Survey Workgroup

Eurodoc Survey I
The First Eurodoc Survey on Doctoral Candidates in Twelve European Countries

According to the Treaty of Lisbon, entered into force in 2009, research is a cornerstone of the knowledge society. In this sense, and in order to “take Europe into the 21st century”, a special input is dedicated to the research area. Paradoxically, the information about doctoral candidates and junior researchers across Europe is clearly insufficient. Eurodoc proposes the first study about the situation of this social group at a European level. This survey, unique in its wideness, is an excellent means of identifying some important issues affecting doctoral candidates. The survey intends to deliver relevant information and trends in doctoral education, which can be used by institutional staff involved in the scientific career process as well as by policy makers both at European and at national levels.

Eurodoc Survey I was conducted in 2008 and 2009 throughout Europe. The final report analysis the current situation of more than 7500 doctoral candidates in twelve countries (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden). This study intends to answer to two main questions: a) what is the actual situation concerning funding, social benefits and working conditions of doctoral candidates; b) what are the differences regarding the different types of doctoral education models across Europe.

Eurodoc Survey I was published in September 2011, at the Eurodoc General Meeting in Strasbourg (29-30 September 2011). This presentation focused on three main topics: funding, working conditions and mobility of doctoral candidates and junior researchers. These themes are all directly linked to the European Charter of Researchers and to the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers published by the European Commission.

You can download the Eurodoc Survey I report from here [pdf].

Contact: Júlia Tomás