To ensure an equal foundation for the nurturing environment, all of DTU's PhD Schools are committed to offering the following activities for PhD students:
As a new employee and PhD, being introduced to the local scientific environment in a friendly setting is important. An onboarding program helps by welcoming new candidates into the department, fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging, and provides a strong starting point.
Starting a PhD may be troublesome with regards to practical, social and personal issues. Meeting up with an experienced peer can be beneficial. The Buddy assists new PhDs in adapting to their roles within the local department by providing access to relevant information.
The importance of feeling well with fellow PhDs is essential to perform well. This is where informal activities make the basis for a trusting community supporting psychological safety.
The PhD school must conduct an interview with PhD students one year into their studies. The aim is to gather data to improve the DTU PhD study programme in general as well as assess the well-being of the individual PhD student.
The interview is conducted by a scientific staff member serving on the department's PhD committee. If this is not possible, another scientific staff member will be appointed to conduct the interview by agreement with the head of the PhD school.
Welcome to the PhD Association at DTU! We are a voluntary association consisting of PhD Students, postdocs and research assistants at DTU. We are dedicated to aiding you in your professional development, organizing exciting events, and supporting your transition into PhD and researcher life. As your voice, we strive to represent your interests both internally and externally.
If you belong to one of the groups mentioned above, you are automatically a member of the PhD Association and you are welcome to join our board. Our board is committed to representing our members through regular meetings and collaborative events. Internally, we engage with DTU's management, including the Deans, President, and Vice-President, as well as HR, the main lesion committee (HSU), PF, and the board (links). We also hold an observer seat in the Academic Council (AR). Externally, we collaborate with unions (especially IDA and DM) and the national association for early career researchers PAND to ensure your interests are well-represented.
The board consists of 16 dedicated members, alongside the Chair and Treasurer, who are elected at the annual general assembly. Each board member is part of a working group, fostering teamwork and the integration of volunteers. Our board meets monthly to share updates and plan upcoming initiatives, while the working groups operate independently to drive our mission forward.
In the PhD Association DTU, we work to make our time as a researcher both rewarding and enjoyable.
Our goal is to support you academically, professionally, and socially through a wide range of initiatives driven by our dedicated working groups.
We organize events that strengthen the PhD community — from workshops on career development and mental health to social gatherings that help you connect with peers across departments.
We also focus on improving everyday life at DTU by promoting well-being, inclusion, and awareness around issues that matter to our members.
Through our annual PhD survey, we collect valuable feedback to identify challenges and guide new initiatives that enhance the PhD experience.
Our communication efforts ensure that all members stay informed, engaged, and connected, while our events and activities create opportunities to learn, share, and grow together.
In short, we are here to foster a supportive, inclusive, and vibrant community where every PhD student, postdoc, and research assistant can thrive.
We welcome volunteers to join our efforts! If you are interested in contributing to the board, please reach out. Any involvement, large or small, is much appreciated.
DTU's Mental Health Awareness Programme
Several times a year, DTU is offering a course for PhD students, Postdocs and Research Assistants, focusing on mental health and well-being.
Read more and sign up for the mental health awareness programme.
A sports organization with the aim of promoting community and physical activity at DTU.
