Some 40 associate professors, 4 deans, and the rector attended a meeting on March 28 to mark the introduction of the ius promovendi (the right to grant a doctorate) for associate professors. Since the amendment to the Higher Education and Research Act was finalised last year, associate professors can obtain the ius promovendi.
Following talks regarding this among the Board for Doctorates (rector and deans) at the University of Twente, and a selection round, 47 associate professors were given this right. This means the professors can be requested by PhD students to act as supervisors, and that the Board for Doctorates may then appoint them as such. As each university sets its own PhD regulations, the exact way this right is exercised may vary per institution.
Rector Thom Palstra began his introduction by stating that the associate professors have – among other things - already demonstrably guided 3 or more PhD students to the finish line, and that they can now take the final step – namely, by acting as doctoral advisers and pronouncing the "magic formula": "BY VIRTUE OF THE POWER GRANTED TO US BY LAW..." etc. His speech went on to emphasise open and positive communication with PhD students and other supervisors, as well as explaining that it's always a good idea to work with several supervisors, and that the ultimate goal is to train an independent scientist who makes his or her own decisions.
Dean Joost Kok (EWI) moderated the discussion, in which questions could be put to a panel consisting of rector Thom Palstra, TGS director Paul van Dijk, and beadle Wim Koehorst. Questions revolved mainly around guidance, especially the 4-eyes principle (more than one supervisor), the composition of the doctoral committee (at least 4 professors), and whether it is possible to act as a doctoral adviser during current specialization tracks.
Finally, Joost Kok announced it was time to eat, after which the meeting was continued with drinks and snacks, including a special "doctoral gravy". After more time getting to know each other, participants have already exchanged their experiences regarding the PhD specialization track.
