PhDs

A PhD Defence ceremony is a formal occasion with strict protocols governing each person’s role, responsibility, and even the language used. It all works a bit like a trial, hence the term ‘PhD defence’. The ceremony begins with the gathering of the degree committee members headed by the pro-rector. The pro-rector chairs the ceremony and ensures that protocol is followed.

The defence side consists of the candidate’s supervisor and co-supervisor. They are there for the PhD candidate, having supervised his or her work and approved their request for an official PhD Defence. On the other side of the committee are experts in the candidate’s field of research. It is their job to act as sceptics, asking the candidate questions and judging his or her readiness to be awarded a PhD.

The ceremony itself is structured as follows. The candidate gives a 15-minute presentation, after which the opposition has 45 minutes to question the candidate. Afterwards the degree committee members withdraw for a confidential assessment of the Defence.