Supervision

SICSS complements individual supervision by providing a structured framework that supports doctoral candidates throughout their doctorate.

While academic guidance and responsibility remain with the supervisor(s), SICSS offers additional structures that help ensure continuity, clarity in expectations and regular reflection on doctoral progress.

The SICSS model is designed to:

• support sustainable doctoral trajectories,
• facilitate interdisciplinary exchange within CLICCS II,
• create clear expectations and milestones,
• provide an additional space for reflection and feedback.

SICSS works in close cooperation with supervisors, institutions, faculties, and existing graduate schools.

Supervisor(s)
Supervisors provide academic guidance and are responsible for:

• scientific supervision of the doctoral project,
• supporting research progress and publication strategy,
• guiding doctoral candidates within their academic field.

Panel Chair
The Panel Chair is an independent member of the Advisory Panel who plays a moderating and supportive role within the Advisory Panel.

The Panel Chair:

• facilitates balanced and constructive discussions,
• helps keep meetings focused on progress and next steps,
• brings an additional independent perspective,
• can be a neutral sounding board for the doctoral candidates if needed,
• maintains a link to the SICSS Office to ensure guidance and process support throughout the doctoral project.

The Panel Chair works alongside supervisors to support the doctoral process.

SICSS
SICSS provides the institutional framework by:

• coordinating structured elements of the doctoral programme,
• supporting panel composition,
• offering training and networking opportunities,
• advising supervisors and doctoral candidates when needed.

Advisory Panel Meetings are a central element of structured doctoral supervision within SICSS.

Each doctoral candidate is supported by an Advisory Panel consisting of:

• the Supervisor,
• Co-Supervisor(s),
• an independent Panel Chair.

Meetings occur every six months and focus on:

• research progress,
• milestones and planning,
• potential risks or challenges,
• professional development.

Doctoral candidate responsibilities:

• prepare the APM (project summary, timeline)
• schedule the meetings in coordination with all panel members
• first APM within first 6 months; extended final-year APM for project completion and career planning

APM Reports:

• Send reports to the SICSS Office within one week after the meeting
• All Advisory Panel members should be cc’d
• Signatures are not required at this stage
• Corrections or clarifications can be submitted later

Purpose:

• maintains a structured record for reflection and support
• allows supervisors and Panel Chairs to focus on constructive guidance rather than administration
• keeps SICSS informed about doctoral progress in a timely manner

The Supervision Agreement defines roles, responsibilities, and procedures of the Advisory Panel.

It is signed by all panel members and the SICSS Office.

Purpose and benefits:

• The agreement clarifies roles and expectations for all parties from the start.
• It ensures that the Advisory Panel can support doctoral progress effectively.
• While other institutions may require signed agreements, SICSS has developed its own tailored framework to reflect the specific needs of interdisciplinary doctoral projects within CLICCS II.
• The agreement promotes transparency, continuity, and a structured approach to doctoral supervision.

Key steps include:

1. Constituting the Advisory Panel (principal supervisor, co-supervisor(s), Panel Chair)
2. Signing the Supervision Agreement to formalize roles and responsibilities
3. Setting up Advisory Panel Meetings (APMs)

All members receive a copy and are introduced to the system. The agreement ensures clarity and mutual understanding for all parties, while keeping the process flexible and supportive.

Access the full Supervision Agreement here.

Doctoral candidates funded through CLICCS II automatically become members of SICSS (in exceptional cases, affiliated with IMPRS-ESM).

Additionally, doctoral candidates whose projects are thematically aligned with CLICCS II may apply for membership. Supervisors are encouraged to inform eligible candidates.

SICSS membership complements, but does not replace, affiliation with faculty-based graduate schools (e.g., WiSo Graduate School or other structured programmes).

For more information and guidance on the application process, see the SICSS Membership Application Guidelines.

The SICSS doctoral programme includes a small number of mandatory elements designed to support doctoral candidates:

• Introduction Course at the beginning of the doctorate
• Biannual Advisory Panel Meetings
• Annual SICSS Retreat
• Intercultural Training, Good Scientific Practices, and a Research Data Management workshop

These elements provide orientation, peer exchange, and long-term planning support, without adding unnecessary administrative burden.

Doctoral candidates are responsible for:

• suggesting Advisory Panel members in consultation with the Advisory Panel and SICSS Office
• scheduling and preparing APMs (project summary, timeline)
• submitting APM reports within one week of the meeting to the SICSS
• submitting course/workshop certificates to the SICSS
• attending mandatory SICSS courses (Introduction Course, intercultural training, GSP, RDM, Annual Retreat)
• earning at least 12 credit points
• contacting the Panel Chair or SICSS Office early if challenges arise

Supervisors:

• remain fully responsible for scientific supervision and quality control
• actively participate in Advisory Panel Meetings
• support career development and academic training
• ensure access to interdisciplinary expertise if relevant
• encourage early publication and professional growth
• provide resources and infrastructure as far as possible

Beyond doctoral training, SICSS offers support and development opportunities for postdocs (R2) and senior researchers (R3) within the Cluster of Excellence CLICCS II. Postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to build independence in research, expand visibility, and strategically plan their career paths with targeted support from SICSS.

Support includes:

• Career development workshops and coaching, including mentoring and reflection on career goals.
  Networking opportunities with peers and senior scientists across disciplines.
• Guidance on research leadership and funding strategies, e.g., for external grants and international experience.
• Participation in CLICCS‑wide career development activities and community events.

These activities are designed to support early career researchers (R2 and R3) in strengthening their research profile and advancing their careers.

For detailed information see our career support offers and the Guideline for Postdocs and Senior Researchers.