Thuringian universities push for the facilitation of doctoral theses. - Universities in Thuringia propose doctoral degree availability enhancement
In a significant move to bolster their research capabilities, Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Thuringia are introducing independent doctorate programs. These programs aim to allow UAS to delve deeper into academic research, transcending traditional teaching roles, and offering doctoral candidates new avenues for research closely linked to practical and dual study formats [1][5].
The University of Applied Sciences Nordhausen, for instance, is actively working towards enhancing cooperation for dual and practical study formats, signifying a stronger focus on applied doctorate programs that align with its institutional profile [1][5]. This shift reflects a growing trend among UAS to foster doctoral studies that are embedded in applied contexts, enabling students and researchers to tackle real-world problems while pursuing their doctorates.
These independent doctorate programs often involve partnerships or collaborations with external research institutes and facilities, such as the Thuringian State Observatory, which offers access to advanced scientific instruments like the PLATOSpec spectrograph for applied research [2]. Such collaborations enhance research quality and international participation for doctoral candidates.
In addition, initiatives like online seminars and conferences dedicated to doctoral candidates and early career researchers, as seen in the wider German context, support the professional development of PhD students at UAS. These events offer training on research presentation, career planning, and interdisciplinary exchange, facilitating the effective execution of independent doctoral research projects and helping UAS expand their research profile [4].
The legal change, aimed at improving the competitiveness of UAS in attracting research projects, is not only beneficial for universities in the industry, society, and health sector but also intends to increase the appeal of UAS to scientists [3]. However, it should be noted that the doctoral right is time-limited and subject-specific, and not every field within UAS that completes the process is guaranteed to offer doctoral studies [6].
For instance, the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt is not mentioned as having submitted an application for doctoral studies, while the EAH Jena has submitted an application for key technologies with high transfer and cross-sectional effects [6].
In conclusion, the Thuringian Universities of Applied Sciences are expanding their research capabilities through the development of independent doctorate programs linked to dual and practical study formats, the establishment of collaborations with research institutes, and the provision of professional development and networking opportunities for doctoral candidates. These initiatives are in line with broader German scientific strategies that encourage open science and international cooperation to enhance research outcomes at all types of institutions [3].
References: [1] Universities of Applied Sciences Nordhausen [2] Thuringian State Observatory [3] German scientific strategies [4] Online seminars and conferences for doctoral candidates [5] Dual and practical study formats [6] Application status for doctoral studies at various UAS in Thuringia
The University of Applied Sciences Nordhausen is augmenting its focus on applied doctorate programs to correspond with its institutional profile, allowing students the right to receive benefits of independent research within applied contexts, and enhancing their education-and-self-development through various training programs such as online seminars.
These collaborative initiatives, including partnerships with research institutes like the Thuringian State Observatory, not only provide access to advanced scientific instruments but also aim to increase research quality and international participation for doctoral candidates, reinforcing the universities' quest for competitiveness and self-development.
