On 17 October 2025, the COST Action CA22124 – ECO4ALL organized a virtual PhD Students Workshop entitled “From Idea Generation to Academic Impact: A Practical Guide for Early-Career Researchers in Circular Economy.”

The event served as an interactive platform for early-career researchers and mentors to explore practical approaches to developing research ideas, building professional networks, and enhancing academic impact within the field of the circular economy. Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in dynamic discussions and shared experiences aimed at strengthening their research capacity and collaboration skills.

The workshop featured three thematic sessions led by distinguished experts in the field. Professor Susanne Durst from Iceland provided insightful guidance on the process of idea and problem generation, emphasizing creativity and relevance in scientific research. Professor Sakdirat Kaewunruen from the United Kingdom focused on strategies for building and maintaining research networks that foster long-term academic cooperation. Professor Hanna Lehtimäki from Finland addressed the topic of academic publishing and scientific communication, offering practical advice on how to increase the visibility and impact of research results.

The discussions were moderated by Professor Olesea Plotnic, Chair of the ECO4ALL Action, and Dr. Tarlan Ahmadov, Young Research Mentor, who ensured a constructive and inspiring exchange among participants.

The workshop concluded with an open dialogue between speakers and attendees, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and continuous knowledge sharing within the ECO4ALL network. This event represented another significant step in supporting young researchers and promoting excellence in circular economy research.