The Role of Virtual Doctoral Consortia in the Post-2025 Computer Science Education Landscape

Doctoral consortia (DCs) are an essential element of research training, where doctoral students have the opportunity to present their work to an audience of skilled discussants and an extended peer group. Though face-to-face events are preferred, recent changes to the geopolitical climate and availability of funding in Computer Science Education are decreasing the likelihood of the level of student and discussant movement that can maintain general access to the DC experience. Hybrid solutions can be problematic, yet solid virtual events have promise, even if not the same as a face-to-face activity. We propose a regular cycle of virtual DCs held to maintain the high quality of graduate student support and skill development.