Networks and events

When you start your doctorate at Leuphana, you will automatically be part of a doctoral research group.The doctoral research groups at Leuphana form an (inter-)disciplinary group of fellow doctoral candidates and supervising professors.

For you as a doctoral researcher, the doctoral research groups are a place for feedback, academic exchange and productive discussions. Here, you regularly present your dissertation projects, visiting scholars from Germany and abroad provide input, and you can engage in dialogue with your supervisors outside of their office hours.

The Doctoral Student's Union ("Promovierenden­vertretung") is a university body and its members attend meetings of the School Councils and Senate in an advisory capacity. The Doctoral Student's Union advises on questions and needs concerning doctoral candidates and makes recommendations to the university bodies.

The so-called ‘round table’ is a meeting held once a semester between the Doctoral Student's Union and representatives of the Graduate School. This forum addresses issues affecting doctoral students, such as balancing family life with doctoral studies, internationalisation and networking.

In collaboration with the Writing Centre, the Doctoral Student's Union organises writing retreats from time to time.

Currently elected members are:

• Inga Buhrfeind for School of Education
• N.N. for School of Culture and Society
• Donald Bellarmin Mekountchou Takam  for School of Mangement and Technology
• Swantje Grabener for School of Sustainability
• Tim Dobiasch for School of Public Affairs

Doctoral students can contact the Union members via the following e-mail:
promovierendenvertretung@leuphana.de

The Doctoral Student's Council ("Fachgruppen­vertretung Promotion") represents the interests of doctoral candidates of all schools. In addition, the body organises various leisure activities and events for networking among doctoral candidates. It also takes part in the Graduate School’s networking events. Information on these activities can be found in the newsletter of the Fach­gruppen­vertretung, which can be subscribed via myStudy.

Doctoral candidates can contact the members via the following e-mail address: fgv-promotion@leuphana.de.

The Graduate School organises various networking events for the doctoral student community, where you’ll have the opportunity to chat with one another, exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere and ask any questions you may have. 

Twice a year, at the start of the semester, the Graduate School organises Opening Days. The event is an opportunity to get to know the campus, your fellow doctoral students, the doctoral courses and the support services available at the university. You will also receive useful information about the doctoral process and tips on how to make the most of the first few days and weeks of your doctoral research.

Every June, the Graduate School celebrates Homecoming Day with graduates of the ‘Leadership in Society and Business’ certificate programme. The event focuses on professional development following the completion of a doctorate. During a career discussion, alumni and doctoral students share their experiences in various professional fields and the different career choices they have made following their doctorate.

At the end of the year, the Graduate School is hosting a Christmas party – the perfect opportunity to raise a glass and network with colleagues and fellow students in a festive atmosphere.