Doctoral Education

At the Leuphana Center for Organization and Social Transformation (LOST), we offer high-quality training to future researchers interested in the intersection between organization, innovation, entrepreneurship, and management studies. We offer doctoral courses in the philosophy of social science, research methods, paper writing workshops, and much more. The training includes supplementary offers to enhance the doctoral experience and provide a kick-start for the academic career. The four core components are a monthly research colloquium, a compulsory doctoral program curated by the graduate school, regular LOST sessions with international guest researchers, and a doctoral conference day twice a year. The supplementary offers involve a research stay at an international partner university and a mentoring program. The goal is to train PhD candidates for research positions at leading universities or advanced research careers in consulting, government, or industry. LOST PhD candidates learn to advance theory, develop rigorous research designs, and publish their research in top international outlets in our field. 

Research colloquium
During the semester, PhD candidates attend a monthly research colloquium. The colloquium allows students to present their research projects and ideas, discuss research questions, as well as practical matters with fellow PhD candidates under the guidance of one of the professors, and receive feedback on their work progress. This colloquium is connected to the research group on Entrepreneurship, Management & Innovation (EMI).

Compulsory PhD curriculum
During the first two years, PhD candidates attend courses as part of the program offered by the Leuphana Graduate School. The courses advance students’ theoretical, methodological, and practical skills. The compulsory curriculum includes courses on research methods or scientific ethics and practice. External PhD classes, such as summer and winter schools abroad, can also count towards this curriculum.

LOST sessions and workshops
PhD students from the doctoral program in Entrepreneurship, Management, and Innovation (EMI) are invited to join our LOST sessions and workshops. Internationally renowned guest researchers are invited to share their experiences and point of view on current and emerging topics in organization studies. During the regular LOST sessions, we discuss each others' R&Rs (Revise & Resubmit) or work-in-progress projects. This can provide helpful insights into scholarly practices, particularly for PhD candidates. In addition, we offer specific workshops related to contemporary research in organization studies, such as workshops on more recent research methods, ethics, or timely debates in organization studies. Invited guest speakers have been, for example, Prof. Dr. Howard Aldrich, Prof. Dr. Joep Cornelissen, Prof. Dr. Ann Langley, Prof. Dr. Dan Kärreman, and Prof. Dr. Majken Schulz, who are leading experts in their field.

PhD conference day
Twice a year, the faculty organizes a doctoral conference day in collaboration with other research units. Before the conference, PhD candidates submit their current research papers. PhD candidates are assigned to a discussant (a senior researcher) during the conference to discuss their papers and are expected to function as the discussant for one of their peers. The in-depth review by the discussants leads to advanced writing skills and higher-quality papers. Practicing reviewing in this context also helps PhD candidates to develop essential academic skills. Furthermore, invited guests give talks about their academic careers and provide practical tips for successfully publishing research in international journals. 

Leuphana is a member of the European University Network on Entrepreneurship (ESU). Leuphana doctoral students are invited to submit their papers to and participate in workshops at the yearly PhD summer school hosted by one of the ESU member universities. 

Other events for doctoral students with the involvement of LOST scholars:

  • Austrian Early Scholars Workshop in Management
  • EGOS PhD and Pre-Colloquium-Workshops
  • Varying PhD Courses at Copenhagen Business School

International research stay
LOST collaborates with renowned universities worldwide, such as the Aalto Business School, Copenhagen Business School, McGill University, Oxford University, Queensland University, Rotterdam School of Management, Université de Montréal, and the University of Glasgow. In addition, the research center has ties to various international research networks, such as ESU, ECSB, GBSN, and ICSB. Doctoral students are encouraged to use this broad international network and undertake a research stay or fieldwork abroad. 

Additional support and resources from Leuphana Graduate School
Leuphana Graduate School offers several highly valuable resources for doctoral students. These include, among others, conference funding, a wide range of courses for developing interdisciplinary skills (GradSkills), the ProScience program, and opportunities to network with the wider Leuphana Graduate Community.