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Hamburg Research Academy

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Supervisors

Supervising doctoral researchers is an important contribution to fostering the next generation of academics in Hamburg as best as possible. A dissertation is a doctoral researcher’s first step towards an academic career. Sound, expert supervision is essential to the quality of a dissertation. Moreover, supervision can significantly impact the conditions for an academic career.

Doctoral degree regulations and supervisory agreements govern the legal conditions for the supervision of doctoral dissertations. Together with their doctoral researchers, supervisors can also actively plan and design their cooperation beyond these regulations.

How to ensure good supervising?

As a supervisor, you have many important responsibilities. You guide the doctoral researcher’s academic work and create the opportunity for independent research. You engage in ongoing exchange on the thesis and share knowledge about the subject and methodologies. There are also some general criteria for good supervision, even if individual supervising relationships vary widely.

Fachlicher Austausch

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Expert exchange

Monitoring doctoral candidate’s research process and regular exchange, including feedback on the current state of research and aims.

Planung und Struktur

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Planning and structure

Support when structuring and scheduling so that the doctoral dissertation can be completed within a reasonable time.

Wissenschaftliche Integrität

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Academic integrity

Imparting and monitoring good academic practice.

Vernetzung

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Networking

Support for doctoral researchers with regard to integration into the academic community and fostering incorporation into national and international networks.

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Career prospects

Advice on career prospects beyond the doctorate and for necessary qualification opportunities.

Arbeitskultur

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Positive working culture

Fostering a good working climate with open communication, managing mutual expectations, and dealing with conflicts and challenges constructively.

The HRA has an eye on both sides

We regularly organize target group-specific offers for doctoral researchers and supervisors to support both in developing good working relationships. Moreover, we support our member institutions with our expertise and contacts and foster dialog and international exchange on best practices.

What kind of support does the HRA offer?

  • short online formats to get you started: ideas for supervising and exchange (in German and English in alternating semesters)
  • intensive workshops, especially for postdocs gaining their first experience and for more advanced supervisors
  • fostering of international exchange on the topic of supervision
  • cooperation with other institutions and referrals (e.g., the Ombuds Office, the Center for Health and Workplace Cooperation)
  • providing expertise and organizing networking formats on the topic of supervision

Kursportal HH provides an overview of all current services and offers.