Supervision

Upon the enrollment of each PhD student, the graduate school ensures a robust mentoring system. The PhD student selects a minimum of two principal scientists as supervisors that form the Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC). This collaborative team plays an active role in structuring the student's research project and crafting a distinctive course program.

The primary supervisor, as per PromO guidelines, your Principal Investigator (PI) is automatically included in the TAC. For the second committee member, it is essential that they possess the "Promotionsrecht"(right to award doctorates) at the University of Bonn and belong to a distinct research group.

BIGS-LF highly advocates for the inclusion of supplementary committee members who are not bound by specific limitations. Candidates for such roles encompass a spectrum of possibilities, such as a Postdoc providing daily guidance, a researcher with expertise in the same field, or even a professional from the industry.

Collaboratively, the student and their TAC engage in formulating a personalized course program that aligns seamlessly with the student's research trajectory. Beyond the conventional classroom setting, we actively encourage students to broaden their horizons through research visits abroad. This international exposure enriches perspectives and fosters cross-cultural learning, ultimately enhancing the quality of research outcomes.

Furthermore, active participation in national and international congresses, as well as courses offered by our partner institutions, is not just encouraged, but embraced. These opportunities provide a platform for students to showcase their findings, engage with peers, and expand their intellectual network. This interconnectedness amplifies the academic experience and propels students towards becoming adept contributors to the global academic discourse.

Annually, the PhD students submit their PhD Progress Proposal to their dedicated Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC). Subsequently, a meeting ensues between the PhD student and their TAC, fostering in-depth discussions regarding the advancement of the PhD thesis.

Following this, the conclusion is summarized in a Meeting Report, detailing the insights and outcomes of the dialogue. This essential document is then required to be submitted to the BIGS-LF coordinator, serving as a vital record of the collaborative effort and progress achieved during the meeting. This meticulous process ensures transparent and structured communication, guaranteeing the seamless advancement of each PhD student's research pursuits within the BIGS-Land and Food Graduate School.

More information can be found here: