What we did in the project
SDU conducted two study circles of four sessions each running from October 2014 until April 2015. Each study circle had six participants consisting of 2/3 men representing different levels of experience as PhD supervisors. The participants were selected by the Heads of Department, and all four departments were represented.
The participating PhD supervisors nominated one PhD student each for a focus group interview. These interviews took place before the Study circles. The interviews focused on the students‘ expectations before starting as a PhD student; one year into the programme; and whether these expectations had changed. The responses were used as input in the Study circles.
What we learned in the project
We have learned that a PhD programme can look very different from partner institution to partner institution and that a PhD student most often is a student and not an employee at the same time – which is the case in the SDU context.
It has been interesting to plan and conduct study circles for the PhD supervisors. We have learned that it is a valued activity by many of the participating PhD supervisors and that many of them have taken something with them from the study circles. We have learned that there is a need for such a forum, where the supervisors can exchange ideas and get inspired by each other.
Moreover, we have learned that very few supervisors were aware of gender questions related to supervision and by addressing the challenges we can move people. Especially the younger supervisors (both men and women) acknowledge a need to address these issues.
SDU – University of Southern Denmark
Faculty of Science
Campusvej 55,
5230 Odense M
Denmark
Tel: +45 6550 1000
Representatives
Project Manager Eva Sophia Myers – Head of Faculty Administration, Faculty of Science
Task Leader Liv Baisner, Faculty of Science
Task Leader Gitte Toftgaard Jørgensen, Faculty of Science
Task Member, Henrik Gautier, Faculty of Science
General Information
Number of employees (2015): 3,838.
Scientific staff: 2,325.
Tech/adm.staff: 1,518.
Full professors: 264 (23% women).
Postgraduate education includes: 1,000 doctoral students (58% women).
Student body: 31,299 students.
Educational programmes: 89 BA (4 in English). 112 MA (30 in English). 21 professional Masters 10 diploma programmes (continuing education at the level of BA or MA), part time studies and The Danish University Extension.
Turn-over: DKK 388 mio €. Approximately 1/4 of research is funded by external sources.
Five faculties: Science, Health Science, Engineering, Humanities and Business and Social Science.
Project team situated in Dean’s Office/Faculty administration.
Representing in FESTA: administration and leadership, gender specialist and Science.
FESTA SDU Steering Committee: Dean of Faculty of Science, Head of Department of Biology, Chair of SDU’s central Equality Board and Head of unit for Organizational Development at the Human Resource Services.