Support & Network
PhD coordination support
The coordination team, located at the Institute of Global Health in Campus Biotech, Geneva, provides support, guidance, advice, administrative assistance, and mentoring throughout your PhD. They are your primary contact for any administrative inquiries or concerns related to the program, and they organize the annual Spring School in Global Health. They also serve as a bridge between students and supervisors, offering guidance and assistance in a confidential and understanding manner. Enquiries can be sent to:
Open House sessions
Open House sessions are monthly informal meetings organized for each cohort, usually lasting an hour and conducted online. They provide an accessible platform for students to ask any questions, meet each other, or share ideas related to their PhD. Topics range from practical or regulatory queries about courses and exams to requests for additional meetings, writing support, or courses.
Health and wellbeing
A PhD can sometimes present challenges which are demanding, unpredictable, and overwhelming. Prioritizing a healthy work-life balance and taking care of your mental health is key. The University of Geneva has launched an initiative called My Mind My Priority, which raises awareness among students about the importance of mental health and gathers the university’s resources in one place.
The University provides psychological support services, with a dedicated team of psychologists available at a reduced fee. It also provides a mediation service for conflict situations that may arise between individuals involved in the PhD process, and confidential counselors for conflicts with staff members, psychological or sexual harassment, sexist, homophobic or racist comments, verbal and physical violence, and social, psychological or medical problems.
Graduate Campus
Graduate Campus is a platform aimed at supporting doctoral and postdoctoral students by providing comprehensive information and resources. It facilitates the settlement of students into university life, offers details on administrative steps, informs about housing options, and gathers necessary information in one place. It also fosters a community of doctoral students and offers workshops to develop cross-disciplinary skills.
Sports
The UNIGE Sports Department offers students and staff a wide range of activities at a reduced rate. Registration typically opens prior to each new semester, with occasional multiple-day workshops and courses being offered.