PhD coordinator Annemiek Barsingerhorn and postdoc coordinator Lisa Groenendaal-van Weert are committed to supporting this community. They do so by offering a wide range of activities, from the Graduate School Introduction Day when PhD candidates arrive, to the Career Event for guidance on life after the PhD or postdoc. That life could be within or beyond academia, as you can see in this overview of our PhD alumni.
But these events are not just about learning. “For us it is also about creating a community,” Annemiek explains. “Young researchers can be so focused on their own project that they miss out on the bigger picture. Our events and those of the councils help them connect with others, build a network, and get inspired by what is going on beyond their own research group.”
The majority of PhD candidates and postdocs have successful, fulfilling, and enjoyable trajectories, with only the normal setbacks that are part of the research process. However, when things do not go well, support might be needed. “Our goal is to make sure that in those cases no one is left alone, for PhD candidates, postdocs, and their supervisors,” says Annemiek.
PhD Council
Both the PhD and Postdoc Councils are essential pillars of the Donders community. They not only act as the “eyes and ears” of the institute, sharing valuable insights and concerns with Annemiek and Lisa, but also take the lead in organising events that bring researchers together.
Veronique Stokkers and Iris Visser are both PhD candidates and active members of the Donders PhD Council, with Veronique currently serving as chair. The Council represents PhD candidates across the entire Donders Graduate School, with representatives from DCC, DCCN, DCN, and DCMN, collecting feedback, organising events, and helping to shape policy from a PhD perspective.
“Especially in the beginning, it’s a lot to take in,” Iris reflects. “Having someone from the Council at the intro days made a difference; it showed us where to go with questions.” Veronique agrees: “It helps to know you’re not alone. The social activities we organise are just as important as the info sessions—we’re building community.”
Both speak highly of the Donders Graduate School’s activities, such as the annual Graduate School Day. “It’s not only fun, but it makes you realise others are facing the same challenges,” Iris says. “There’s this ‘second-year dip’ many of us experience, and talking about it helps.”
Their work in the Council also exposed them to colleagues from very different research fields. “That’s what I enjoy most—meeting people I’d never cross paths with otherwise,” says Veronique. For Iris, the highlight of her PhD so far is working with patients. “After all the preparation, actually starting the study and seeing how much it means to participants—that’s incredibly rewarding.”
Asked what advice they’d give others, both emphasise stepping out of your own bubble. “Go to events, even if you don’t know anyone yet,” Iris encourages. “You’ll meet people who understand what you’re going through—and that’s invaluable.”
