Qualification program "Cultures of Knowledge"
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.
Interdisciplinary Roof
This program draws together the various knowledge cultures of the Graduate School and provides space for a discourse that is both professionally sound and cross-cutting at the same time. An annual Doc Retreat "MayDay" forms the core of the Graduate School. The "MayDay" is an integral part of the CuKnow qualification program and mandatory for all members of the graduate school. At the heart of the event is the presentation of doctoral projects in tandems, where pairs collaboratively develop and present a research project. This format fosters deep dialogue and mutual reflection on methodological and theoretical approaches.
Disciplinary Pillars
Doctoral colloquia and further offerings arranged within a department offer members a disciplinary exchange opportunity and space for methodological reinforcement of their own research work. Here, too, projects initiated by doctoral students are promoted for further events, e.g. study days or reading circles.
Academic Foundation
In the foundation program, basic qualifications for the implementation of a research project, the doctorate, are taught on the one hand, and on the other hand, competencies and components for further career paths (in the academic and non-academic sector) are created. For this purpose, the Graduate School CuKnow closely cooperates with the Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS) and the KIT Academy for Responsible Research, Teaching, and Innovation (ARRTI).
Reflection and completion of the program
To successfully complete the program, participants are required to submit a brief report after each CuKnow-funded trip. A template will be provided for this purpose. In addition, a final reflection report must be submitted. The experiences gained will also be presented in a short presentation during the “MayDay” event as part of the official certificate ceremony.