UNITE event organised by the Faculty of Psychologie

PhD students and junior researchers often navigate intense pressure, tight deadlines, job uncertainty, and the persistent feeling of lagging behind. Left unaddressed, these challenges can impair academic performance, drain motivation, and diminish overall well-being. Cultivating trust, self-compassion, and curiosity provides essential support for long-term academic success, mental balance, and personal fulfillment.

This workshop is designed to help early-career researchers move beyond managing stress toward actively flourishing in academia, reconnecting with the joy and passion of learning. Rooted in evidence-based mindfulness and habit change research, the session provides practical frameworks to transform maladaptive stress patterns into adaptive, supportive routines. 

Participants will explore how mindfulness and habit change reshape stress responses, enhance focus, and foster self-awareness. Through a blend of scientific insights, guided experiential practices, and group reflections, attendees will learn to: (1) Strengthen focus and reduce procrastination by grounding attention in the present moment. (2) Manage performance anxiety and navigate academic pressures through self-compassion and mutual support. Identify automatic stress patterns and defuse self-criticism to build emotional resilience. (3) Reconnect with intrinsic motivation and purpose in their research journey and academic life.

Core Session (1 hour 30 minutes | 10:30 AM): Blends scientific presentations, interactive exercises, and guided mindfulness practice to deliver a pragmatic toolkit for daily academic life.

Optional Integration & Reflection Session (Post-Lunch): An informal continuation offering dedicated space for deeper discussion, additional real-world examples, peer sharing, and personalized reflection.

Dr. Lia Antico is a Senior Researcher and Lecturer at the Medical Education Unit at the University of Fribourg, in Switzerland and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Mindfulness Center at Brown University, in the US. Dr. Antico develops and tests interventions based on mindfulness and habit change aimed at reducing burnout, enhancing resilience, and fostering flourishing at work. She earned her PhD in 2020 from the Lemanic Neuroscience Doctoral School and the Swiss Doctoral School in Affective Sciences, at the University of Geneva, in Switzerland.

She is a qualified teacher of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program and leads mindfulness practices designed to cultivate curiosity, wisdom, and compassion. Passionate about integrating contemplative approaches into everyday life, Dr. Antico is committed to building welcoming, authentic communities. Outside of her research, she enjoys outdoor adventures in the mountains and on islands, and organizes retreats that promote flourishing.

11:00 - 12:00: Colloquium

12:00 - 12:30: Gong Show

12:30 - 15:00: Lunch & networking