Doctoral training should encourage links with business

The League for European Research Universities (LERU) study entitled ‘Doctoral Studies in Europe: Excellence in Researcher Training’ provides a model for excellence in doctoral training as an essential factor to strengthen Europe’s research base.

According to the authors, “excellence” can be achieved by a strong selection and evaluation of doctoral candidates, their immersion in a fertile and rich research environment, high quality administrative and programmatic support, and strong institutional leadership and management. 

The report also points out that doctoral training is clearly different from the first two university cycles and therefore should not be over-regulated nor subject to European credit system. The authors also argue that to achieve excellence, universities need more autonomy to develop their own strategies and methods of doctoral education.

Furthermore, LERU suggests that business-academia links should be encouraged through dialogue, collaboration and exchange “to foster attention to the needs of society and promote a wider view of career opportunities for doctoral graduates”. 

The study also includes examples of good practice in doctoral training as well as recommendations for European and national academic institutions. 

To access the full report on LERU’s website, click here.