Forum for doctoral students
Forum for Doctoral Students provides additional support for PhD students in the human sciences. The purpose is to provide additional guidance so that more PhD students finish on time and feel good a long the way.
Objectives
Forum for Doctoral Students has three main objectives:
- More PhD students should finish on time
- Decrease negative stress and absence due to sick leave among the PhD students
- Further strengthening Stockholm University’s competitiveness
Forum for Doctoral Students consists of:
- A mentorship program
- Career activities
- Writing labs
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Welcome to the Mentorship Program for Doctoral Students year 2026-2027!
The purpose of this program is to support doctoral students in navigating their role as PhD students and their future career. The program primarily invites doctoral students in the beginning of their PhD studies (second or third semester). You will get paired with a faculty member (lecturer or researcher) from a different faculty at Stockholm University to discuss matters of importance to you. Topics might include, but are not limited to, how to navigate the Swedish academic system, how to retain a good work-life balance, and how to assess career choices during and after the PhD.
This program is modelled on a longstanding mentorship program to support young researchers at Stockholm University as well as the four last years’ mentorship programs for PhD students at Stockholm University.
The mentorship program for doctoral students includes three hourly meetings per semester with your individual mentor to discuss topics of specific relevance to you. It also includes three meetings over the course of a year, where we invite guests to talk about issues like supervision, post-doc life, academic freedom/political regulation etc.
The program starts in late September 2026 and runs until 2027. We will meet in a nice location on campus (Aula Magna).
How to apply for the mentorship program:
Write a one-page letter in which you introduce yourself, briefly explain your research topic, and why you would like a mentor. Send the letter in a pdf-file to: forumfd_humvet@su.se. The letter will be used to select candidates and also to pair the candidates with the right mentor. We have 10 spots available.
The latest date to submit your application is the 1 June 2026. All applicants will get notice 10 June the latest. The specific dates for the three meetings over the course of a year are:
- 30 September 2026, 15 - 17
- 22 January 2027, 13 – 15
- 21 May 2027, 13 - 15
You must be able to make all three meetings to apply. In case of questions, feel free to reach out to Maria Wendt, project manager of Forum for doctoral students including the mentorship program for doctoral students: forumfd_humvet@su.se
Career Activities
Photo:: YURI ARCURS, Mostphotos
The career activities aim to answer the question: What should I do after my PhD? Guest speakers, who represent various career paths, share their journey. Participants are encouraged to expand their network by discussing with other doctoral students at the event. There will be two career seminars during the autumn semester.
Research Funding
The next career seminar will focus on research funding. Viviana Stechina, Research Officer at the Office for Research, Engagement and Innovation Services will lead the seminar. One of her main responsibilities is to provide support on matters related to external funding.
During the seminar, she will present an overview of available research grants and scholarships that can be applied for after completing a PhD. She will also offer guidance on how to search for research funding opportunities and share tips on how to write a strong application.
The seminar will be held in English on May 21, 13:00–14:00, at Gula Villan.
To register, please email: forumfd_humvet@su.se
Writing Labs
Photo: Björn Dalin
The writing labs are a cornerstone of the project. These sessions occur every Tuesday between 9-11 am throughout the semester. In that way, doctoral students regularly set aside time for their research and writing at an excellent location (Gula Villan, Ninox). The energy during these sessions is dynamic and helpful. For example, we end each session by sharing advice about academic research and writing.
Course for All Doctoral Students
Finish on time and feel good along the way
Many doctoral students feel that a duality characterizes their PhD studies; on the one hand, an incredible amount of freedom and time to work with the subject one is passionately interested in, on the other hand, that freedom leads to frameworks that are too loose. This course provides solid techniques and new strategies to finish on time and feel good along the way.
The course is open to all doctoral students at Stockholm University and the course is given in English. Location: Aula Magna, Mimer for all workshops. All participants get coffee and sandwiches during the first and last workshop.
Register by sending an email to: forumfd_humvet@su.se. Please mark the subject line of the email: Doctoral student course (limited number of seats available). The same email address can be used for questions about the course. Welcome!
"For me, it has had an enormous impact on my everyday life. I get more done in my working hours and no longer have to work evenings or weekends."
- Course participant
If you have questions or would like to register, reach out to: forumfd_humvet@su.se.
Group 1: New PhD students who have reached less than halfway
Workshop 1 – Academic productivity
From efficiency to effectiveness: How do I use the 80/20 principle in my thesis work?
Workshop 2 – Academic productivity
From vague visions to concrete goals: How do I set realistic goals?
Workshop 3 – Academic writing
From perfectionism and procrastination to flow
Workshop 4 – Sustainable working methods
The demand-control-support model
Individual sessions – Academic productivity
From vague visions to concrete goals: How do I follow up on my goals and continue to work with the new strategies?
Date: Individual session with the course leader (we find a date and time that works together).
Group 2: PhD students who have reached halfway or further
Workshop 1 – Academic productivity
From efficiency to effectiveness: How do I use the 80/20 principle in my thesis work?
Workshop 2 – Academic productivity
From vague visions to concrete goals: How do I set realistic goals?
Workshop 3 – Academic writing
From perfectionism and procrastination to flow
Workshop 4 – Sustainable working methods
The demand-control-support model
Individual sessions – Academic productivity
From vague visions to concrete goals: How do I follow up on my goals and continue to work with the new strategies?
Date: Individual session with the course leader (we find a date and time that works together).
What Should I Do After the PhD?
Career Seminar
Forum for Doctoral Students invites you to career seminars. To sign up email: forumfd_humvet@su.se.
Limited spots available.
Contact
You are welcome to contact the Forum for Doctoral Students: