Coordinator

Dr. Veronica Ungaro – Università degli Studi Roma Tre, Italy

Scientific Committee

Prof. Alessandro Ruggieri – Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Italy
Prof. Maria Francesca Renzi – Università degli Studi Roma Tre, Italy
Prof. Bo Edvardsson – University of Karlstad, Sweden
Prof. Frederic Marimon – International University of Catalunya, Spain
Prof. Maria Gianni – University of Macedonia, Greece
Prof. Samuel Petros Sebhatu – University of Karlstad, Sweden
Prof. Carmen Jaca – University of Navarra, Spain
Prof. Manuel F. Barraza – University of the Americas Puebla, Mexico
Prof. Bostjan Gomišcek – University of Wollongong, Dubai
Prof. Evangelos Psomas – University of Patras, Greece

Aim of the Doctoral Consortium

The IAQUIS 2026 Catania Doctoral Consortium aims to support PhD students conducting research in the field of services by helping them maximize their chances of building a successful academic career in today’s highly competitive global environment. A mix of junior and senior faculty will offer insights on how to find the right academic position and how to excel as researchers and teachers in the services field. Drawing on their combined experience, the panel will address questions related to the dissertation phase, entering the job market, and life after completing a PhD (yes, it truly exists!). A detailed program will be announced soon.

The IAQUIS 2026 Catania Doctoral Consortium will be organized as a half-day event on 16 September 2026, from 15:30 to 17:00, at (room to be confirmed) – Piazza Università 2, University of Catania – Department of Economics and Business.

Important Dates

Deadline for doctoral PhD project submission: 15 July 2026

Who Should Attend

The Doctoral Consortium welcomes PhD students from a wide range of areas, including:

• digital transformation and AI for quality and sustainability

• quality management models and operational excellence

• circular economy and sustainable design

• sustainability strategies, ESG, and policy implementation

• sustainable supply chains and industrial ecosystems

• consumer behavior and social sustainability

• leadership and organizational transformation

• quality management in services, CSR, and emerging markets

Why Participate?

Networking:
Securing a job, finding collaborators, and gaining career opportunities depend on who you know and who knows you. This is your chance to meet and connect with leading researchers and faculty members in the service research field.

Skills Development:
Excellence in teaching and research requires practical skills in addition to theoretical knowledge. You will learn from both established scholars and emerging researchers who will share their insights and keys to success.

Advancing Your Research:
You will have the opportunity to discuss your research ideas with peers and high-level scholars in service research, and to exchange views on challenges and opportunities in the field.

Enjoyment:
Join your current and future colleagues in a city rich in history, culture, and tradition.

Application Process

Applications from PhD students are now open.
To participate in the Doctoral Consortium, you must submit a single document including:

• a one-page curriculum vitae, and

• a PhD project of your dissertation research, including references.

Preparing a PhD project will help you present your research to potential employers, peers, and panel members.

There is no additional fee for students participating in the Consortium, but all participants must be registered for the IAQUIS 2026 conference.