About CuKnow membership

The program of the KIT Graduate School “Cross-Utilizing Knowledge” is aligned with the goals of KIT’s overall strategy for training and supporting early-career researchers. The membership is designed to last three years, but the program can also be completed over a longer period if the doctoral studies take more time.

Membership in CuKnow lasts until the completion of the doctoral degree or until the member withdraws from CuKnow. If the minimum requirements for the full certificate are not met, a limited certificate may be issued.

Application

You can apply to CuKnow at any time—there are no deadlines and no set application periods.

The path to membership is streamlined and transparent:

1. Formal Review: The coordination team reviews your application materials to ensure they are complete.
2. Qualitative review: Representatives from the four thematic pillars review your application to ensure it aligns with the program’s focus.
3. Admission: If all four pillar representatives approve, you will be admitted as a CuKnow member.

Your Benefits as a Member

• By connecting with doctoral candidates and principal investigators from a wide variety of disciplines, you become part of a diverse network.
• Exchanges within the network and the mutual sharing of knowledge allow you to look beyond your own field of expertise.
• The interdisciplinary exploration of methods enables you to build a broad base of knowledge that extends far beyond the boundaries of your discipline.
• CuKnow’s interdisciplinary program prepares you for conducting research in an increasingly interconnected world.
• You‘ll have the opportunity to independently organize courses and activities that directly benefit your research.
• Upon completion of the CuKnow program, you will receive a certificate formally recognizing your achievements.

Application documents:

1. A cover letter describing your doctoral research proposal and its connection to CuKnow (2 pages),
2. A CV outlining your academic path (max. 2 pages),
3. Research proposal in German or English (1 page),
4. A copy of your KHYS registration confirmation or your letter of admission as a doctoral student at a KIT faculty.