Comenius University Bratislava > Research > Doctoral school

Doctoral school

Doctoral School of Comenius University

Doctoral School is a part of wider efforts to further improve the quality of doctoral studies at the Comenius University. It also aims to contribute to the professional development of PhD students and in this regard supports the implementation of HRS4R at the Comenius University. The first activities for PhD students start in winter term 2024/2025.

AIMS OF DOCTORAL SCHOOL

The main aim of the Doctoral School at Comenius University is to develop and organise a range of activities (e.g. seminars/workshops/courses/mentoring, etc.) contributing to enhancement of doctoral studies throughout Comenius University. Courses and activities covered by the Doctoral School complement education within accredited PhD programmes to support the development of skills necessary for the employment of PhD graduates in the academic environment and beyond. In line with the Long-term Plan of Comenius University as well as the objectives of the ENLIGHT University Alliance, the ambition is to gradually offer a range of activities covering the widest possible spectrum of skills defined in the European Competence Framework for Researchers (Research Comp), especially:

  • Skills for academic careers such as academic writing and publishing, open science, responsible research, teaching, etc.
  • Transferable and soft skills such as project management, presentation skills and communication, knowledge transfer, career management, etc. to improve employability of PhDs across sectors
  • Skills for interdisciplinary research in themes and areas focusing on the challenges of social and economic practice.

THE INITIAL PHASE OF DOCTORAL SCHOOL

The initial activities of Doctoral School are implemented thanks to the project "HRS4R UK in practice: the UK Doctoral School"*, which is funded by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Slovak Republic. Two years of the project will result in:

  • Creation of online information platform for PhD students: PhD platform should provide and access to practical information on PhD studies at the Comenius University (from study administration, through publishing, to mobility support), training and activities implemented within the framework of Doctoral School. It will also include a catalogue of interdisciplinary courses offered at the faculties of the Comenius University.
  • Pilot implementation of trainings: in initial phase, activities and trainings will be implemented mainly in the areas of publishing, open science, communication of research and its impact, and collaboration with the non-academic sector. The first three training sessions will take place in the winter semester of the academic year 2024/2025.
  • Series of accompanying activities: in addition to the training sessions, the Doctoral School will offer other types of activities such as information webinars, informal networking sessions, etc.
  • Support for supervisors: Doctoral School will look for tools and approaches to help both new and experienced supervisors develop the skills needed to supervise doctoral students.
  • Building professional capacities: the Doctoral School will support professional development of staff involved in supporting doctoral studies.

Doctoral School should also strengthen the internationalisation of PhD studies and contribute to better integration of international PhD students into academic community at Comenius University. Significant part of its activities will therefore be carried out in English.

If you have any questions about activities of doctoral school please contact Janka Kottulová, PhD., e-mail: phduniba.sk or janka.kottulovauniba.sk

*Project 003UK-2-1-2023 HRS4R UK in Practice: the Doctoral School of the UK is funded by the Ministry of Education and Science.