PhD program – Why?
Why does BayCEER coordinate the PhD program in Ecology and Environmental Research (PEER)? There is additional work for PhD students reflecting on and documenting their PhD studies, for mentors advising and supporting the PhD students in a mentorate, and for the steering committee and office managing and developing the program.
However, this structured PhD program offers large added value:
For PhD students
- Scientific independence and additional supervision and support from a three-person mentorate is promoted
- Dedicated programs are offered for PhD students, e.g. scientific research and writing, workshops, …
- Networking of PhD students promotes discussions and offers insights into neighboring disciplines
- Formal registration: requirements for PhD candidates are checked before admission to the program (not just before submission of the thesis)
- Structured program with research plan and annual reports helps to finish the PhD studies in time
- Fast track option for master students
For mentors
- Structured program with research plan and annual reports helps to keep track of the progress of the PhD student
- Mentorate: exchange of ideas with mentor colleagues offers new perspectives
- Individual support for PhD students is offered in specific PEER courses
For BayCEER
- Interdisciplinary exchange between PhD students and mentors is strengthened
- Improved supervision helps to reduce number of drop-outs
- Structured PhD programs are required by many funding agencies