Basic Principles
At EPFL, doctoral training takes place within the framework of a doctoral programme. Each doctoral candidate therefore joins one of the doctoral programs. All doctoral programs are managed by the Doctoral School, which is attached to the Associate Vice Presidency for Doctoral and Lifelong Education (AVP-DLE).
During their 4-year doctorate, doctoral candidates must acquire genuine expertise in their thesis subject and be at the forefront of research in that field. They learn to be rigorous researchers capable of independently finding new ways to approach a specific research topic while maintaining the required scientific integrity. Research is conducted under the guidance and supervision of an EPFL thesis director (Professor or MER).
Doctoral training
The first year formally represents the first phase of doctoral training, during which doctoral candidates fulfil the first-year course requirements (ECTS), prepare a research plan, and take their candidacy examination. During the second phase, they conduct research and take doctoral courses. Each year, they must write a report on the state of progress of their work, which is evaluated by their thesis director and submitted to the doctoral programme. To complete their doctorate, each doctoral candidate must successfully defend their thesis in a private oral examination and at a public defence to obtain their degree.
Courses
Doctoral courses are delivered partly by doctoral programs, which establish study plans that correspond to disciplinary and interdisciplinary skill sets, and partly by the Doctoral School, which establishes the study plan for transversal skills.
Mentor
Each doctoral program has a group of thesis directors who agree to act as mentors. Mentors advise and support doctoral candidates in their training. They serve as independent points of contact for doctoral candidates who have questions.
Unsatisfactory work or progress
Although each thesis has its own challenges, there may be cases where a doctoral candidate’s work or progress does not meet EPFL’s expectations, which may be noted in the annual report. In such situations, the program director will notify the doctoral candidate in writing of the problems identified, the conditions to be fulfilled, and stipulate a deadline within which this must be achieved.
Funding
Doctoral candidates are generally employed full-time by an EPFL laboratory from the beginning to the end of their doctorate.
Additional information
-
Doctoral School websites
Legal basis
- LEX 2.4.0.1 Ordinance on the doctorate conferred by EPFL
- LEX 2.4.1 Directive concerning doctoral studies at EPFL
- Doctoral programmes regulations
- LEX 2.4.0.2 Ordinance on disciplinary measures
- LEX 3.3.2 Directive concerning research integrity and good scientific practice at EPFL
- LEX 4.4.1 Directive on Terms of Employment of EPFL Assistants
Everyday advice
Communication is essential for high-quality science and, above all, to ensure that objectives and expectations are clear between the doctoral candidate and the thesis director. Research results are not easily predictable and may change the direction of the research, so objectives and expectations must be reviewed and adjusted regularly. Difficult situations, misunderstandings, or conflicts can often be avoided through open discussion between the thesis director and the doctoral candidate.
The requirements for completing a doctorate are high. Developing your communication, project management, and leadership skills will help you meet the challenges you encounter and, above all, prepare you for your future career, in which these skills will become increasingly important, whether within or outside academia.
Contact
Doctoral program Directors
Overview of EPFL doctoral programmes and relevant contacts
Doctoral School
[email protected]
or Philip Mair
Deputy of the Associate Vice-President for Doctoral and Lifelong Education – Doctoral School
Tel. +41 (0)21 693 81 22
[email protected]