Supervision of Doctorates
On the following page, you'll find information about doctoral advising:
- Events for Advisors
- Options for Ph.D. Advising
- Advisory Services
- Recommended Reading
Events for Caregivers
October 13, 2026, 4:00–5:30 p.m., online
The Art of Doctorate Supervision
Good supervision contributes to the success of doctorates and fosters the development of highly qualified scholars. The responsibility of advisors to support doctoral students in the research process and guide them on their path to academic independence can be complex and challenging at times. In our moderated 1.5-hour discussion session, you can confidentially share your experiences and discuss the challenges of advising doctoral students. We look forward to your participation. Further information about the event and registration can be found here: The Art of Doctoral Supervision: Networking and Sharing Experiences | Merseburg University of Applied Sciences
February 25, 2027, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., online:
Good Scientific Practice (GWP) in Doctoral Supervision The workshop is
based on current regulations regarding GWP, the standards and values addressed therein, as well as violations of these regulations and how institutions handle them. The workshop will focus on the role of supervisors in the publication process—with an emphasis on authorship—and in the context of documenting the research process (research data management). The workshop will be led by Dr. Michael Gommel, a trainer in good scientific practice. Dr. Gommel played a key role in the development of the DFG Code of Conduct on GWP. Registration by February 8, 2027, via: josephin.winkler@h2.de
Options for Ph.D. Advising
At Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, there are two options for supervising doctoral students: as part of a cooperative doctoral program in collaboration with a university, or at one of our doctoral centers.
To become a member, you must meet the prerequisites of the HAWPromVO:
© CASE
Consulting Services
If you are interested in becoming a member of one of the doctoral centers, please feel free to contact us. For the IWIT doctoral center, Dr. Christian Hedtmann will be happy to advise you; for the other doctoral centers, please contact Katja Czech.
For questions regarding doctoral advising at the IWIT Doctoral Center, please contact Dr. Christiane Hedtmann. For questions regarding doctoral advising at the SGW, Doctoral Center Life Sciences, and Doctoral Center Architecture and Design Research, please contact Katja Czech.
Supervising doctoral students and their dissertation projects takes time and does not always proceed without conflict. If you need advice regarding doctoral supervision, please feel free to contact us in confidence. For the IWIT doctoral center, please contact Dr. Christian Hedtmann; for the other doctoral centers, please contact Katja Czech.
If you need advice in the event of a conflict with the principles of good academic practice, please feel free to contact the Ombudsperson at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, who serves as an independent and trusted advisor. The Ombudsperson advises both those who report concerns and those to whom the concerns relate, while maintaining confidentiality.
- Ombudswoman: Prof. Dr. Annett Baasch, FB1 - LOEL
- Deputy Ombudsman: Prof. Dr. Alexander Carôt, FB5 - INS
Alternatively, you may contact the Germany-wide Ombuds Committee.
Recommended Reading
Shaping the Doctorate Together—Recommendations for Supervisors
(2025, 5th edition) by QualitätsZirkel Promotion
This brief guide provides supervisors with questions and suggestions for the various phases of the doctoral program (preparation, research, and completion). It includes a questionnaire that you can use to reflect on mutual expectations regarding supervision. Here you will find the recommendations for doctoral students.
Supervising Doctoral Students: Recommendations and Best Practices for Universities and Supervisors
(2017, 2nd edition) by the University Association for the Qualification of Young Researchers in Germany (UniWiND) e.V.
In addition to addressing individual responsibilities, this volume also focuses on the institutional level: What can universities do to improve conditions for doctoral studies?
Conflicts During the Doctorate: A Guide for Advisors at Graduate Institutions, Doctoral Students, and Supervisors (2025) by UniWiND
The guide describes typical conflict situations between supervisors and doctoral students, including possible causes, consequences, and options for action.
Supervising Doctoral Students
(2025) by Dr. Jutta Wergen
This book provides supervisors with an overview of how to structure doctoral supervision as well as practical tools.
© HAW LSA
The extent and quality of doctoral advising have a huge impact on the success of a doctorate. Feel free to contact us if you need support!
Katja Czech, Speaker of Promoting Early Career Researchers
