Doctoral studies at ITAS

ITAS offers doctoral students all the possibilities of a multidisciplinary environment. Physicists, sociologists, environmental geologists, engineers, chemists, and many others study a multitude of different topics. This variety of disciplines gives them the opportunity to examine their own dissertation project from different perspectives. In addition, once a year every doctoral student has to give a presentation on the progress of his work in an internal colloquium at the institute. Since ITAS is located in the direct vicinity of numerous technical facilities of KIT, the expertise of researchers on site can also be used. This is especially relevant for works on systems analysis.

Apart from the academic supervisors who are often not members of ITAS, each doctoral student has an internal tutor who provides guidance and discusses the progress of the dissertation. The members of the project groups and other staff from the student’s research group are also helpful supporters. The main part of the working hours should be dedicated to research on the thesis subject, but participation in thematically relevant research projects is also possible. This helps to acquire the essential skills of research work. There are no obligations to get involved in teaching. But nevertheless, if the doctoral student wants to, this initiative is welcomed and supported.

ITAS also provides the opportunity to spend some time at an institute abroad. This can either be done by resorting to existing contacts or by establishing new ones. In addition, the institute also pays the travel expenses for attending congresses, conferences, workshops, etc. Such events should also be used to present papers on the dissertation project or reflect the newly acquired knowledge in conference proceedings since doctoral students are just like all other members of the institute invited to contribute to the scientific community. The Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS) at KIT provides opportunities for further education, support for stays abroad, and general promotion of young researchers. Moreover, it is possible to participate in graduate programs. For example, ITAS currently is involved in the Helmholtz Research School on Energy Scenarios.

Doctoral students at ITAS are normally funded by KIT Campus North’s doctoral program and get a three-year contract.

Every year, the doctoral students at ITAS elect two of them as spokespersons. They are the contact persons for the students at ITAS and organize the exchange of thoughts between the doctoral students.

A list of dissertations made in ITAS can be seen here.