Doctoral plan and supervision

Dr. Giorgia Zandomeneghi (ETH Doctoral Administration)
Peter Dorthe (VPPL ETH)

Dr. Caroline Welte (ETH Library)
Dr. Giorgia Zandomeneghi (ETH Doctoral Administration)

Hugh Kearns (Flinders University, Australia; ThinkWell)

Research has shown consistently that the relationship between doctoral students and their supervisors influences the research productivity and the success of the doctorate. Moreover, a good supervisory relationship helps maintain the candidate satisfaction and mental health.

Join us for this workshop and learn about the importance and the complexity of the supervisory relationship. You will be introduced to strategies for establishing and maintaining a positive and productive relationship with your supervisor and you will learn where to turn for support if you have questions, concerns, or problems.

The workshop addresses aspects of doctoral supervision at ETH as:
• the successful doctorate, the good supervisor
• supervision styles
• rules on the doctorate at ETH
• management of mutual expectations
• effective meetings
• ask/receive useful feedback
• where to find advice & information at ETH.

Note that this will be an interactive workshop with theoretical inputs and group discussions during which active participation is requested. 

Registration

Date: Thursday 7 November 2024
Time: 16:00 - 17:30
Online (ZOOM)

Registration "Get the supervision you need!": will open in summer.

As a doctoral candidate at ETH Zurich, you are required to submit a doctoral plan within your first year. This crucial document forms the foundation of your aptitude colloquium and is essential for your definitive admission to the doctoral program.

This workshop will address topics as:

  • Formal requirements: criteria and standards your doctoral plan must meet
  • Structure and sections: guidance on effectively organizing your plan, ensuring all critical sections are addressed
  • Common challenges: you will work on the typical hurdles faced during the drafting process, receiving insights and strategies to overcome them. These include:
    • Identifying and refining pertinent research questions
    • Formulating a cohesive and robust research project 
    • Navigating the writing process with efficiency and clarity 
    • Time-management during the writing process.

This workshop is designed to offer you not just theoretical knowledge, but also practical skills. You will have the opportunity to work in groups, focusing on individual challenges, and receiving tailored feedback. Whether you are struggling with the conceptualization of your research or the mechanics of writing, our goal is to equip you with the tools and confidence necessary to craft a successful doctoral plan.

We recommend this workshop for students who have already acquired some research experience in their doctorate.

Registration

Date: Friday 31 May 2024
Time: 10:00 - 12:30
Location: Student Project House Zentrum (Clausiusstrasse 16, 8006 Zurich)

external pageRegistration "Writing a successful doctoral plan on 31.05.2024"

Portrait of Hugh Kearns and link to his webpage
Hugh Kearns (Flinders University, Australia; ThinkWell)

What do doctoral students do to finish on time, to overcome isolation, doubt and writer’s block, and to enjoy the process? And just as importantly what do they do in order to spend guilt-​free time with their family and friends and perhaps even have holidays? If this sounds appealing, then this session will be of particular use to you.

This workshop conducted by external pageHugh Kearns (external pageFlinders University, Australia, external pageThinkWell) describes the key habits that our research and experience with thousands of students across the world shows will make a difference to how quickly and easily you complete your research project. Just as importantly, these habits can greatly reduce the stress and increase the pleasure involved in doing research.

The workshop helps you to understand how to increase your effectiveness and outcomes in the following key areas:
• how you deal with your supervisor
• how you structure your study time
• your attitude (or lack thereof!) in relation to your research
• dealing with writer’s block or having difficulty writing
• getting the help you need when you are stuck
• juggling multiple commitments and never having enough time
• keeping on going when the going gets tough.

Registration

Date: 11 September 2024
Time: 9:30 - 12:00
Online (ZOOM)

The online registration will open in summer 2024.

General terms and conditions of participation in the courses

Contact:

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