The pilot project on quality assurance in doctoral supervision comprises five annual survey rounds. Following the surveys conducted in the Fall Semesters 2024 and 2025, preparations are currently underway for the third survey round.

The pilot project on quality assurance in doctoral supervision at the University of Zurich comprises an annual online survey of doctoral candidates (Doctoral Supervision Survey) over a period of five years.

The project aims to ensure and continuously enhance the quality of doctoral supervision by introducing a standardized feedback mechanism. It seeks to strengthen positive aspects of supervision while identifying and addressing potential challenges.

The survey results provide a basis for dialogue on doctoral supervision across different levels of UZH and among the groups involved.

Data are collected throughout the duration of the project and analysed once a sufficient data basis has been established ("regular dormant evaluation"; seeData protection).

The online survey is open to doctoral candidates from all faculties at UZH and is conducted annually during the Fall Semester.

It consists of a first part collecting feedback on supervision by specific supervisors or line managers and a second part covering doctoral candidates' general experiences with their research and working environment at UZH (seeSurvey).

• Doctoral candidates participate voluntarily and anonymously, providing feedback on their supervision, research environment and social environment at UZH.

• The Graduate Campus is responsible for conducting the survey and for data management and analysis.

• Access to raw data is restricted to authorised personnel involved in conducting the survey and analysing the data. Survey reports are produced exclusively in aggregated form and only where sufficient data are available.

• Deans receive aggregated survey reports to support quality development within their faculties. These reports provide a basis for dialogue on doctoral supervision within the faculties, for example with heads of graduate schools or doctoral programmes as well as with supervisors.

The pilot project was developed by an interfaculty working group under the leadership of the Office of the Vice President Research and continues to be supported by this group. All faculties are represented in the working group, usually by the Vice Deans for Research and Academic Career Development or other faculty representatives, together with theGraduate Campus and theVAUZ.

The pilot project originated from an initiative of the VAUZ, which was brought to the Vice President Research jointly with the Graduate Campus.