CuKnow qualification program

The CuKnow qualification program is structured into three areas:

  • Interdisciplinary roof: here the PhD students and PIs of the graduate school work together across disciplines
  • Disciplinary pillars: in this area, doctoral students strengthen methodological approaches and expertise in their field
  • Academic base: this is where the fundamentals of scientific and ethical work are taught

This structure ensures that the doctoral students

  • acquire general competencies for the successful completion of their research project, or doctorate, and further career path (academic and non-academic)
  • strengthen disciplinary competencies in their field and gain insight into a broader field of study
  • build skills in interdisciplinary collaboration.

The program is composed of proposals from the PIs and suggestions from the PhD students. The members' own initiative is particularly encouraged. It includes a diverse range of courses and is tailored to the needs of the participants. Cooperation in the basic area takes place with the Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS). External achievements of the doctoral students, for example with the EUCOR partners (trinational association of five universities on the Upper Rhine), EPICUR partners (a European association of nine universities) or participation in conferences, are credited to a certain extent.

Upon successful completion, i. e., active participation in courses, seminars, doc retreats, workshops, and participation in conferences in the three areas, they will receive an official certificate.

* Absence must be well justified; The number of missing hours must be compensated by participating in an alternative activity. 
**  ECTS credits are awarded for individual activities based on the time required for completion (1 ECTS corresponds to 30 hours of workload).
*** ECTS credits are awarded for both participation in and organization of the course. An additional ECTS credit is granted for active involvement in the development of the course content.
**** After each trip funded by CuKnow, a report must be submitted based on key questions. A template will be provided for the final reflelction report.