Training
Considering the diverse interdisciplinary and international backgrounds of our students we do not require that a rigorous curriculum be adhered to. Instead, we adopt a modular approach. You are encouraged to choose from a set list of options in consultation with your advisory committee. Essential options are mandatory, to ensure a common basis and also to assist cohort forming among the PhD students. We strongly feel that the formal training strand should support you in the progress of your PhD, rather than being an additional burden that could slow down your progress. With this in mind, we have designed a program that naturally includes essential elements of a successful PhD, such as writing publications or presenting at conferences, in addition to specialized courses, and that can be flexibly tailored to your individual needs. This should enable you to obtain your degree within 3.5 years.
Strand A “Research skills” comprises an annual network workshop “Excitons in Nanostructured Systems (ENS)”, to be held alternately in Bayreuth and Melbourne.
A further element of strand A is the biannual hybrid meeting. It consists of a 2-day local hybrid workshop that is held each year around September in the form of parallel in-person workshops in Bayreuth and Melbourne, with a joint virtual session. PhD students will present about 15 min progress updates on their research, with PIs presenting on thematic cluster progress for discussion in the virtual session.
Strand A is completed by the mandatory research stay at the partner location that is well prepared by the design of the PhD topics. All students will usually spend at least six months at the partner location, with 3 months being the formal minimum that precludes a PhD. When pursuing a joint PhD, spending at least 12 months at the other place is required.
Strand B “Professional skills” includes in-depth tutorials on specialized topics that you can choose to complement their scientific profile. These will be held in a hybrid fashion to benefit from the strength of both locations. You are encouraged to benefit from the regular, complementary teaching opportunities available at the host institution as Master’s courses during your stay abroad. You will be advised regarding your choices for possible attendance by your advisory committee. Finally, the dissemination of your research in papers and conference presentations also belongs to this strand.
Strand C “Self-development” encompasses activities that will assist you in your career. You are free in your choice and are encouraged to discuss with your advisory team which choices are most appropriate for your development. You can draw from the established courses in Melbourne (e.g., Writing for a non-scientific audience, Exploring non-academic career pathways, Poster design and presentation, Effective presentation skills, Time Management) and Bayreuth (e.g., Mentally Strong During the PhD, Building an International Career, Introduction to Science Communication, Never Speechless again, Leadership for Young Scientists). In addition, we will also offer relevant courses presented by the PIs of the IRTG and by external trainers (e.g., Research project management, Science communication).
The training strand is designed to comply with both the regulations of the BayNAT and the requirements laid down in the joint PhD agreements between UBT, UoM, and MON.