Finishing your PhD
This section outlines the steps towards completion: thesis submission, formal requirements, defense procedures, deadlines, and final administrative tasks. It helps you prepare efficiently for graduation and close this phase of your doctoral journey in a structured way.
Completion Guide & VDSEE Certificate
The VDSEE provides you with a Completion Guide (PDF) that summarizes all administrative steps required for thesis submission and graduation, including reviewer nomination, timelines, and formal procedures.
Additionally, the VDSEE offers a certificate that documents academic activities and contributions within the doctoral school beyond those listed on the official diploma. The completed certificate template should be submitted to the VDSEE office for signature prior to the defense.
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Completion Workshop
This lecture introduces key considerations for approaching the doctoral writing phase. It addresses practical aspects of structuring a dissertation, organising the writing process, and developing effective writing strategies.
The session provides guidance for PhD candidates preparing to begin or actively working on their thesis manuscript.If you are planning on finishing your PhD within the next 12 months we strongly encourage you to participate.
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Dissertation
The dissertation is the central outcome of your doctoral studies and represents your independent scientific contribution to the field of ecology and evolution. At VDSEE, dissertations are typically cumulative and based on peer-reviewed research conducted during the PhD. This section outlines the general expectations and structure of the dissertation itself.
- A cumulative dissertation usually consists of:
- three peer-reviewed scientific publications,
- addressing a coherent overarching research question.
- The individual papers must be scientifically connected and framed within a general introduction and discussion.
- The structure and format of the dissertation must be agreed upon with the supervisor(s) and must follow University of Vienna doctoral regulations.
- The dissertation is based on the research plan approved earlier during the PhD and developed throughout the doctoral project.
- Scientific work included in the dissertation must follow principles of Good Scientific Practice and proper authorship standards.
Please note that the final doctoral thesis has to be submitted to the StudyServiceCenter of Life Sciences!
It is advised to start planning at least 6 months prior to submission. - A cumulative dissertation usually consists of:
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Defense
The public defense marks the final academic step of the doctoral program. During the defense, candidates present their research and discuss their work with an examination committee, demonstrating scientific competence, critical reflection, and the broader relevance of their dissertation.
- The defense consists of a public presentation of the dissertation followed by a scientific discussion with the examination committee.
- The presentation typically lasts about 30 minutes and summarizes the main research questions, methods, results, and conclusions of the dissertation.
- The subsequent discussion examines:
- the dissertation research,
- its scientific context,
- and the candidate’s broader expertise in the field.
- The examination committee is appointed by the Director of the Doctoral Study Programme and includes three examiners and a defense chair.
- The defense can only take place after the dissertation has received positive reviews.
- The defense date must be scheduled in coordination with the responsible administrative offices and committee members.