Europe is performing its energy transition and this is an important challenge for our societies. Geothermal is important for this transition since it provides a flexible base load renewable source of energy. The contribution of geoscientists is central for the development of this source of energy. We need to train today the next generation of geoscientists in order to develop and exploit the geothermal projects of tomorrow.
The European Geothermal PhD Days (EGPD) is an annual event organised by PhD students at different universities each year. It was started in 2010 as an initiative of the EERA joint programme on geothermal energy. It is a two-day training program intended to provide PhD students in geothermal energy from all-over Europe the opportunity to meet, learn and exchange from their own research works, from acknowledged scientists and from excursions on geothermal sites. PhD students organize the scientific programme for their pairs with support from a scientific committee.
EGPD is a way to efficiently spread scientific knowledge in geothermal by making a dedicated event that can attract young specialists. It emulates youth in geosciences and provides a frame to make connexions, in a qualitative way that is complementary to interactions in large conferences. It provides a dedicated and informal occasion for the PhD students to exchange with their pair and to develop their network.