Doctoral Schools of the Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science at the Ģ��Ƶ (VU) is home to a broad range of research.

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One of the binding factors between the departments of the Faculty of Science is the aim to create multi- and interdisciplinary impact on the basis of fundamental and applied research. We believe this rich academic context offers fertile soil for PhD candidates to grow and develop their ambitions. Approximately 700 PhD candidates are now working and studying at the Faculty of Science, and our portal Doctoral Schools of the Faculty of Science strives to create a supportive environment for all our junior research talents. Within all departments of the Faculty of Science, the graduate schools organize the support, teaching and training of our PhD candidates at detailed level.

The portal Doctoral Schools of the Faculty of Science pays special attention to the circumstances in which PhD candidates can thrive -- personally, socially, and academically. One of the practical ways to realize this is by having independent for each department, thereby creating an expert community at the faculty level to share and exchange insights and good practices for successful PhD trajectories. Another practical approach towards this objective is to actively involve PhD candidates, who join forces in the PhD council.

General information

Here you can find information on regulations and contacts for issues relating to PhD trajectories at the VU and on relevant facilities.
General information on the PhD programme at the VU
Research & Impact Support Portal
Graduate schools

Within each department of the Faculty of Science, there is a graduate school, which organizes the support and training of our PhD candidates. Within these graduate schools, one or more PhD coordinators manage most of these tasks, and inform PhD candidates and supervisors on PhD policy.
Most departmental graduate schools are associated with national research schools for collaboration and training of PhD candidates.
Progress and supervision

The graduate schools of the Faculty of Science are dedicated to creating a supportive environment and a successful experience for all our PhD candidates. The regular PhD candidates receive supervision from at least one daily supervisor (‘co-promotor’) and one promotor. All supervisors working at VU Amsterdam are obliged to follow the basic training course Supervising PhD candidates. This also applies to experienced supervisors, unless they receive permission from the head of the department to follow a customized trajectory.
Independent PhD candidate advisors, appointed in all departments, monitor the progress and well-being of the PhD candidate during the PhD trajectory, and optionally refer to other support at VU Amsterdam or the faculty.
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Information on training courses, including those for supervisors
Research Integrity

As providers of knowledge and understanding, it is essential that researchers maintain research integrity following five principles: honesty, scrupulousness, transparency, independence, and responsibility. An example of this is that they should endeavor to ensure a fair allocation and ordering of authorship in academic reports.
All PhD candidates are required to take the course on Research Integrity of the Doctoral Schools of the Faculty of Science. Preferably, the course is taken in the first year and no later than the second year.
Academic Integrity policy and complaints procedure VU
Support and community

A PhD position is an intensive and not a regular job. It is advisable to team up with the active and large community of PhD candidates at the VU Faculty of Science, and enjoy this exceptional time.
Yet, support may be needed, and do not hesitate to contact one of the many supportive contacts at the VU, see below. The PhD candidate advisor offers independent and expert support to all PhD candidates. With the PhD candidate advisor, the PhD candidate can exchange views on the PhD programme, work environment, well-being, progress, and other issues. The PhD candidate advisor can refer the PhD candidate to other support and/or advice at the VU.
There are PhD councils operating at departmental, faculty and university level, which represent PhD candidates, communicate on policy matters concerning the PhD trajectory , and, occasionally, organize social events. In addition, there is the national network for PhD candidates (PNN).
On a frequent basis, a survey among PhD candidates is held to give direction to further improvement of the supervision, training, working environment and well-being of all PhD candidates.
Help, support and advice for PhD candidates
PhD council Science Faculty
Timeline PhD trajectory

The PhD trajectory usually takes three to four years. The PhD trajectory ends with the completion of a thesis and a defense.
The VU Doctorate regulations cover regulations for different aspects of the full PhD trajectory, such as admission to the PhD programme, thesis and defense, and the responsibilities and authority of those involved in the programme.
The VU Doctorate Regulations apply to all PhD candidates, regardless of their type of appointment.
Start PhD
During PhD
After PhD

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