Handbook for PhD Students
This PhD Handbook serves a dual purpose: it describes the research methodology of our group and gives general advice to students, and it sets out the standards and processes that all students in the group are expected to strive for.
One of the most important functions I provide to you is feedback on your ideas, methods, results, writing, etc. Consider the following:
- If you want to discuss a technical idea at a meeting with me, it can be very helpful if you send me a write-up of your idea prior to our meeting so I can take the time and prepare. At least try to think of an organised presentation of your idea on the whiteboard for the meeting, so I can follow step by step.
- If I give you written feedback on a document you prepared, please take the feedback seriously. You should assume that when you send me your next draft, I will check whether and how you addressed my comments. Give your reasons if you decided not to address a more major comment.
- Feedback is a two-way conversation. You should actively ask questions rather than just passively receive feedback. If my feedback doesn't address a particular point that is important to you, then you should always feel free to ask for more feedback on specific points.
Important: If you send me an updated draft, please also send me the diff from the last draft. Use latexdiff.
It is a good idea to actively seek feedback from peers and experienced academics. Have an open attitude towards feedback rather than be defensive. This does not mean that you have to accept unfounded criticism or that you have to change your ideas and methods if you disagree with the feedback. However, think carefully about any feedback you get, and whether you may in fact want to change aspects in your work to address the feedback. This may mean extra work, but the resulting improvements can make the difference between an accepted and rejected paper.