The monthly half-day afternoon seminars are a central component of the qualification program. The TUTORials focus on the individual progress of the doctoral projects and thus serve to create and maintain a common interdisciplinary understanding and regular exchange. The TUTORials begin with an introductory lecture (in the first year) or input on advanced topics (subsequent years) by a project leader, followed by at least one progress report from a doctoral student, which is discussed by all doctoral students and project leaders of the Manchot Graduate School TUTOR. The TUTORials conclude with a guest lecture.
Qualification program
The structured graduate program centers on the respective research project. The accompanying study program is specifically designed to match the research concept. The qualification concept has the following main goals:
- Building and expanding comprehensive theoretical and methodological knowledge and skills in the research areas of the graduate school: optics and reactivity, in particular knowledge of organic emitters for optoelectronic applications, in luminescence thermometry and photo-redox catalysis;
- Development and expansion of skills in interdisciplinary scientific contexts;
- Development of early scientific independence through the transfer of responsibility; and
- Acquisition of key qualifications, intensive supervision and advice.
The TUTOR retreats offer all TUTOR members an efficient opportunity to exchange scientific ideas, advance project ideas and collaborations, and strengthen collegial spirit and networking. During these two-and-a-half-day retreats, doctoral students present their project results in the form of lectures and/or scientific posters. The doctoral students are involved in the planning and organization of the retreats. We are also planning a symposium in the third year of the qualification program. The objectives of the TUTOR symposium are to promote scientific exchange and networking among TUTOR members with cooperation partners and experts from research and industry, to facilitate intensive discussion of project results and ideas, and to initiate and intensify cooperation.
These intensive workshops for doctoral students serve as a basis for increased networking, the initiation of joint projects and collaborations, the exchange of expertise, and the joint development of ideas among doctoral students. During these retreats, doctoral students will present their project results in the form of oral and/or poster presentations and discuss project ideas, plans, and problems as well as ongoing and future collaborations in more detail. At least one interdisciplinary workshop will be integrated into each event, e.g., in the field of science communication or career development.
Participation in national and international conferences is an essential part of the qualification program.
In addition to individual practical training as part of their daily laboratory work in their respective research groups, doctoral students can acquire advanced practical and methodological expertise through laboratory rotations (optional).
TUTOR benefits from the central services offered by the Graduate Academy of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (iGRAD), which include numerous advisory services and the organization and evaluation of a wide-ranging workshop program covering key professional and scientific skills.
An advanced program for scientific presentation and communication comprises four different elements and is designed and implemented in cooperation with iGRAD.
A) Science communication and outreach activities
B) Development and training of presentation skills
C) Debating and fact-based argumentation
D) Promotion of further digital skills
Research data management is an essential part of doctoral students' research projects. There will be training courses on general aspects of research data management as well as training courses on specific solutions for electronic laboratory records.
Doctoral students are encouraged to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills in addition to their scientific expertise. The aim is not only to publish research results, but also to make them socially and economically effective. In cooperation with the Center for Entrepreneurship Düsseldorf (CEDUS) at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, a tailor-made qualification program is being created for this purpose. CEDUS is the central start-up support center at HHU, raising awareness of entrepreneurial thinking and accompanying researchers from the idea stage to the implementation of practical innovation projects.
