Advisory Committee

Supervision throughout your PhD

The Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) provides comprehensive guidance and support throughout your doctoral journey, ensuring the quality and successful completion of your research project. The committee consists of your PhD advisor, who guides your research and holds academic responsibility for the quality and success of your dissertation, as well as an external advisor who is independent of the primary advisor and can provide an objective assessment of your progress. In some research groups, an experienced researcher may supervise a small team. If the person responsible for your day-to-day supervision is not your primary advisor, this person should also be a member of your TAC as a co-advisor. It is not mandatory to have a co-advisor.

All IMPRS-APS students are expected to set up a TAC during the first six months of their doctoral training and to meet with the committee at regular intervals: six months into the research work and yearly thereafter, increasing in frequency to every six months after the third meeting. During a TAC meeting, the doctoral student gives a brief presentation on their progress and discusses with the committee the expected route to completion of the dissertation. The student should then fill out the report form, have it signed by the advisor, the external advisor, and, if present, by the co-advisor. The form should then be returned to the coordinator of IMPRS-APS.

Information and Frequently Asked Questions about your TAC

Who is eligible to be an external advisor? Does it have to be a professor?

The primary requirement for an external advisor is their independence from your primary advisor, coupled with a robust understanding of the scientific principles relevant to your research. This expertise should enable them to engage in meaningful discussions and provide constructive feedback on your work. While it is not mandatory for the external advisor to hold a professorship, they should be a senior scientist whose PhD students pursue independent research (i.e., they possess their own right to supervise PhD students and are not directly involved in your research project).

If you have any uncertainties regarding eligibility, please do not hesitate to reach out to the scientific coordinator(s) of IMPRS-APS for clarification.

How do I find an external advisor?

While your external advisor does not need to be one of the IMPRS-APS group leaders, reviewing this list can be a helpful starting point. If you do not find a suitable match, consider discussing your options with your advisor or co-advisor, as well as other students in your research group, who may have valuable insights. Additionally, feel free to reach out to the scientific coordinator(s) for recommendations, and don’t hesitate to ask fellow IMPRS-APS students for their advice and experiences in finding external advisors.

When should I form the thesis advisory committee?

You should form your thesis advisory committee within six months of starting in the IMPRS-APS program, and it is essential that the first TAC meeting be held before the end of your first year. Keep in mind that finding a convenient time for all members can be challenging, so it’s wise to plan ahead. Once you have established your TAC, please inform the IMPRS-APS coordinators about your external advisor.

What should I prepare for the TAC meeting?

You should prepare a concise presentation outlining your research work, including the motivation and goals of your project, current results, next steps, as well as the prospective challenges and opportunities for completing your research. Additionally, it's important to discuss your progress in meeting the academic requirements of the IMPRS-APS program. The main focus of the meeting will be an open discussion about your project, so ensure that you provide sufficient background information and relevant facts regarding its current status.

Is it mandatory to have a TAC meeting every year?

Yes.

What should I do with the completed TAC form?

You should return the completed TAC form to the IMPRS-APS office. You can submit either a physical version or a scanned version of the form. If you choose to scan the form, please ensure that you keep the original document for your records.

Is it possible to have a TAC meeting without the primary advisor?

Yes, it is possible to hold a TAC meeting with just your external advisor and co-advisor (if you have one), but it is important to remember that your primary advisor will ultimately need to sign your thesis. Therefore, they should be kept informed about the meeting's discussions and outcomes. Additionally, they should review the completed TAC form, allowing them to offer comments and contribute to the recommendations before signing.

What if my advisor and co-advisor refuse to have a TAC meeting?

If your advisor and co-advisor decline to hold a TAC meeting, please reach out to the scientific coordinator(s) for assistance. All members of the IMPRS-APS faculty are required to conduct TAC meetings with their doctoral students. This refusal may indicate deeper communication issues, so we encourage you to contact us promptly for guidance on addressing the situation effectively.