Mission & Aims

By the end of their PhD training VBC PhD students should be able to:

•  Understand a scientific problem, define specific questions, and by scientific reasoning develop an (experimental) approach to address it. In particular, the following scientific practices should have been acquired:
  • to independently and critically evaluate the current state of a research field regarding the chosen scientific problem and approach
  • to formulate testable hypotheses
  • to design experiments to test hypotheses, to define a realistic time plan for them, and to define their logical outcomes
  • to plan and implement projects rigorously, and be able to revise them when necessary
  • to interpret experimental outcomes and to reach sound conclusions based on the results
  • to propose and follow up experiments
• Have demonstrated the ability to be intellectually independent and to take project ownership
• Be critical thinkers and proficient in scientific reasoning
•  Be experts with regard to their topic, and knowledgeable in science and the scientific method in general
•  Have advanced science communication skills in
  •  Writing (for publications/fellowships and grant applications)
  •  Presenting to specialized and interdisciplinary audiences

To achieve these goals students need to have/develop the following competencies

• willingness and capability to learn and/or expand technical skills
• proficiency in keeping thorough research records
• practicing high standards of professionalism and collegiality
• cultivating professional networks and collaborations