Supervision
The supervisor(s) (promotor and, if applicable, co-promotor) provide(s) the means, both material and intellectual, to enable the PhD student to carry out his/her research project. The supervisor arranges regular meetings to discuss scientific progress. In addition, the PhD student and supervisor lay out apersonal training and supervision plan, which includes not only a thorough planning of practical research but also workshops (chosen by PhD students) as well as seminars and lectures arranged within the school.
Mentor guidance
For every PhD student within the NCMLS a personal mentor is assigned. Yearly, the PhD student arranges a progress meeting with the mentor. Progress and scientific output are discussed. The attendance of NCMLS PhD training programme components is also assessed. To ensure independence of the mentor, a principal investigator from a different department of the NCMLS is appointed that is not involved in the study.
Throughout the entire programme, the mentor and supervisor will stimulate PhD students to explore their 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. It is the responsibility of the PhD student to arrange a meeting with the mentor yearly.
The tasks of the mentor are to:
(i) Read the project description at the start of the project, and comment on it if necessary at the first meeting between the student and the mentor.
(ii) Have a meeting with the PhD student once a year to discuss the progress of the project, both in terms of scientific output, as well as progress in completing the general scientific educational programme as defined in the NCMLS research and training programme.
(iii) Read the progress and attendance reports (Forms B1 and B2), and comment on it if necessary during the yearly meeting with the student.
(iv) Be available throughout the year for independent advice in case a problem arises between the student and the supervisor(s). If problems are not solved, the mentor may contact the PhD committee.
A 'quick-guide' is available via the downloads of the NCMLS PhD website containing a list of discussion topics for your mentor discussion.