#29 Golden Rules for PhD supervision

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Read time: 3 min.

You often hear PhD students complain about their research experience.

One common feedback is the complex relationships they might have with their supervisors.

This goes from lack of communication, to management issues, unaligned expectations, lack of soft skills etc.

This can ruin their research experience. And their PhD.

The Leiden University Graduate school has developed a nice infographic to outline the golden rules for both supervisors and PhD candidates.

I want to summarize the keypoints here.

Let’s start with the Supervisors

Be Professional, Committed, and Accessible:

• Remember that every PhD student is unique, with their own needs and expectations.

• Give the necessary time and effort to your supervisory role. You’re also responsible for the project's success.

• Keep regular communication with your students and be available when they need you.

Be Consistent, Clear, and Mindful of Time:

• Communicate clearly what you expect and provide regular feedback on their progress.

• Highlight the importance of realistic planning and be aware that research timelines can change.

Be Open to Giving and Receiving Feedback:

• Offer constructive and balanced feedback to your students.

• Be open to receiving feedback on your supervisory style and look for ways to improve.

Be Aware of Stressors and Future-Oriented:

• Recognize that PhD students might face additional challenges outside their research.

• Encourage them to think about their career path after graduation and provide guidance where possible.

Tips for PhD Candidates

Be Professional, Committed, and Accessible:

• Maintain a professional style and be proactive in your research.

• Commit yourself fully to the PhD process, understanding its length and potential challenges.

• Be responsive to your supervisor's communications and keep in regular contact.

Be Consistent, Clear, and Mindful of Time:

• Be honest about your progress and manage expectations realistically.

• Develop achievable plans and be ready to adjust them as needed.

Be Open to Giving and Receiving Feedback:

• Actively seek feedback on your work and be open to constructive criticism.

• Provide feedback to your supervisor on the supervisory process.

Be Aware of Stressors and be Future-Oriented:

• Take care of your well-being and manage stress effectively.

• Start thinking about your career goals during your PhD.

Additional Tips

• Address potential issues with wisdom.

• Remember that planning is an essential skill for PhD candidates.

• Feedback should be a two-way exchange between supervisor and student.

I find these tips quite useful to create a positive and productive research environment.

Feel free to share them with PhD candidates and Supervisors.

Let us know in the comments if something is missing or if you have any other suggestions.

As usual, if anything is unclear or if you need help with your research projects, please contact me and I will reply.

See you next Sunday!

Jamal

My favorite things this week

1. Great discussions with a leading research institution in the UAE around researcher profiles and research reporting.

2. A rich session with the research office of a major university in South Africa.

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