We believe that junior researchers are motivated by their passion for their project and by their determination to succeed, because they are keen on generating career opportunities after completion of their PhD. The ZIBI Graduate School supports this individual quest by creating an environment of excellence. We do so by careful assessment and selection of students, regular interactions of students with peers and PIs, and critical yet constructive feedback on their scientific progress.

Each doctoral researcher of the ZIBI Graduate School has a primary supervisor that is responsible for the research project. Within the first months of the doctorate, the doctoral researcher has to prepare a project outline with a time schedule.

In addition, the doctoral researcher, together with their primary supervisor, chooses two further members for their “thesis advisory committee” and a supervision agreement is prepared to formalize the Student-PI relationship and to provide security and reliability. The committee meets at least annually with the doctoral researcher to monitor the progress of the research project and give advice for their scientific project but also for personal career-enhancing tasks.

Doctoral researchers also present the progress of their work at the monthly Students’ Days and at the yearly retreat. Additionally, every research group has their own specific lab meetings and seminars, which naturally include perennial presentations on the progress of the doctoral researchers.