Information for PhD candidates

The Molecular Life Sciences PhD programme, organized by the Bijvoet Centre, as part of the Utrecht Graduate School of Life Sciences consists of the following components:

  • Introduction: An introduction to the different disciplines within the Bijvoet Centre for new PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows.
  • Tutorial Symposium: An annual symposium with renowned invited speakers and poster presentations by PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows.
  • Bijvoet seminars: Seminars with invited speakers, where PhD candidates get a chance to meet top researchers.
  • Discussion evenings: A regular evening seminar for PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows with presentations by the PhD candidates. The seminar is concluded with a dinner.
  • Advanced courses: Thematic courses intended to teach a specific technique or increase knowledge in a specific field.
  • Courses and conferences: PhD candidates are encouraged to participate in (inter)national courses and conferences which address their specific needs for further education.

Training offered by the PhD programme:

  • Bijvoet Introduction: 0.5 credits
  • Participation in at least 65% of the PhD evenings: 1.5 credits
  • Poster or oral presentations at three (inter)national meetings: 1.5 credits (0.5 per meeting)
  • Participation in at least 65% of the research group progress meetings: 3 credits
  • Training for preparing and presenting at a meeting (oral and/or poster): 1.5 credits
  • Attending at least 65% of the Bijvoet Seminars: 2 credits
  • Attending every Bijvoet Symposium: 2 credits (0.5 credit per symposium)

Advanced courses: 

In addition to these, many courses organized by the Graduate School of Life Sciences are open to PhD candidates in the programme. Information on other programmes can found in the PhD Course Centre of the Graduate School.