Dijkgraaf emphasises need for clear rules for PhDs

It is essential for PhD candidates to be fully aware of their rights and obligations, the award of the doctorate and the defence of the thesis, Minister Dijkgraaf writes (links in Dutch, ed.) in response to a critical PNN investigation. “Uncertainty about a PhD can lead to unwanted stress and high workloads, which could be prevented by transparent policy”, according to the minister.

Unclear rules
According to PNN, which compared the rules for PhDs at 15 Dutch universities, there are – in addition to the central rules for PhDs – many different local rules that aren’t easy to find. PhD candidates do not always know what they have to do.

It was a unique occurrence, dating back to two years ago, that led to the study. A PhD candidate in Tilburg was not awarded a doctorate, even though she defended her thesis. She finally received it after a retake.

Universities
To prevent these kinds of situations, PNN wants universities to include all the rules and assessment criteria in their central rules for PhDs. The public defence of the thesis ought to be purely ceremonial and not an actual assessment. If that is not the case and PhD candidates can actually fail, this must be made clear in advance. The possible avenues of appeal must also be included in the rules.

According to Dijkgraaf, who has talked to PNN, it is up to the universities to decide what to do with the recommendations. The network will have formal discussions with the universities in May.