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Good Supervision Culture

The supervisory relationship represents a crucial element in the successful completion of a doctoral project.
But what exactly is good supervision? What does it mean? How can it be defined and evaluated?

The “Good Supervision Culture” project ran from 2023- 2025 and aimed to foster discussion about the supervision process, with the goal of harmonising and improving doctoral conditions across all BUA institutions. On this website, we give you an overview of the structure of the project and its results. You find an even more detailed description in this report (in German).

© iStock: Drazen Zigic

© iStock: Drazen Zigic

A Multistep Approach to Dialogue

“It is important to have conversation in an open-minded atmosphere.”
— Participant, Discussion Round

Through a multistep approach, all members of the target group – both doctoral candidates (R1) and supervisors – were invited to exchange their perspectives on the topic of supervision in a data-based and open-minded environment (see Fig. 1).

The discussion topics were developed on the basis of empirical data and direct feedback from both groups.
They draw on findings from the nacaps – National Academics Panel Study, on feedback and suggestions from doctoral candidates, and on a survey of professors’ opinions about supervision conducted by the Berlin Leadership Academy (BLA).

Building on these insights, an expert group was established during the implementation of the project to ensure its long-term impact and sustainability.
The project yielded effects both in terms of sustainable products that were developed jointly (series of videos and Doctorate-Descision-Platform, see below) and on the level of the single institutions (e.g. in newly established guidelines for supervision or a new supervisor award) 

(Fig. 1: The project is based on a multistep approach involving doctoral candidates, supervisors, and joint discussion rounds.)

(Fig. 1: The project is based on a multistep approach involving doctoral candidates, supervisors, and joint discussion rounds.)

Empirical Basis and Discussion Process

The project is based on empirical data collected across all four BUA institutions and aims to connect insights from both doctoral candidates and supervisors.
The following steps illustrate the structure of the dialogue process:

  • Doctoral candidates discussed the results of the Nacaps survey and shared experiences and expectations of good supervision.
  • Supervisors reflected on findings from the BLA survey on supervisory activities and their own practices.
  • Joint discussion rounds brought both groups together to exchange perspectives and define shared principles of good supervision.

These multilevel discussions provided a foundation for improving the supervision landscape and identifying sustainable measures.

Results and Achievements

Summarizing the project outcomes:

  • 4 BUA institutions analysed supervision-related data and created an expert group
  • 17 discussion rounds with over 100 participants were organised
  • 149 professors took part in the BLA supervision survey
  • Doctorate Decision Platform: An interactive online tool designed to support prospective PhD candidates in their decision-making process. After answering around 50 guided questions, users receive individualized feedback to help them reflect on their motivations, expectations, and circumstances when considering a doctorate. The tool is available in German and English, free of charge, and can be used without registration: https://www.soscisurvey.de/BUA-PEP
  • Video Series: Doctoral candidates and supervisors from a range of disciplines and institutions share their experiences and insights across the different stages of the doctoral journey. Each video focuses on a key phase—Orientation, Planning, Research, Writing, Completion and Defense, Supervisory Relationship—highlighting common challenges and practical ways to navigate them.  An additional video, Tips from the experts, features guidance and practical advice from the Center for Junior Scholars.
  • Closing Event and Networking: The project concluded with a final event on 15 December 2025, featuring the presentation of key results and outputs, an inspiring keynote by Gitte Wichmann-Hanse, and a panel discussion. Participants also had the opportunity to connect and exchange ideas. The event was visually documented through live sketches by Jana Kreisl.
  • 1 comprehensive report documenting the project has been completed

The establishment of the expert group ensures the long-term continuity and implementation of project results. This group continues to work on developing new measures such as updated supervision guidelines, digital tools, and formats to further strengthen the supervision culture across the Berlin University Alliance.

Looking Ahead

From our perspective, this project has been successful in two key respects:

  1. It has raised awareness of the importance of supervision across all BUA institutions and led to the implementation of new measures.
  2. It has provided a valuable platform for mutual learning and collaboration, contributing to the ongoing enhancement of doctoral supervision practices in Berlin.

We look forward to the possibility of continuing the project as part of BUA 2.0

Contact

Dr. Simone Bartsch, Advisor Services Doctoral Candidates & Postdocs, Doctoral Candidate Database
Technische Universität Berlin
E: promoting-talent@berlin-university-alliance.de