Doctoral Charter

The Doctoral Charter of the University of Liège is a preventive tool designed to guide the professional relationships between supervisors and doctoral candidates. Each party can find, in parallel, guidelines categorized into four sections. This Charter commits the University of Liège and all its members involved in the doctoral process. 

SCOPE OF THE CHARTER 

This Charter contextualizes and frames the General Regulations on studies and work related to the preparation of a doctoral thesis, in order to more precisely guide the relationships between doctoral candidates and thesis supervisors¹ within the University of Liège, and to promote a dynamic that supports a smooth progress of the doctoral journey. As a globally renowned institution of education and research, the University of Liège is indeed committed to maintaining the highest quality standards in the relationships between doctoral candidates and their supervisors.

Doctoral research is a demanding endeavor that requires strong and solid relationships. The Doctoral Charter of the University of Liège was developed by the Doctorate Board. It was presented and approved by the “University Council for Doctoral Training and the Doctoral Degree” (CUFDD) on 01/07/2024, by the “Commission Universitaire de la Recherche et de l’Enseignement” (CURE) on 09/09/2024, and subsequently validated by the Board of Directors (CA) of the University of Liège on 18/09/2024.

By adopting the Charter, the University of Liège acknowledges the crucial importance of having such a preventive tool to promote a research environment that fosters transparency, collaboration, mutual respect between doctoral candidates and their supervisors, as well as the active role of both parties in the successful completion of the doctoral journey. Therefore, it is important that all members of the university community involved in this matter fully adhere to these principles and, as key players in research, act responsibly, whatever the stage of their career.

The complementary reference texts to the Doctoral Charter are: The European Charter for Researchers, Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (COARA), Doctoral Partnership Guide (ULiège) and the OTM-R Recruitment Policy. 

¹Refers to the various supervisors of the doctoral candidate in a broad sense.

SUPERVISORS' COMMITMENTS

O1. Competences

First and foremost, the principal supervisor assesses the suitability of their own skills for the chosen thesis topic and the methodology to be applied. They also evaluate the candidate's motivation and ensure that the candidate has the skills needed to successfully complete the project. The principal supervisor ensures that the doctoral candidate has access to a thesis committee composed of a panel of experts whose skills cover all areas related to the thesis. They commit to complying with the OTM-R recruitment policy.

O2. Start of the Doctoral Journey

The principal supervisor assists the doctoral candidate in defining and planning their doctoral project, both in material, scientific, and ethical terms. They support the candidate's motivation. The principal supervisor suggests completing the Doctoral Partnership Guide to ensure a harmonious working collaboration.

O3. Supervision

The principal supervisor devotes sufficient time to their supervisory role. They involve any necessary additional supervisors for the completion of the thesis in question. They provide regular supervision and responsiveness to the doctoral candidate's requests to facilitate progress and the successful completion of the thesis. The principal supervisor monitors progress and gives constructive feedback on the quality of the candidate's work, scientific activities, and training. They inform the candidate when they are not progressing as expected and initiate constructive discussions. The principal supervisor ensures the work plan is followed and adjusted when needed, and introduces the candidate to the research profession. They guide the candidate in their learning path, leading them to become an independent scientist. The principal supervisor ensures that key interactions and important decisions related to the completion of the doctorate are recorded in writing (e.g., reports, meeting minutes, emails).

O4. Attitude

Supervisors adopt a respectful and supportive attitude towards the doctoral candidate and their work. They are mindful of the candidate's well-being and, if necessary, inform them of the support processes available within the University of Liège. The principal supervisor ensures the candidate's proper integration into the team and contributes to the development of their scientific network. They raise awareness of ethical principles, scientific integrity, societal engagement, and ensure adherence to workplace safety measures. In the event of conflict, the supervisor commits to engaging in dialogue with the candidate and resource persons before initiating any procedure with the competent authorities.

DOCTORAL CANDIDATES' COMMITMENTS

O1. Competences

Before approaching a supervisor, the doctoral candidate evaluates the suitability of her/his own personal skills for the chosen thesis topic and the methodology to be applied. They ensure that they follow the appropriate training courses to develop their skills (e.g., thematic, scientific, and transferable skills) needed to meet the requirements of their research and complete their doctoral journey.

O2. Start of the Doctoral Journey

The doctoral candidate takes an active role in defining and planning their doctoral project. They are attentive to the advice and recommendations of their supervisors, both in material, scientific, and ethical terms. They suggest to their principal supervisor to complete the Doctoral Partnership Guide to ensure a harmonious working collaboration.

O3. Research

The doctoral candidate is dedicated to their doctoral research, adopting a proactive, constructive, and progressively independent approach to their work while regularly reporting progress to their principal supervisor, especially regarding any difficulties encountered. If necessary, they re-engage with their principal supervisor to seek feedback and clarifications if the advice provided is not sufficiently clear. The candidate considers the recommendations of the supervisor and their thesis committee. They are fully committed to the role of researcher.

O4. Attitude

The doctoral candidate adopts a positive and respectful attitude toward their principal supervisor, other supervisors, and colleagues. They demonstrate a willingness to integrate into the research team and show openness in developing good relationships with those around them. They are committed to societal engagement, adhere to the principles of ethics and scientific integrity, and follow workplace safety measures. In the event of conflict, the doctoral candidate commits to engaging in dialogue before initiating any procedure with the competent authorities.

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