PhD supervision 

Main supervisor

The main supervisor supports the student throughout their doctoral program, from research planning and training to the writing of the dissertation, while monitoring their progress, helping them develop their career and secure funding, and providing regular feedback. The supervisor is also responsible for ensuring that the student has sufficient time and maintains a good balance between their dissertation, research work, and other obligations.

The main supervisor must be a Professor at UNIGE—either within the Faculty of Medicine or another faculty—and if they are not affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine, the co-supervisor must be a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine.

Thesis committee

The primary purpose of the thesis committee is to ensure proper doctoral training, evaluate the progress of the research, and provide additional expertise. It also serves as a platform for open communication and potential mediation if needed.

At the start of the doctoral studies, the supervisor, in consultation with the candidate  identify members of the thesis committee. The thesis committee consists of three to four members : one of whom is the main supervisor, and a co-supervisor can be included in the committee. 

The student

The student bears essential responsibilities to ensure steady progress in their PhD journey, encompassing both coursework and research activities. The student's role commences by initiating enrollment at the university and being proactive in seeking advice when necessary. Throughout the thesis work, the student collaborates with the thesis director to align with jointly set objectives. The student’s responsibilities are further outlined in the university’s doctoral code.