Phd Program at Faculty of Science at KU Leuven – University, Belgium (2015)

Doctoral training takes first and foremost place in the research group or laboratory via informal and formal meetings with the supervisor and peer researchers. This research-based training is complemented by more structured training activities organized by the departments, the research centres and the doctoral school. PhD researchers are expected to complete the PhD within 4 years.
The doctoral training consists of three components:
1.  Development of essential research skills by carrying out an individual research project resulting in high-quality scientific output.
2.  Thematic training comprising advanced courses, invited lectures, journal clubs and doctoral seminars focused on a specific scientific topic;
3.  Training and development of personal skills that are relevant for the successful completion of the PhD and which prepare the PhD researcher for a wide range of career possibilities.

Candidates: Candidates should be highly motivated and have the capabilities necessary to carry out a long-term (4 year) research project. They must have obtained a master degree with excellent grades or must be able to demonstrate that they have received equivalent training in other ways. Candidates are also expected to be fluent in English.

Objectives: 

The aim of doctoral training is to bring doctoral researchers to an advanced level of creative and independent thinking and acting. As such, the doctoral programme prepares for a career in frontier research and education or for high-level roles in professional sectors where deep rigorous analysis is required. To realize this purpose, doctoral training focuses on personal development infour complementary domains:

1.  Professional expertise: knowledge of the discipline, analytic and synthetic mind set, creativity, out of the box attitude;
2.  Research management: project management and financing, respecting professional and ethical standards;
3.  Personal effectiveness: self-management, time management, motivation, problem solving, career planning;
4.  Impact and influence: collaboration, communication, networking, leadership.

More details: The Arenberg Doctoral School of Science, Engineering and Technology and the Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences organise a every year in December a joint information session for prospective PhD students http://set.kuleuven.be/phd/infoavond.htm. However, prospective students may contact possible promoters or Arenberg Doctoral School at any time.

More information is available on this website: More information is available on this website:http://set.kuleuven.be/phd/training.htm

You will do your PhD in an internationally oriented research environment and regularly have the opportunity to meet researchers in Belgium or abroad.
KU Leuven is a partner in several international networks. There are various international programmes on PhD level, such as EMJD, ITN, EIT KIC, etc.
It is possible to do your PhD in dual or joint PhD agreement with another university.

Faculty of Science
Geel Huis
Kasteelpark Arenberg 11 – 3001 Heverlee
Phd@wet.kuleuven.be

Arenberg Doctoral School
phd@set.kuleuven.be

Website of the Arenberg Doctoral School: http://set.kuleuven.be/phd