����Vlog

As part of its commitment to nurturing talent and professional development, the ����Vlog Competence Centre (ULCC) offers two flagship services under its Learning & Development (L&D) team: Transferable Skills for doctoral candidates, and ULearn, dedicated to lifelong learning for staff. Together, these initiatives provide comprehensive support to the entire University community, empowering individuals to thrive in their academic and professional journeys.

A Broad Training Offer for Staff

Since 2025, the L&D team joined forces with the Competence Centre to strengthen the university’s professional training programmes. According to Frédérique Deblock, Team Leader of the L&D team, this strategic move was “driven by the University’s strategy to bring together all continuing education activities under one roof. By pooling our expertise, we can enhance our training formats, and introduce innovative digital pathways.” She adds, “Bringing together diverse expertise in instructional design, programme coordination, and professional development, the team aims at creating meaningful learning experiences for the entire University community.”

A hallmark of the L&D team’s approach is adaptability. Staff are offered an extensive catalogue of courses covering practical digital tools, interpersonal skills, and cutting-edge topics.

As Frédérique Deblock notes, “Staff appreciate these for their practicality, they easily fit into busy schedules, offer actionable takeaways, and address relevant topics such as communication, collaboration, or mastering MS Office tools.”

Recognising varied learning preferences, the catalogue includes self-paced e-learning options via platforms such as edX, Percipio, and Nature Masterclasses. These resources enable staff to build skills autonomously, advancing at a pace that suits their individual needs and professional goals. “Our focus is to keep our training offer flexible and responsive.”

Looking ahead, ULearn remains firmly anchored in a needs-driven approach. Its development is continuously informed by participant feedback as well as institutional priorities. Among the upcoming initiatives, new training opportunities around artificial intelligence signal the team’s commitment to anticipating emerging skills requirements. As Frédérique puts it, “keeping the training offer flexible and responsive remains a priority,” underlining an ongoing effort to stay aligned with both individual expectations and broader transformations in the workplace.

Elevating Training for Doctoral Candidates

Alongside ULearn, the Transferable Skills service addresses a different, yet equally crucial dimension of professional development: the preparation of doctoral candidates for the complexity of modern research careers. Anne Bégué, Training Specialist, puts it simply: “The main mission of the service is to equip doctoral candidates with practical skills and relevant knowledge that support their thesis work while also preparing them for future career opportunities, whether in academia or other sectors.”

Transferable skills training covers core competencies not specific to one field, for examples research methods, academic writing, project management, and especially, research ethics and scientific communication. Anne Bégué observes, “Doctoral studies have become increasingly complex, requiring not only strong research expertise but also a broad set of complementary skills. These trainings help candidates navigate their PhD more effectively, take a step back from their research by engaging with peers from different disciplines, and ultimately strengthen their profile in a competitive job market.”

Beyond content, the Transferable Skills service places strong emphasis on the learning experience itself. Sessions are typically organised in small groups, creating an environment where interaction, dialogue, and peer exchange are central. According to Anne Bégué, “Particular attention is also given to guiding candidates in selecting the right training at the right stage of their doctoral journey, ensuring a more strategic and timely acquisition of skills.”

The Transferable Skills programme is in step with doctoral needs: enhancing flexible formats, reinforcing essential topics, and supporting career development in a changing academic world.

One Community, Multiple Pathways to Growth

Taken together, ULearn and Transferable Skills illustrate a coherent and forward-looking vision of learning within the ����Vlog. One supports staff in navigating their professional environment with confidence and efficiency; the other prepares early-stage researchers for a future that extends well beyond academia.

By making continuous learning a central pillar of life at the University, the L&D team ensures that staff are equipped, inspired, and ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges.