Thesis - Graduation web

Theses are public and published in the university repository. In specific cases, confidentiality can be requested according to the following reasons:

• There is a risk that the online thesis will obstruct future peer reviewed publications, or;
• When the external hosting organisation of the thesis research requests a confidentiality period with valid and reasonable arguments for the protection or use of the research results reported in the thesis.

In these cases, if the student and/or supervisor want to prevent publication through open access, the following workflow applies:

1. The student must fill in this webform as early as possible, at the latest 2 weeks prior to the greenlight meeting. 
2. The student must submit a brief description why the thesis should be archived confidentially and it should be accompanied by a signature of the first supervisor
3.  The programme board will handle the request. In principle, confidentiality is given for a maximum period of two years. If a longer period is required, the period and its justification should be clearly stated in the motivation letter.

In case the request is granted, the student has to:

• Write a summary of at least 3000 words;
• Send both confidential and whole thesis to the Educational Affaris (BOZ);
• Upload both confidential and whole thesis to the repository, indicating which of the documents should be confidential and which ones not. 

Mandatory data for request:

• Student name
• Student number
• Motivation letter why a confidential annex or anonymised thesis is not possible, accompanied by a signature of the first supervisor. Please make sure to include the following:
  • General motivation
  • Clear substantiation for your request, explaining why a confidential annex or anonymised thesis is not possible and why it is impossible to find alternative forms, such as anonymising the report, avoiding sensitive information by indexing data, moving sensitive information to a confidential appendix.
  • In case this request is not made during the early stages of the graduation period, provide an explanation why this was not possible, and upload the current version of the thesis, such that the examination board can judge whether alternative forms are not possible.
  • Starting date of the graduation period; if available, attach your Mobility Online registration.
  • Name examiner(s)/supervisor(s) and signature(s)
• If applicable: a written confirmation of the organisation or company where you execute the thesis assignment