The seminar is mandatory and gives the candidate the opportunity to present and discuss their own scientific work. The seminar lasts approximately two to three hours.
The group participating in the final reading seminar consists of the candidate, the main supervisor, and a peer reviewer.
The seminar is normally public and is announced within the faculty. The PhD candidate's immediate superior, fellow PhD candidates, and institute colleagues are specially invited to observe.
Candidate's tasks:
- A near-complete thesis manuscript for the 90% seminar should be available to the peer reviewer at least three weeks before the seminar.
- The candidate opens the seminar with a summary of the thesis work, typically lasting 20 minutes.
Main supervisor's tasks:
- The main supervisor initiates the seminar.
- The main supervisor is responsible for making the arrangements with the peer reviewer. Remember that the peer reviewer cannot participate in the committee that will assess the thesis upon final submission.
- The main supervisor chairs the seminar.
- The main supervisor writes a confirmation of the completed 90% seminar. This is attached to the candidate's application to submit the thesis.
Peer reviewer's tasks:
- Conduct a prepared critical and constructive assessment of the thesis work
- Ask clarifying questions about areas for improvement in the thesis
- Present an oral advisory assessment on how the candidate should work in the final phase
- The main part of the seminar should be used for this conversation, but there should also be an opportunity for questions and comments from the audience.
- Time is set aside after the seminar for a summarising guidance conversation between the candidate, supervisors, and peer reviewer.
These guidelines were decided by the Central PhD Committee on 13 December 2024.