Welcome to the
Doctoral Programme in
Ecology and Environmental Research
PEER
The structured doctoral programme PEER is part of the Bayreuth Graduate School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences (BayNAT), established in autumn 2009. It educates graduate students in Ecology and Environmental Research, a designated focus at the University of Bayreuth. Over 200 scholars and scientists in 30 research groups in the fields of Biology and Earth Sciences carry out work related to these topics. Research projects address the structure and function of ecosystems, biodiversity assessments, nature conservation, climate research and issues relating to environmental pollution, and restoration ecology.
Advantages of PEER - a structured doctoral programme
Broader perspectives thanks to a mentoring committee Within the structured doctoral programme PEER, doctoral candidates are supervised by three mentors. Prudent and careful selection of the supervisors ensures that the doctoral researchers receive support and suggestions from three different perspectives. They also have a broader network at the end of their doctoral studies.
A well-organised roadmap for a doctoral thesis At the beginning of the doctorate, every doctoral student has to hand in a research proposal. This helps to structure the three years of doctoral research, to focus on the main research questions, and to meet the timeline. Meetings with mentors and progress reports provide additional support to help young scholars to meet their research aims and finish theirdoctorate.
Acquisition of additional qualifications A structured doctoral programme has an international orientation and offers English-taught courses. Apart from academic and method courses, the programme provides the opportunity to develop transferable skills that are also helpful for a career path outside of academia.
BayCEER – Coordinated expertise and interdisciplinary research
The doctoral programme is based at the Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), which coordinates expertise and research efforts within the focus area. Young scientists profit from the broadly oriented information exchange that is cultivated at BayCEER through workshops, seminars, and interdisciplinary research. Graduate students have access to an infrastructure of shared research laboratories, workshops, established experimental sites, and database applications for their research.