Public presentation at the Faculty

At the Vienna Doctoral School of Ecology and Evolution (VDSEE), all doctoral candidates must complete a public presentation of their PhD project. This presentation is a mandatory milestone required for the formal approval of the dissertation topic and the supervision team under the doctoral regulations of the University of Vienna.

The presentation must take place within the first 3–6 months after the start of the doctoral studies (admission at the University of Vienna).

It serves to present the proposed research project publicly, ensure scientific quality and feasibility, and confirm compliance with good scientific practice.

Candidates must register for a scheduled presentation date and submit all required documents by the specified deadline (generally several weeks in advance).

Required submissions include:

• A written Exposé (research proposal) using the official template (DOCX), including research questions, background, methods, work plan (with timeline), risk assessment, and secured funding
• Form SL/D11 (PDF) (registration of thesis topic and supervisors), signed
• Form BSP/W1E (PDF) (good scientific practice declaration), signed
• The completed Expectations Worksheet (DOCX) agreed upon with the supervisor(s)

If applicable:

• BSP/W3 (PDF) (approval of financial support)
• SL/D12 (PDF)  (supplementary form, e.g. for closed presentations)

The Exposé is reviewed by a member of the PI panel prior to the presentation.

During the public session, the candidate presents the research project to the doctoral school leadership, supervisors, and faculty members. The presentation includes scientific discussion and feedback.

Based on the submitted documents and the presentation, the study program leader decides on the formal approval of:

• the dissertation topic
• the supervision team.

If approval is not granted, the project may be revised and presented again at a later date.