Thesis Advisory committee (TAC)

A TAC is compulsory for every PhD student in the Bijvoet Centre. The TAC consists of the supervisory teams (2-4 promotors or co-promotors) and one or two mentors. While MyPhD requires each PhD candidate to submit names of mentor(s) at the beginning of each PhD trajectory, MyPhD does not monitor the continuous involvement of the mentor(s) in the PhD trajectory. The participation of mentor(s) in annual meetings is suggested to be ensured by the department (see section 4).

The mentor(s) cannot come from the same research group(s) as any of the PIs in the supervisory team.They can be from other Bijvoet research groups, other research groups in Chemistry, other departments or faculties, or even other institutions (in the Netherlands, or international). The role of the mentor is defined here, and the GSLS also provides a letter that clarifies expectations to the mentor.

The mentor should be able to objectively identify challenges in the trajectory and to advise PhD student and supervisory team in addressing those. In-depth knowledge of the scientific subject is advantageous, but not essential. Importantly, the mentor should also be able to address the well-being of the PhD student and possible conflicts with the supervisory team. The mentor is part of the annual progress meeting, and additionally available upon request.

The mentor is invited by the candidate after consultation with the supervisory team.