The podcast “Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD”, created in 2019 by science communicator and researcher David Mendes, a former PDBEB student, has been nominated for the 2025 Canadian Podcast Awards in the category Outstanding Education Series. This distinction marks an important recognition within the Canadian podcasting landscape, highlighting the project’s quality and educational impact.
With more than 350 episodes and a growing international audience, “Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD” gives voice to PhD graduates from diverse scientific fields, exploring professional pathways both within and beyond academia. The bilingual format (English and French) aims to promote scientific and career literacy by showcasing the wide range of trajectories possible after completing a doctorate, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of careers in science.
The nomination for the Canadian Podcast Awards reinforces the project’s relevance and validates its contribution to understanding the challenges, opportunities, and social impact of scientific work. For David Mendes, the recognition reflects not only the podcast’s editorial consistency but also its strong commitment to the academic community.
A graduate of the second edition of the PDBEB (2003), Mendes completed his PhD in Cell Biology at the Montreal Neurological Institute, where he studied the role of RGMB/Neogenin signalling in the development of olfactory neurons—a journey that, he says, deeply shaped his scientific and professional outlook. “This nomination is a moment of great personal and professional pride. The PDBEB was a transformative milestone in my life—it gave me scientific tools, but also a critical and interdisciplinary perspective that I apply to all my science communication projects today. Through “Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD”, I want to give back to the scientific community what I have learned in the nearly 15 years since my defense: that there are many ways to contribute to society after the PhD, both within and beyond the university.”
With this distinction, “Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD” strengthens its position as a reference platform in the global discussion on scientific careers and the role of researchers in contemporary society. The PDBEB and CNC-UC communities congratulate David and his project, wishing him continued success.
