Mentorship & Supervision
Each PhD student is supported by a dedicated mentoring and supervision team that fosters continuous scientific and professional growth. Within the first six months, every student together with their Supervisor—appoints a Thesis Committee (TC) composed of the supervisor, an internal advisor, and an external advisor, ensuring structured guidance and personalized support throughout the program.
The supervising team
The supervisor
Head of the host laboratory and member of the SEMM Faculty, responsible for supervising the student’s research and guiding their academic development. The Supervisor may be supported by other reference figures who contribute to the student’s scientific and professional growth (see additional tutors).
The internal advisor
Member of the SEMM Faculty NOT directly involved in the student’s project—ideally with complementary expertise—serves as an independent mentor, supporting the student’s progress and acting as a point of reference should any issues arise within the laboratory environment.
The external advisor
International expert in the specific scientific area of the research project. They provide an independent, global perspective and contribute specialized knowledge that enhances the scientific depth of the student’s work. By engaging with research practices and standards from outside the host institutions—and without being a direct collaborator—they help ensure the project’s quality, relevance, and alignment with the international research landscape.
Additional tutors
– Added Supervisor
Staff scientist or postdoctoral researcher from the same laboratory who provides day-to-day scientific mentoring and technical support.
– Co-Supervisor
Group leader with specific expertise relevant to the project, offering complementary insights and guidance that enrich the student’s training experience. A clinician co-supervisor is mandatory for the residency/PhD program for Physician scientists
– Additional Advisors
Faculty members or external experts who may be appointed, when appropriate, to provide specialized input or independent perspectives that support the student’s research and professional development.