People - Who we are
The Doctoral School serves as the central organization for doctoral studies, fostering a supportive environment for PhD candidates to excel in their research and professional development. It consists of various bodies and task forces working collaboratively to ensure effective management, guidance, and quality assurance throughout the doctoral journey. Together, these components ensure the effective functioning and continuous improvement of the Doctoral School, supporting PhD candidates throughout their academic journey and preparing them for successful careers in academia, research, and beyond.
The management team is responsible for overseeing the overall operations and functioning of the Doctoral School. This includes administering academic policies, ensuring adherence to doctoral regulations, providing support for PhD candidates, and facilitating necessary resources for their research activities. The team coordinates with other bodies within the institution to promote the strategic vision of doctoral education.
The Steering Board comprises group leaders and PhD representatives of each CoBeNe research cluster and the coordinator providing strategic guidance and oversight for the Doctoral School. They ensure the alignment of the school’s activities with the university’s academic objectives and the broader research landscape. The board is also instrumental in making high-level decisions regarding funding, partnerships, and the direction of the PhD programs.
PhD representatives
PhD Representatives represent their interests and concerns of the doctoral candidates. They serve as a liaison between the PhD community and the administrative bodies, including the Steering Board. Their role is vital in advocating for the needs of PhD candidates, promoting a healthy research environment, and facilitating communication within the doctoral community.
The Scientific Advisory Board consists of prominent experts in various research fields. Their role is to provide high-level, expert guidance to the Doctoral School on scientific matters, including research trends, best practices, and international collaborations. They help maintain the quality and rigor of the doctoral programs by offering expert advice on the curriculum, research infrastructure, and opportunities for research excellence.
Governance Structure
Study Conference
The Study Conference is an important body focused on planning, structuring, evaluating, and optimizing the educational program. It consists of CoBeNe lecturers and doctoral candidates who work together to continuously develop the content, structure, and quality of the doctoral program. The goal is to ensure that the program aligns with current academic and professional standards while providing the best possible support for PhD candidates.
Alumni
The Doctoral School maintains strong connections with its alumni network. Alumni are encouraged to stay engaged with the school, providing mentorship, career advice, and networking opportunities for current PhD candidates. The alumni community contributes to shaping the future of the Doctoral School by sharing their experiences and offering insights into post-PhD career paths.
Supervisors
The role of a PhD supervisor is to provide academic and research guidance, ensuring that PhD candidates develop their research skills, critical thinking, and intellectual independence. Supervisors also support PhD candidates in designing and executing their research projects, offering feedback and direction throughout the process. Supervisors are essential in helping doctoral candidates navigate academic challenges and connect with broader research networks. Our school is organized into four research clusters, and a list of supervisors for each cluster can be found in Psychology Sciences, Behavioral & Cognitive Biology, Neuroscience, and Cognitive Humanities.
PhD Candidates
PhD candidates are at the heart of our school, driving groundbreaking research across a diverse range of fields. With innovative projects spanning multiple disciplines, our early career research contribute to advancing knowledge and making real-world impact. For recent examples of their work and information on how to connect with the PhD community, visit the PhD Corner.