Our PhD Community
The CRG is home to a vibrant and international PhD community of more than 100 students, representing almost 30 countries. This diversity brings together a rich mix of perspectives, experiences, and ideas that shape daily life at the institute and foster a truly global research environment. Since the CRG was founded in the year 2000, over 330 PhD theses have been successfully defended, with alumni moving on to careers in academia, industry, policy, and beyond; leading research, innovation, and decision-making across the globe.
COMMUNITY LIFE
Life as a CRG PhD student extends well beyond the bench. Each year, students organise a CRG PhD Symposium, bringing peers together to share their research in talks and posters. Students also attend an annual retreat at the outskirts of Barcelona where they socialize, build a community, learn new skills and hear about out of the box career options.
At the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), you’ll be part of a wider scientific community of more than 1,500 people. Outside the lab, students join sports teams and activities such as beach volleyball and yoga, as well as monthly happy hours that bring the whole building together.
Some of the highlights include:
- Cultural and social activities, such as the PRBB Choir & Orchestra, open to everyone, whether you play an instrument or simply love to sing. The orchestra rehearses three times a month, while the choir meets weekly. No prior experience required! Every spring and autumn, live lunchtime concerts fill the inner patio with music, bringing moments of inspiration and calm to busy lab days.
- Incubakers, a monthly tradition that combines community and charity. Residents bake homemade treats to raise funds for good causes. Organizers pick their charity of choice, and anyone can join in by baking or simply indulging.
- Sports activities and wellness, a key part of the life at the PRBB. The park is built on the site of the former Olympic Games 1992 village, just steps from the beach. A fully equipped gym offers discounted membership for CRG staff, making it easy to stay active. Every year, labs across the PRBB join the Beach Volleyball Tournament, the biggest social event of the year, with over 500 participants and a festive final party.
- Yoga sessions at the beach, held twice a week, offer a refreshing way to reset and recharge.
- Free language courses, of Spanish, Catalan and English are available to all CRG staff.
REPRESENTATION & GOVERNANCE
PhD students have a strong voice at the CRG. The Graduate Committee, made up of Group Leaders, PhD students representatives, and the Training & Academic Office, oversees the programme and ensures student perspectives shape decision-making.
In addition, the PhD Council coordinates activities through dedicated taskforces on mentoring, wellbeing, seminars, social life, and sustainability. This structure empowers students to take initiative, support each other, and actively shape their PhD experience.
SUPPORT & WELLBEING
Doing a PhD is challenging, but you won’t do it alone. Each student is supported by their supervisor, a thesis advisory committee, and the Training & Academic Office (TAO), which provides guidance on progression, training, and career planning.
Wellbeing is a shared priority at the CRG. Students have access to confidential support, peer mentoring, and wellbeing-focused activities. Whether through formal structures or informal networks, help is always close at hand.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse community where all staff can thrive, regardless of background, nationality, or identity. The CRG’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies support this commitment, and student-led taskforces ensure that community life reflects these values every day. The CRG also has various initiatives to support researchers with children.
Read more about the CRG’s dedicated support for Gender, Equality and Diversity policies, steered by the GEDI Committee.