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:
- The student must fill in this webform as early as possible, at the latest 2 weeks prior to the greenlight meeting.
- 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
- 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 documents:
- motivation letter* explaining why a confidential annex or anonymised thesis is not possible, accompanied by a signature of the first supervisor
- if applicable: a written confirmation of the organisation or company where you execute the thesis assignment
* mandatory data in your motivation letter:
- student name and last name
- student number
- clear substantiation for your request
- name examiner(s)/supervisor(s)