The spirit at LIFE

 

Informal social conventions

The social conventions at LIFE are very informal. You will find that your supervisor regards you as a colleague, maybe a less experienced colleague, but a colleague. You are expected to contribute to the research group on equal terms with other colleagues - but as a PhD student you get support to develop as a researcher. Your supervisor will also expect you to listen to the advice you get and to engage in discussions about it with him or her.

 

International research environment

All institutions have their own culture, and so does LIFE. However, the culture and social environment at LIFE are also characterized by inputs and interactions from the many international researchers. Sometimes to a degree where it becomes difficult to learn Danish because everyone around you speaks English!

 

Focus on external collaboration

Research at LIFE is mainly applied research with strong bonds to the users and the industry. This implies that the researchers have very good collaboration with national and international partners, ranging from farmers, to industry and public service. LIFE is open to the outside World, and as a PhD student you can benefit from this by building strong networks for your future career.

 

Robust administrative structure

PhD administration at LIFE is not undergoing the major changes that many other Danish faculties are currently experiencing. The 2008 ministerial order on PhD education has few consequences for LIFE, since we already had almost the structure in place that the new ministerial order imposed. Instead, the Graduate School of Life Sciences continues to build and improve the content and quality of the research education.

 

Ample resources and commitment

Research education is a priority at LIFE. Resources are allocated to develop high quality research training, and staffs working with research education are highly motivated and engaged (and that goes for both the scientific and the administrative staff). The results are high completion rates, short completion time and many international, peer reviewed publications from PhD students!