Kick-off programme for PhD researchers
The first part of PLATO's kick-off conference is only for the 15 recruited PhD researchers, who will meet as a group for the first time.

Practical information
Accommodation and venues, including maps and travel directions
Saturday 14 October
14:00 | The first meeting
Venue: Professorboligen, Karl Johans gate 47
The 15 PLATO PhD researchers meet as a group for the first time. Some facts and characteristics of the group will be presented by project manager Marit Eldholm, followed by getting-to-know-you icebreakers.
16:30 | Cooking team building
Venue: Kulinarisk Akademi Mathallen, Vulkan 5
Challenge your culinary skills, work together as a team and have lots of fun!
Chefs start off by demonstrating the course before the group is divided into teams. The meal must be planned, prepared, cooked and plated in a race against the clock. Scores are awarded for taste, presentation and teamwork. Once the winners have been announced, the participants are allowed to relax and enjoy a well-deserved three-course dinner - prepared by a real chef.
Sunday 15 October
Time available to explore the city of Oslo at own speed - some attractions you might want to visit
16:00 | Urban Race
Meeting point: Hard Rock Café, Karl Johans gate 45
Strengthening the team spirit while exploring downtown Oslo in an amusing way!
Urban Race is a scavenger hunt where teams compete by locating and solving various tasks, ranging from quizzes and photo competitions to games and practical assignments. Equipped with a tablet, each team will be challenged in their creativity, cleverness, and cooperation skills. At the end of the race, the participants meet for dinner. The highlight of the evening is bound to be the announcement of the winners and watching a video reel from the race.
Monday 16 October
Welcome to PLATO
Venue: ARENA Centre for European Studies, Sognsveien 68
10:00 | PLATO as a framework for collaborative research
Coordinator Chris Lord welcomes the 15 PhD researchers to ARENA and the PLATO project. He presents an academic framework paper, a living review which sets out the main research questions of the project.
12:30 Lunch
13:30 | Rights and duties as PLATO PhD researchers
Project manager Marit Eldholm informs about the rationale of the project, ESR rights and obligations, timeline, training programme and events, steering documents, internal communication, etc.
The 15 PhD candidates will elect their representatives to the PLATO Supervisory Board and Steering Committees (restricted access).
17:00 End of programme
No organised dinner, here are a few suggestions for eating out in Oslo
Tuesday 17 October
09:00-16:00 | Engaging with professional development planning for an effective start
Download slides (log in required)
Venue: ARENA Centre for European Studies, Sognsveien 68
In this session, run by Jen Reynolds of Vitae, you will look at the top level goals you have identified in your draft Career plan. Jen will work with you, introducing and using professional development activities and tools, to help you explore and identify development priorities and activities to achieve your goals and will provide techniques to help you set goals and articulate your evidence to others.
No organised dinner, here are a few suggestions for eating out in Oslo