PhD Program

The well structured PhD program assures a high quality of education where PhD students develop excellent scientific and academic skills, preparing young scientists for interesting careers in academia and industry - rewarding both to themselves and the society as a whole.

Mentoring

To achieve these goals, each student is accompanied by a mentoring team consisting of a supervisor and two mentors. The combined expertise of the mentoring team helps students to critically evaluate their PhD project from time to time, find new ways to solve or sidestep technical problems and to achieve good and meaningful progress.

Method Courses

In method courses students have the opportunity to learn laboratory techniques helpful for their PhD project. These courses are offered by faculty members in whom they teach up-to-date methods that are well-established in their own laboratory.

Summer Schools

Students within each section of RIGeL meet on a regular basis to exchange ideas and techniques. The annual Summer Schools certainly are a highlight in this respect where advanced students present their PhD projects to their fellow students and have the opportunity for scientific and other discussions.

Meetings

In national and international scientific meetings students actively participate with presentations and get the chance to meet and discuss with international
scientists.

Soft Skills

In regular seminars and journal clubs students improve their presentation techniques and are encouraged in critical thinking and discussion.

Didactical skills 

Didactical skills are acquired by supervision of undergraduate students.

Initiative and Responsibility

The organization of the program enables students to actively contribute to the scientific program, by organizing meetings, and/or inviting speakers, which requires commitment and encourages students to take both initiative and responsibility.

Credit Points

To evaluate the performance during the PhD program Credit Points are acquired, compatible with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

In summary, when finishing their PhD training, RIGeL students will be prepared to take on new challenges.