FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

In total, 30 EC points are required for the completion of the NCMLS PhD programme. You can obtain EC points either via compulsory components or elective components, which you can tailor to your individual needs e.g. through following or teaching courses, attending conferences or presenting you work at conferences. See here for more details. Below your will find some frequently asked questions. If your question is not covered please contact Margret Achour. Topics covered:

Training & Supervision Plan (TSP)

1) Why is it important for me to complete a Training & Supervision Plan (TSP)?

The Training & Supervision Plan (TSP) is an important tool for you to monitor your progress throughout your PhD. It clearly states who you supervisors are, your mentor as well as other important information such as goals to be achieved each year. The TSP is an integral part of your annual appraisal discussions with your supervisor(s) and should be updated on a yearly basis.

2) Where can I find the latest forms?

You should always use the latest version of the TSP forms. They can be found on the download page of the PhD programme website: link to TSP's.

3) Do I need to update my TSP yearly?

Yes. Within 8 weeks from the start date of your contract you should submit a completed Form A to the Margret Achour. Annually you should complete Form B (both parts). The deadline for Form B is calculated as 12/24/36/48 months from the start date of your contract. TIP: put a reminder 2 months beforehand in your agenda.

4) When should I complete Form C?

Form C should be completed at the end of your PhD period at the time of submission of your thesis to the manuscript committee or immediately upon premature termination of your project.

5) I have decided to stop my PhD what should I do?

Please inform the Margret Achour of your decision and complete an Evaluation Form.

 

Mentor

1) Why is it important for me to have a mentor?

Every NCMLS PhD student  is assigned a mentor. Throughout the entire programme, the mentor will stimulate you to explore your abilities and develop general research competencies, including reflection, work organisation and mid- and long-term planning. In the event of problems or disputes the mentor can be approached as an independent mediator.

2) How do I get a mentor?

At the start of your PhD you will receive an information packet along with the forms for your Training & Supervision Plan. You should immediately discuss Form A with your supervisor / promoter to get advice for suitable mentors. You can also visit the NCMLS website to look for suggestions. A mentor should not be working in the same project or Department as your supervisor. Email your mentor suggestion(s) together with your project title, supervisor and promoter name to Margret Achour who will contact the mentor on your behalf. Margret with contact you when this has been arranged. You should then arrange your first meeting with your mentor (within 8 weeks of start contract date).

3) How often should I contact my mentor?

You should meet with your mentor within 8 weeks of the start date of your contract and once per year thereafter. It is your responsibility to arrange a meeting with the mentor yearly. In case of problems you should contact your mentor immediately.

4) My mentor doesn't respond to my emails. What should I do?

You should contact the Director of the PhD programme, Dr. Bert van der Reijden. A new mentor will be assigned for you.

 

Peer-to-Peer welcome meeting & welcome package

1) Why is the peer-to-peer welcome meeting necessary?

PhD student members of the PhD committee will meet you in a small group of fellow PhD students that have just started to provide background information about the NCMLS PhD programme and other PhD-related affairs. It is a great way to meet some of your colleagues and get handy tips for success!

2) I haven't received my welcome package what should I do?

Please contact Margret Achour or send an email to info@ncmls.ru.nl. Of course you are more than welcome to drop into the NCMLS Office (Ground floor, NCMLS research tower, RT259) to pick one up.

3) What is the difference between the RUNMC introductory meeting and the peer-to-peer welcome?

The RUNMC introductory meeting is a RUNMC-wide introduction and provides more general information regarding topics such as the goals, structure and organization of the RUNMC. The peer-to-peer welcome is specific for the NCMLS, and focuses more on the NCMLS PhD programme. As both introductions are complementary, you should follow both.

 

Graduate Course

1) What is the Graduate Course and is it compulsory?

The Graduate Course is a one-week introduction course to NCMLS covering techniques such as imaging in vitro and in vivo, transfection and protein analysis, proteomics, genomics, central animal facility etc. As well as providing a thorough background in key techniques for your research, you also get to socialize with some of your colleagues. The course is compulsory.

2) What does the Graduate Course cost?

The Graduate Course is completely free.

3) I have followed the 'old' Graduate Course as part of the MMD programme. Do I need to follow the 'new' Graduate Course?

No this is not necessary. Subject to space availability you are welcome to follow the course again. Double EC points will not be granted.

 

Hora Est

1) What is Hora est and is it compulsory to complete?

It is mandatory for all PhD candidates of the Radboud University Nijmegen (Medical Centre), which includes the NCMLS, to register in Hora Est. Hora Est is a database that can monitor the progress of every PhD candidate from the beginning till the end of his/her PhD project.

2) Who can I ask for help completing Hora est

FAQ Hora est can be found here. If this doesn't help you can send an e-mail to horaest@umcn.nl or phone 15346.

 

EC Points

1) What are EC points and how can I earn them?

EC points are European Credits, more commonly known as European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). 1 EC point equates to 28 hours work. In total, 30 EC points are required for the completion of the NCMLS PhD programme. You can obtain EC points either via compulsory components or elective components, which you can tailor to your individual needs e.g. through following or teaching courses, attending conferences or presenting you work at conferences. See here for more details.

 

Thesis & Graduation

1) What are the requirements for a thesis?

The guideline for the minimum size of the doctoral thesis within RUNMC is as follows: three publishable-quality chapters based on the candidate's own empirical research data, whereby at least two are "accepted" in peer reviewed journals, preferably in the upper two quartiles of the scientific subject category.  The candidate should be first author of all three chapters.

Joint guidelines of the Graduate Schools of the Dutch University Medical Centres (UMCs) on the PhD thesis, the PhD project, and the education of PhD students can be found here.

2) What contributions can I expect for thesis printing costs?

The maximum reimbursement is 2,200 EUR for each PhD student. For further details, please consult the RUNMC introductory guide or go to www.ru.nl/promovendi.

 

PhD Committee

1) What does the PhD Committee do?

  • Responsible for PhD programme design, evaluation, and policy
  • Monitoring PhD mentor system
  • Approval of training and supervision plans
  • Organisation of general components
  • Approval of elective components
  • Provide a link between PhD students and the NCMLS management
  • Organisation of social events

2) How can I join the PhD Committee?

You would be very welcome to join the PhD Committee. You can send an email to the PhD Committee or to Margret Achour.