Research Phase
During the research phase of your PhD, the focus is on advancing your research project, developing scientific independence, and generating publishable results. In parallel, required administrative processes and curriculum-related milestones must be completed and documented throughout the programme.
Research Phase
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What you need to do
- Submit your Annual Progress Report (written report and attachment form) to the SSC annually after your public presentation (first report ~1 year after the presentation, then every year until completion of your PhD).
Give an annual oral progress presentation in an academic setting (department seminar or group meeting).
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Why this is important
- Your annual report creates an official, up‑to‑date record of your completed DoSChem activities and ECTS credits, giving you a clear overview of your progress toward the 24‑ECTS curriculum requirement.
This phase is the core of your PhD with your transition to scientific independence. Your output (data, publications, and skills) determines the success of your thesis.
Advice for Research Phase (optional)
Don’t wait for deadlines, avoid last-minute stress
Use your annual progress meetings as a chance to get meaningful scientific input
Document everything
Progress Monitoring
Your progress within the doctoral curriculum is reviewed annually through both a written report and an oral presentation.
Written Progress Report
Doctoral candidates must submit a written progress report once per year to the SSC after their oral progress presentation (FÖP), ideally one year after the presentation, and continue to do so annually until the end of their PhD.
The report consists of (1) a brief summary of research progress and (2) the completed “Annual Report Attachment” form, which documents completed coursework and ECTS credits within the curriculum. Only completed activities may be included; external coursework can be considered if formally recognized via the SSC “Request for Recognition of Studies and Examinations”.
Oral Progress Presentation
Doctoral candidates are required to present their research progress in an academic setting (e.g. seminar, retreat, or summer school) to a panel of at least three PIs. Evaluators must hold a habilitation or professorial status, and the candidate’s supervisor must be included.
The composition of the evaluation panel may vary and can include external evaluators, subject to availability. The candidate is responsible for ensuring that all evaluators are informed in advance of their role in providing feedback.
No specific requirements are imposed regarding the format, duration, or venue of the presentation. Eligible formats include, but are not limited to, departmental seminars, retreats, and summer schools.
Following the presentation, evaluators provide verbal feedback on the candidate’s research progress. No written report is required.
For documentation purposes, the candidate must record the date of the presentation as well as the names and affiliations of all evaluators.
Documentation and Submission
All completed coursework must be documented using the “Annual Report Attachment” form and submitted to the SSC together with the written progress report. The form must be signed by the candidate and the supervisor.
External activities require additional recognition via the SSC “Request for Recognition of Studies and Examinations”.
Submission process:
- Signed by candidate and supervisor
- Submitted to the SSC
- Reviewed and signed by the Directorate of Doctoral Studies
- Returned as an official record
This process ensures continuous feedback and proper documentation of curricular achievements.