An important element of the doctoral studies is that the doctoral student is given the opportunity to practise the ability to compile, analyse, present and discuss their research results with other researchers. This is done continuously throughout the studies, but at one point before the public defence of the doctoral thesis it must be done in a more formalised manner, at a so-called midway review.
The midway review is held when the supervisor and the doctoral student judge that the dissertation work has reached approximately the halfway point.
At the midway review, the emphasis should be as much on the work that is planned, as on what has already been done.
Guidelines for the implementation of the midway review
The notification of a midway review is signed by the doctoral student and supervisor and submitted to the head of department together with a summary of the results achieved and a plan for the continued dissertation work.
The principal supervisor has overall responsibility for planning the midway review and for announcing it.
The head of department, principal supervisor, examiner and doctoral student jointly decide on the date, time and place of the midway review
The head of department, together with the principal supervisor, queries and appoints three scientifically experienced reviewers who are knowledgeable in the subject area. One of the reviewers should come from another unit or another department and should be at least a docent. The task of the reviewers is to assess the thesis project, both the results achieved and further planning.
The head of department is responsible for ensuring that the members of the review team receive copies, at least two weeks before it is due to take place, of the following:
- notification of midway review
- the doctoral student's summary of the results achieved and further planning of the dissertation work
- the doctoral student's individual study plan and,
- the date, time and place of the seminar
The review team's certificate is submitted to the head of department and the examiner no later than two weeks after the midway review. A copy of the certificate is then sent to the doctoral student, supervisor and assistant supervisor.
The originals are archived at the respective departments.
A copy of the midway review certificate of completion is sent to the Faculty Office. The faculty director of doctoral studies reviews the certificate and follows up if necessary.
The examiner is responsible for registration in LADOK.
Guidelines for carrying out a midway review, including instructions for the review group
Progress grant
A progress grant is given to doctoral students who have completed a midway review when the time period between the midway review and the planned dissertation is at least 18 months (decision FON 2015-11-18). The aim is to provide the doctoral student with international scientific experience and to strengthen his or her networking. The funds can be used for travel to present results at conferences, research visits, courses, etc. The doctoral student must have travel approved by the supervisor and examiner.
The progress grant is disbursed when the Faculty Office has received a copy of the mid-PhD certificate of completion and it has been certified by the faculty's director of studies. The grant is paid to the department but is disposed of by the doctoral student.