Information about the survey

The survey conducted as part of the pilot project on quality assurance in doctoral supervision takes place annually during the Fall Semester (October/November). All doctoral candidates at UZH are invited to participate by e-mail from the Graduate Campus. The survey is conducted online using LimeSurvey.

Participation is voluntary and anonymous.

The survey consists of two parts covering different aspects of the doctoral experience.

Part 1: Feedback on supervision and the research environment

The questions relate to the primary supervisor and are answered on a person-specific basis. Participants may also provide optional feedback on an additional supervisor.

• Overall satisfaction with doctoral supervision
• Doctoral agreement and expectation management
• Exchange with and feedback from supervisors
• Protected research time
• Duty of care
• Social climate

At the end of the first part, participants may provide additional comments in a free-text field.

A shortened version of the questionnaire is provided for Dr. med. and Dr. med. vet. candidates.

• Overall satisfaction with doctoral supervision
• Doctoral agreement and expectation management
• Exchange with and feedback from supervisors
• Free research time
• Duty of care 
• Social climate

Part 2: General experiences with the research and working environment at UZH

The second part covers general aspects of the research and working environment at UZH, including possible experiences of discrimination, sexual harassment or scientific misconduct.

• Diversity and equal opportunities
• Experiences of discrimination or sexual harassment
• Research ethics and scientific integrity
• Scientific misconduct
• Open Science

The survey is conducted according to consistent, transparent and fair principles. It supports the quality development of doctoral supervision by helping to identify both existing strengths and areas for further improvement.

The survey also provides information on important rights and responsibilities during the doctorate, including:

• Doctoral agreement
• Annual career discussion
• Employment conditions for doctoral candidates and research assistants (including protected research time)
• Conflict management

In addition, the survey provides information on contact and advisory services, particularly for situations involving serious misconduct.

Further information, as well as support and professional development opportunities for doctoral candidates and supervisors, is available underFurther information.