Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour
Donders Graduate School


Donders Graduate School
In order to train young talent in the broad field of neuroscience we offer students a high-quality educational program at both the Master's and the PhD level.More information on RU website
You can find more infromation about this graduate school on the Radboud University website. go to RUFrequently Asked Questions FAQ
-
How can I check if I am registered at the Donders Graduate School?
You are registered at the Donders Graduate School as soon as your PhD track account has been activated. You cannot open an account in PhD track by yourself. Ellen Lommerse, DCMN secretary will open an account for you. Please contact her via email. Alternatively, you can use this link. Fill in your details and press ‘submit’. Subsequently, you will receive an automated reply from PhD track with password info. Your user name is your email address. -
Do I have to attend the “DCMN new PhD intro meeting”?
Yes, you do. All new PhD candidates are invited to a ‘new PhD intro meeting’ and this meeting is compulsory to attend. It provides you with lots of relevant information. Besides, it is useful to get to know DCMN members of staff so you know who to contact whenever you have questions about your PhD trajectory.
You will also meet a PhD council member who informs you about the role and activities of the PhD council. Additionally, you will meet peer PhD candidates. These meetings take place every month.
Please note that the DCMN PhD intro meeting is not the same as the (compulsory) DONDERS GRADUATE SCHOOL Introduction meeting.What kind of information is given during a new PhD intro meeting?
During a new PhD intro meeting you will be informed about various topics such as the:
organization structure, the Donders Graduate school, Donders and Radboudumc research themes, Hora est and PhD track, the Training and Supervision Plan, available courses, mentoring and you will be shown relevant internet/intranet pages. -
How do I get a confidant?
After you have attended a new DCMN PhD intro meeting, a conficant (mentor) will be appointed to you by one of the DCMN members of staff. As we carefully select a confidant for you, please allow for some time before you hear who will be your confidant. The appointed confidant will get in touch with you and arrange the first meeting.Why do I need a confidant?
A confidant is merely appointed for your well-being. The relationship is built on trust and confidentiality; he/she provides you with individual and independent advice.
- A confidant will acts as first line of support for items you don’t want to discuss with your direct supervisors.
- In the event of a disagreement or conflict with your supervisor(s) the confidant can act as mediator and/or make suggestions on how to proceed and who to involve; the confidant will only take action upon the mentees specific request.How often should I contact my confidant?
After your initial meeting, we recommend that you have a meeting with your confidant once a year or more if desired.My confidant doesn't respond to my emails. What should I do?
Try giving him/her a call. If that does not work either, please inform Ellen Lommerse. -
Why is it important for me to complete a Training & Supervision Plan (TSP)?
The Training & Supervision Plan (TSP) is an important tool for you and your supervisors to plan and monitor your progress throughout your PhD trajectory. It clearly states who your supervisors are and includes important information such as annual goals to be achieved and planned courses/training. The TSP is an integral part of your annual appraisal discussions with your supervisor(s) and should be updated on a yearly basis.
Since March 2016, It has been compulsory for all PhD candidates with a fixed employment contract from RadboudUMC to draft a TSP in consultation with the (daily) supervisor(s), click for the Radboudumc training regulation. Please take note that your TSP must be uploaded in PhD track within the first 3 months after your start date.Are there any consequences if I do not upload my TSP within the first three months?
Yes, there are. For thesis defenses from 2018 onwards, the promotional bonus awarded to the department of the first promotor is dependent on having an approved TSP, uploaded in PhD track within the first 3 months of the PhD trajectory.
If uploading your TSP within 3 months is a problem for you, please contact Ellen Lommerse a.s.a.p., clearly stating the reason of delay before this deadline. Missing signatures of supervisors due to their absence is not considered to be a valid reason.Where can I find the most current TSP template?
In the PhD track application in the ‘documents’ section. Use your personal PhD track account.Do I need to update my TSP every year?
Your TSP should be updated whenever there are important changes – and please check before your annual appraisal whether the contents of your TSP are still up to date.I would like more info on TSPs
Just click here. Any other questions, please mail to dcmn@radboudumc.nlWhen should I complete the wrap up form?
The wrap up form should be completed at the end of your PhD trajectory just before the submission of your thesis to the manuscript committee or immediately upon premature termination of your project.I have decided to stop my PhD trajectory. Who should I inform at Donders?
Please mail Ellen Lommerse and the Donders Graduate School Coordinator and include the date you officially stop(ped) as well as stating the reason why. -
Where can I find more info on HORA EST?
Just click here. -
Where can I find more info on courses, EC points and the Donders Certificate?
Click here for more info on EC points (what they are and how to collect them),
compulsory courses and training opportunities (for Radboudumc courses, click here) or how to obtain a Donders Certificate.
Please note that regulations are different for PhD candidates starting their trajectory before 2016, the transition rule is also clarified on this webpage.Can I claim EC points for learning Dutch?
Yes you can. Language courses up to 2 ECTs could be listed on the Graduate School Certificate. For Dutch language courses, click here -
What does the PhD Council do?
Click here for more info.How can I join the PhD Council?
The PhD council always welcomes new council members. Please mail our PhD Council.