Research colloquia are based on a joint interest of PhD students and senior members, from different member universities, in a similar topic or field. Colloquia are headed by two senior members, who organize meetings on a regular basis (on average twice a year). During these meetings PhD students and senior members present and discuss their research.
Next to this feedback function, colloquia also have a product oriented focus; the members of a colloquium can, for example, decide to carry out research together, or write a form of publication together (book, article, paper, special issue).
In sum, colloquia serve three main functions:
- To expand the network of researchers in similar fields of interest;
- To offer feedback to PhD students and young researchers on their work; and
- To produce useful output, which fits with the NIG research program. The NIG directorate supports the convenors of the colloquia, financially and otherwise.