PIER PHD Programme
In the PIER PhD programme, doctoral researchers benefit from an internationally recognised structured programme for PhD students in their respective research fields. In the center of the programme stands the PHGS curriculum which ensures a high level of scientific education and extra-curricular training including tailor-made German language courses. Another focus of the PhD programme is scientific supervision which takes place on the highest level possible. And last but not least all members of the PIER Helmholtz Gradute School can rely on the PHGS team which is caring about the well-being of each of its members and is available for all questions, needs and enquiries.
Doctoral students who successfully complete the PHGS curriculum receive a certificate and a transcript of records. Prerequisite for this is that the doctorate has been successfully defended at a university.
PIER RESEARCH AND COMPETENCE FIELDS:
- particle & astroparticle physics
- nanoscience
- photon science
- infection and structural biology
- accelerator research
- theoretical physics
Curriculum
The effort of the PHGS curriculum is calculated on the basis of credit points (CP). A successful completion of the curriculum requires 17 credit points: A minimum of 14 CP in the area of professional skills (categories A and B) and a minimum of 3 CP in the area of transferable skills (category C):
- Block seminars: 1 day = 0.5 CP, 2 days = 1 CP, etc.
- Half-day block seminars can also be credited.
- Block courses are credited with a maximum of 10 days/5 CP.
- 1 credit point = 15 x 45 minutes sessions.
- The calculation of credit points includes the workload for lectures, posters, etc.
- A written confirmation of attendance by the organiser, lecturer or supervisor is required for each course/workshop/conference. Doctoral students are asked to upload each attendance confirmation in the PIER database. (Click here for the template "Proof of attendance" provided by the PHGS.)
- Click here for an example PHGS certificate and ToR
Category A:
Project-related group seminars and workshops in the main research field
3 credit points
Category B:
Professional qualification in the PIER research fields
5 credit points
Events of any providers inside and outside of Hamburg/Germany can be accepted.
Category C:
Obtaining transferable skills
7 credit points
Workshops/events of the PIER Education Platform (PEP) or any provider inside and outside Hamburg/Germy will be accepted.
Scientific Supervision
Optimal scientific support is crucial for enabling doctoral candidates to complete their dissertations quickly and successfully. At the PIER Helmholtz Graduate School, every doctoral candidate is supported by a team of at least two supervisors. The team consists of a primary supervisor (from the research field in which the dissertation is being written) and at least one secondary supervisor (from another PIER research field, if possible).
At the beginning of their collaboration, the supervisors and the doctoral candidate sign the PIER Helmholtz Graduate School supervision agreement. This agreement contains binding regulations.
During their doctorate, each doctoral student of the PHGS writes an interim report once a year in which the current status of the doctorate is presented, challenges are named and time plans for the coming months are outlined. A meeting between the supervisor team and the doctoral candidate serves as the basis for each report.
Headline
What are the formal conditions for scientific supervision?
How does the cooperation between supervisor and doctoral candidate work in detail?
What are the requirements for the interim reports?
Extracurricular Support
Good working and living conditions are essential for the well-being of any PhD student. The PIER Helmholtz Graduates School offers a wide range of services and support measures to its members. The following offers help to ensure that doctoral candidates enjoy good living and working conditions.
- Personal information meeting with each new member
- PHGS Buddy programme for new doctoral candidates
- Close cooperation with the DESY International Office, the International Office of the Universität Hamburg and DESY Housing
- Knowledge of and communication to all facilities at DESY, the University Hamburg, the City of Hamburg and facilities in Hamburg that are experts on certain topics.
- Organisation of joint leisure activities in cooperation with the representatives of the PhD representatives (DOIT)
- Coordinators of the PIER Helmholtz Graduate School office serves as point of contact for resolving conflicts.
- Extracurricular services concerning career planning and social networking also help participants successfully complete their dissertations and embark smoothly on their careers.
