Doctoral Colloquium 2025 – Empowered through humility

Welcome (back) at ETF Leuven’s Doctoral Colloquium!

Program

Monday, September 1st
Tuesday, September 2nd
Wednesday, September 3rd
Thursday, September 4th
Friday, September 5th

Announcements of the day

Friday announcements:

We know you are eager to prepare your Progress Report and though we encourage you to make a start, please wait until the new format of the document has been made available before finalizing and submitting it. We will keep you informed on this development.
Mark your calendars for the Doctoral Colloquium 2026. This will start exceptionally on August 31 – September 4!
Do not forget your copy of the prayer list and let us keep each other in prayer throughout the new academic year. Wishing you all a safe trip home!

Quick access to

Block schedule Doctoral Colloquium 2025*
Photo Book PhD students 2025-2026
Photo Book Doctoral Faculty 2025-2026
Handouts student presentations
Feedback form student presentations
PhD Handbook 2025-2026
All about the ETF Library

*Note: any changes during the week are not reflected in this schedule

Wifi and IT

Password for the LCCS-Guest networks: Welcome@ETF/LCCS

In case of any IT-related issues (presentations, WiFi, etc.), please contact Zias van Nes (+32 470 88 28 02).

Theme: Empowered Through Humility

The context of the celebration of the 40th ETF Doctoral Colloquium is one of polarization, geopolitical shifts and a cultural climate emphasizing strength, power and standing forcefully against military, economic or cultural enemies. This year’s theme, therefore, focuses on Jesus Christ and how He was Empowered Through Humility. He was exalted to the highest place and given a Name above every name, so that every knee in heaven and on earth will bow, because He humbled himself and became obedient to death (Phil 2:6–11). Hence, not only Paul, but also James (Jam 4:10) and Peter (1 Pet 5:5–6) call to be humble, while Jeremiah prophesied not to boast in strength or riches, but in the Lord, who exercises mercy, justice and righteousness (Jer 9:23–24). Accordingly, the theme invites to reflect theologically on the question how Jesus’ humility and being humble empower and bring justice, and how to stand firm against the powers of the world as Jesus did.