The executive board has established a new procedure (Radboudnet) for obtaining the ius promovendi (the right to award the degree of Doctor). This new procedure has been in effect since October 1, 2025, and there is a transition arrangement in place.
Ius promovendi
Promoters have the right to award the degree of Doctor, known as the ius promovendi. Full professors automatically have the ius promovendi (Article 7.18 WHW). Since 2017, other staff members with a doctoral degree can also be designated as promoters if, according to the judgment of the Promotion Board, they possess sufficient competence.
Motivation
There was considerable interest from the organization in expanding the ius promovendi, allowing associate professors to obtain this right based on clear, uniform, and transparent criteria. Currently, about 40% of all associate professors hold the ius promovendi. The adjusted procedure aims to positively contribute to the supervision of PhD candidates (more promoters) and the recognition of supervisors who are not full professors.
Summary of the new procedure
- Associate professors who have successfully supervised a minimum of 2 PhD trajectories and have completed a course for supervisors are eligible for the ius promovendi.
- A short form is used to request the ius. The request still goes via the dean.
- The application includes a positive recommendation from the research director regarding the candidate’s competence as a good supervisor and good researcher. The research director gathers information from the graduate school for this.
- Instead of a letter of recommendation from a professor, a concise justification from the research director regarding the candidate’s qualities as a supervisor and researcher suffices.
Transition arrangement
Until April 1, 2026, a transition arrangement is in place: an associate professor can obtain the ius even if the course requirement has not yet been met. The condition is that the course must still be completed within one year. From April 1, 2026, the new procedure will fully apply.
Course for supervisors
Supervisors can register for the course via gRow. You can also sign up for notifications if you cannot attend the course on the available days. If there is significant interest, additional dates will be scheduled. Radboudumc offers its own course for supervisors.
Questions?
If you are an associate professor and have questions about this new procedure, please contact your HR staff member.