Stockholm university

Forum for Doctoral Students

The project Forum for Doctoral Students provides additional support for PhD students in the human sciences. The purpose is to provide additional guidance so that more PhD students finish on time and feel good a long the way.

PHOTO: DZMITRY DZEMIDOVICH, Mostphotos
 

Objectives

Forum for Doctoral Students has three main objectives:

  • More PhD students should finish on time
  • Decrease negative stress and absence due to sick leave among the PhD students
  • Further strengthening Stockholm University’s competitiveness

Forum for Doctoral Students consists of:

  • A mentorship program
  • Career activities
  • Writing labs
Photo: ANDREY POPOV, Mostphotos

 

 

Mentorship Program

The purpose of this mentorship program is to support doctoral students in navigating their role as PhD students and their future career. More specifically, you will get paired with a faculty member (lecturer or researcher) from a different faculty at Stockholm University to discuss matters of importance to you. Topics might include, but are not limited to, how to understand and navigate the Swedish academic system, how to retain a good work-life balance, and how to assess career choices during and after the PhD. The idea is to provide an open atmosphere where doctoral students can ask questions about the academic processes, receive guidance, and learn from their mentors' experiences. There are many unwritten rules in the academic world. This implicit knowledge is often well-known to the mentors but not to the mentees. This knowledge is shared with the doctoral students and made explicit. The mentor also develops with the doctoral student by participating in the doctoral student’s progression and academic journey.

An animation of what mentoring is about.

This program is modelled on a longstanding mentorship program to support young researchers at Stockholm University as well as last year’s mentorship program for PhD students at Stockholm University. The mentorship program for doctoral students includes three joint meetings over the course of a year. The program also includes three hourly meetings per semester with your individual mentor to discuss topics of specific relevance to you. This year's program began in February 2024 and is currently full. We meet in a nice location on campus (Aula Magna).

Read the article: Mentorship increases well-being

 

Career Activities

Some young peolple gather around a table.
Photo: YURI ARCURS, Mostphotos

The career activities aim to answer the question: What should I do after my PhD? Guest speakers, who represent various career paths, share their journey. Participants are encouraged to expand their network by discussing with other doctoral students at the event. The career seminars are organized three times per semester during lunch. There will be three career seminars during the spring semester.

 

Writing Labs

Gula Villan
Photo: Björn Dalin

The writing labs are a cornerstone of the project. These sessions occur every Tuesday between 9-11 am throughout the semester. In that way, doctoral students regularly set aside time for their research and writing at an excellent location (Gula Villan). The energy during these sessions is dynamic and helpful. For example, we end each session by sharing advice about academic research and writing. 

Writing labs for PhD students every Tuesday 9-11 Gula Villan. There will be three career seminars during the spring.

Read the article, Create Structure and Joy in the Research Studies

 

Åsa Burman, Project Manager

Åsa Burman

Åsa Burman, Reader (Docent) in practical philosophy at Stockholm University is Project Manager for Forum for Doctoral Students. She listens to the suggestions for activities and support from the PhD students to continuously provide relevant information and individual help, for instance, regarding planning, writing, publishing, and career questions.

Website, Åsa Burman

 

Initiators

The pilot project, Forum for Doctoral Students, began in the fall 2022 and continuosly evaluated. The project continues during 2024. The initiators of this project are:

  • The Board of Human Science
  • The Human Resources Office
  • The Deans of the Faculties of Humanities, Law and Social Sciences
  • Åsa Burman, Reader (Docent), Practical Philosophy at Stockholm University
 

Forum for Doctoral Students

 

 

 

Course for All Doctoral Students

All doctoral students at Stockholm University can register for a doctoral course that provides research-based techniques and strategies to finish on time and feel good during the PhD journey. There is one course for new PhD students (beginning and up to two years into the PhD) and one for more experienced PhD students (halfway or more). All sessions take place in Aula Magna.

The courses for spring semester 2024 are full. The course will be offered again during fall semester 2024. An invitation email for the courses during fall 2024 will be sent to you from your director of studies. If you have questions or would like to register, reach out to  forumfd_humvet@su.se

Group 1: PhD students who are new or have reached less than halfway

Workshop 1 
Date: February 5th, at 9-12.

Workshop 2
Date: February 26th, at 9-12.

Workshop 3 
Date: March 18th, at 9-12.

Workshop 4
Date: April 15th, at 9-12

Workshop 5
Date: May 6th, at 9-12.

 

Group 2: PhD students who have reached halfway or further

Workshop 1
Date: January 29th, at 9-12.

Workshop 2
Date: February 19th, at 9-12.

Workshop 3
Date: March 14th, at 9-12.

Workshop 4
Date: April 8th, at 9-12

Workshop 5
Date: May 13th, at 9-12.

 

Spring 2024

Writing labs for PhD students every Tuesday 9-11 Gula Villan. There will be three career seminars during the spring.

 

What Should I Do After the PhD?

Colourful kite
Photo: Mostphotos, ChiccoDodilFC

Career Seminar

Forum for doctoral students invites you to three career seminars during spring 2024. Free lunch included! To sign up email: forumfd_humvet@su.se (Limited spots available.)

Upcoming career seminars spring 2024:

  • From Sociology to Skolverket
    27th of February in Gula Villan, 12-13
    With associate professor in sociology Stephanie Plenty, currently employed by Skolverket, on her new role and how to write a non-academic CV.
  • From PhD student to Post Doc
    9th of April in Gula Villan, 12-13
    With Viviana Stechina, PhD, from Research Services sharing advice on how to apply for postdoctoral funding. Viviana Stechina is a Research Officer at the Office for Research, Engagement and Innovation Services (REIS). One of her main responsibilities is to give support regarding postdoctoral external funding. In this career seminar, she will give an overview of available research grants and scholarships to apply for after your PhD. She will also provide guidance on how to search for research funding opportunities as well as some tips on writing an application.
  • From the UK to Swedish Academia
    14th of May in Gula Villan, 12-13
    With Isaac Taylor, associate senior lecturer in philosophy, on moving from the UK to Swedish academia and his prior career in the public sector
 

Contact

You are welcome to contact the Forum for Doctoral Students:

forumfd_humvet@su.se

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