. It has strengthened the research and innovation capacity of the University of Deusto and its partners. In doing so, 6i-DIRS not only enhances the career prospects of its researchers but also contributed to the broader goal of building a more innovative, inclusive, and knowledge-driven society.
6i-DIRS has contributed directly to the development of high-quality human capital in research and innovation. By embedding researchers in regional, national, and international networks, the project fostered the cross-fertilisation of knowledge and strengthened the link between academia and society. The project also supported the implementation of the EU’s principles for human resources development in R&I. It has strengthened the research and innovation capacity of the University of Deusto and its partners. In doing so, 6i-DIRS not only enhances the career prospects of its researchers but also contributed to the broader goal of building a more innovative, inclusive, and knowledge-driven society.