Year’s finale
Column
Peter Stålberg, Vice-Dean for Research Training, emphasises that doctoral studies are precisely an education and not a set of articles to be produced.
Having assumed the position of Vice-Dean for Research Training at the Disciplinary Domain this summer, Christmas and the finale of the year are now approaching.
Lacking an actual doctoral hat, I have taken the trouble to order one for the winter conferment ceremony on 26 January. It felt significant after spending the last few years on loan to Uppsala University Hospital in various management roles. In a world of conflicts and a polarised Sweden, it feels meaningful and good to dedicate myself to research and education that can improve the lives of everyone in an inclusive sense.
The importance of quality in thesis articles
In doctoral studies, we at KUF will continue to devote ourselves to improving it and play a leading role in improving the situation for all doctoral students, but with a particular focus on clinical doctoral students. Clinical research in Uppsala is very strong, as the ALF evaluation showed, but we need to facilitate the possibility of research time and improve the course offerings for clinical doctoral students.
To promote continued excellence in research, it is also appropriate to emphasise that doctoral studies are precisely an education and not a set of articles to be produced. We need to emphasise the importance of the quality of the articles in the theses from our Disciplinary Domain by remembering that fewer high-quality articles in a thesis are desirable rather than the other way around.
Something that I have been contemplating is whether we should perhaps introduce grades for both theses and defences to increase incentives, possibly linked to financial incentives? It is worth considering and if so, it should be investigated and prepared in good order. I welcome input on that matter and everything else related to doctoral studies.
The new portal for doctoral studies
Next year, the earnest hope is that the new portal for doctoral studies can be launched, thereby facilitating and simplifying all administrative steps, such as admission and application for the defence of thesis. Keep an eye out for the newsletter, where all changes will be described.
With the hope for a good and restful end of the year, let the new one begin at an accelerated pace.
Peter Stålberg, Vice-Dean for Research Training
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The columns are written by Medfarm managers and executives to tell you about what has happened, is happening, or is about to happen at the Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy.