14-month evaluation

The second assessment will take place after 14 months. A positive assessment will result in an extension of the appointment from 18 to 48 months. Although this may differ per project, it is expected that a first draft publication would be ready by this time. The file for the 14-months evaluation can be found here. 

Once you and your supervisor have signed the form, please submit it to pzhims@uva.nl for further signature and uploading into your HR file.

Go/no go decision

Your 14-month assessment should lead to a decision regarding the extension of your position to the full span of 4 years. This go/no-go decision is based on the work you have done since the start of your appointment, how you have dealt with specific tasks, actions and advice regarding points for improvement, as well as on the 9-month assessment and possible adjustments you have made to this after receiving feedback.

Mini defense

At 24 months, a ‘mini defense’ will be organized. You are halfway your PhD track and you should have some results and a view on the contents of your future thesis now.

Your promotor invites an extra assessor (in addition to the promotor and co-promotor) to this meeting, which needs to be an MT member from a different research theme. You will be asked to give a presentation on your results so far and your outlook on the second half of your PhD project. Other questions at this assessment could include whether the original objectives of the project are still within reach, what experiments can be performed in the time left, what courses and conferences should you join, among others. Before the meeting you provide your mini defense committee with the following:

• an outline or plan of your thesis;
• a draft of at least one chapter or article.

This extensive assessment aims to give you positive and constructive feedback on your project and to help you keep on track.

24-month assessment

The third assessment will take place after 24 months. The file for the 24-months evaluation can be found here. 

Once you and your supervisor have signed the form, please submit it to pzhims@uva.nl for further signature and uploading into your HR file.

36-month assessment

At 36 months, another progress meeting will be organized. This is an opportunity to think about what final experiments should be done before you start writing everything down for your thesis in about 6 months' time. The file for the 36-months evaluation can be found here. 

Once you and your supervisor have signed the form, please submit it to pzhims@uva.nl for further signature and uploading into your HR file.

Mandatory courses

At 30 months, if you have not yet started thinking about your life after the hora est, you should do so now. Around this time you should participate in the compulsory course “Launch your Career!” that helps you prepare for a career after your PhD (whether in science or not). Individual coaching by ProActief is also possible. It is recommended to discuss this topic with your supervisor too.