Supervising doctoral researchers is a core responsibility in academia, and a particularly complex one. Beyond disciplinary expertise, it requires strong communication skills, role clarity, and the ability to navigate a wide range of individual and institutional expectations. Yet, opportunities for structured exchange about supervision practices remain limited in everyday academic life.
With the Supervisor Peer Coaching program, GRADE introduces a new format designed to address this gap. It offers professors and postdoctoral researchers a dedicated space to reflect on their supervisory practice, share experiences, and develop solutions to real challenges together.
Reflect, exchange, and grow as a supervisor
The program is open to both professors and postdocs who are formally or informally involved in supervising doctoral candidates. Its aim is to support participants in refining their supervisory approach, articulating their own principles of supervision, and strengthening the overall quality of doctoral training.
Rather than focusing on abstract models, the program centers on participants’ own experiences and day-to-day supervisory situations.
Learning through structured peer coaching
At the heart of the program is a structured method of peer coaching. Participants bring along concrete situations or questions from their supervisory practice, which are then explored collaboratively within the group.
Through a facilitated process, participants consider different perspectives, formulate hypotheses, and develop practical strategies. Roles within the group rotate regularly – ranging from case presenter to moderator or observer – allowing everyone to engage from multiple viewpoints.
An experienced coach provides guidance during the initial stages, after which the group gradually takes ownership of the process and continues working independently.
Program structure: guided and self-directed
The Supervisor Peer Coaching program runs over approximately nine months and combines facilitated sessions with self-organized meetings:
- Kick-off (26 June 2026, 13:00–17:00, Campus Westend): Introduction to the method, group formation, and establishing a trusted working environment
- Follow-up session (1 September 2026, 13:00–17:00): First case discussions with support from the coach
- Self-organized phase: Additional meetings arranged by participants (e.g. November 2026 and January 2027)
- Closing session (19 March 2027, 13:00–17:00): Joint reflection and transfer of insights into participants’ own contexts
All sessions will be held in English. Depending on the group’s needs, external experts may be invited to contribute on topics such as conflict management, mental health, diversity in supervision, or role clarification.
A trusted environment for open exchange
Confidentiality is a fundamental principle of the program. It ensures that participants can openly discuss challenges and sensitive situations from their supervisory practice.
Over time, the program also fosters the development of a supportive, interdisciplinary peer network that can extend beyond the formal duration of the program.
Registration and participation
The call for registration is open from mid-April to the end of May 2026. Interested participants are invited to register via email, briefly outlining their supervisory experience, expectations, and potential topics they would like to explore within the program. A short CV (maximum two pages) should also be included.
Upon completion, participants may receive a certificate documenting their engagement and professional development in the area of doctoral supervision.
For further details and application information, please visit the program website.
