Development & Implementation of Skills Training in Doctoral Education 12 December 2012 Leen Cuypers, KU Leuven

KU Leuven (Leuven University) 40.130 students: 6.145 international students 4.381 PhD researchers 625 Phd’s awarded in 2011-2012 1.052 Postdoctoral researchers 1.018 Professors 55 Bachelor programmes 132 Master programmes (47 in English) 53 Advanced Master programmes (31 in English) 3

Doctoral time frame Research under supervision finalisation Supervisory Committee - (co)supervisor(s) - 2 experts Admission & Registration Completion of doctoral training programme Submit manuscript Preliminary defense Public defense Progress reports Oral Presentation to Supervisory Committee Written Report to Supervisory Committee Oral Presentation to Supervisory Committee Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4

Science, Engineering & Technology Group 9.288 students in 2012-2013 Of which: International students: 2.193 PhD researchers: 2.000 PhD defences in 2011-2012: 327 (5 years ago there were 266 PhD defences) 1 doctoral school, 5 faculties, 14 research departments 5

Arenberg Doctoral School

Arenberg Doctoral School SET (international) recruitment administration organizes doctoral training career development doctoral school mobility & co-operation supervision & quality assurance

To structure or not to structure: That’s the question... Leuven University is organised in 3 groups: Humanities & Social Sciences Science, Engineering & Technology Biomedical Science In 2007 the university established a doctoral school in each group.

Result? What has changed since the establishment of doctoral schools at KU Leuven? More central and thus more efficient organisation Increased awareness for importance of doctoral training Larger offer in doctoral training Growing emphasis on transferable skills Better communication → Better attendance 9

Best Practice #1: Establish (a) doctoral school(s) It gives you a new perspective Outside your institution Within your institution It gives you leverage 10

Doctoral training programme (2007) Truncus communis = research based components e.g. scientific publication, international conference, progress reports Doctoral training programme Interdisciplinary thematic training Min. 1 course Competencies and skills Optional

Doctoral training programme (2011) Truncus communis = research based components e.g. scientific publication, international conference, progress reports Interdisciplinary thematic training Doctoral training programme Equivalent of 6 ECTS credits Competencies and skills Min. equivalent of 2 ECTS credits

Best Practice #2: Go slow and be flexible Changing people’s mindsets takes time It gives you more opportunity to find the best strategy It gives you more opportunity to build a larger course offer Don’t take away the PhD researcher’s responsibility 13

Best Practice #3: Embed skills in the doctoral programme From the start of the PhD (even earlier) Spread the word Make it visible 14

What’s in a name? 2012: °YouReCa (Young Researchers’ Careers) Aim of YouReCa: Offer better training to and improving the career perspectives of KU Leuven’s young researchers 3 Levels of Organisation: Central (e.g. research co-ordination office, HR, …) Doctoral Schools Grassroots: initiatives by young researchers

Best Practice #4: Create a positive buzz Find a catchy name for your skills programme Work university-wide Formulate in a positive way Involve PhD researchers

Exploitation of Research: Knowledge & Technology transfer In collaboration with the University’s Tech Transfer Office 5 day course, spread over a period of 5 months Combination of expert seminars and hands-on training

Managing your PhD project At the start of the PhD Interactive and experience-based In small groups

Preparing for a career in the innovative industry of the future Seminar Series (6 x 2,5 hour sessions) Guest speakers from industry (various backgrounds) Large audience

Beste Practice #5: The fix is in the mix Size & Format Length Timing Speakers

Thank you!