Annual Progress Report and Annual Status Conversation

Definitely admitted doctoral students submit an annual progress report to their supervisor on the status and planned progress of their research work as well as any significant deviations from the research plan or doctoral plan.

Based on the progress report, the supervisor conducts an individual status conversation in the form of an on-site interview with the doctoral student once a year.

The status conversation comprises two separate parts:

1. Scientific progress

The first part of the discussion addresses the doctorate and the research project:

• Discussion and assessment of research progress
• Determination of next steps
• The progress of doctoral studies
• The working situation in the research group

It is recommended to also invite the second advisor to this first part of the conversation.

2. Evaluation of career and personal development

The second part of the discussion is conducted as a development interview which involves mutual feedback and addresses the further development of competences. This part concerns the doctoral thesis supervisor and the doctoral student only and is confidential.