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Izabela Stanislawiszyn highlights the areas for improving doctoral programmes at the Bologna Seminar on Doctoral Studies in the European Higher Education Area

1 July 2010

Izabela Stanisławiszyn, Eurodoc President, participated in the Bologna Seminar Doctoral Studies in the European Higher Education Area, which took place in Warsaw on 17-18 June 2010.
The seminar was aimed to discuss the latest developments in doctoral studies in Europe, to exchange experience on present models of doctoral studies, to discuss pros and cons of the introduction of ECTS for doctoral programmes, to discuss quality indicators for doctoral studies and possible models of accreditation and quality assurance.

In her speech «Doctoral studies from a doctoral candidate‘s perspective», Eurodoc President suggested that doctoral programmes should attempt to define a mission or vision shared by all partners which is to facilitate the process of turning doctoral candidates into excellent researchers. She also urged to provide a clear administrative structure for doctoral programmes, candidates and supervisors, and offer a clear status for doctoral candidates. Collaboration among major partners should ensure critical mass and help overcome the isolation of young researchers.

In addition, Izabela emphasised that the sufficient teaching and transferable skills training as well as enhanced opportunities for mobility, international collaboration and inter-institutional cooperation are amongst top areas for improving the quality of doctoral programmes.

Izabela Stanisławiszyn underlined the need to clearly discern doctoral education from the 1st and 2nd cycle of the Bologna Process and called for the recognition of the professional status of doctoral candidates in Europe.