Brings PhD candidates together

PhD candidate, doctoral research fellow, PhD student. A dear child has many names, and PhD candidates have long been a priority area for Forskerforbundet (the Norwegian Association of Researchers). Several surveys show that the PhD period is demanding for many, and that not everyone receives the support and supervision they are entitled to.

Now, vice president Hilde Gunn Slottemo wants to bring together and meet PhD candidates across the country.

"PhD candidates are an important member group for Forskerforbundet, but also a group with unique challenges. They are both employees and students, and are in a dependent relationship with supervisors, academic communities, and employers, which can make the PhD period demanding. We may have many ideas about what they need from Forskerforbundet, but it is not certain that our ideas are accurate. Therefore, we want to meet them, hear about their experiences, and discuss what a trade union can and should contribute", she says.

This autumn, we have planned five regional gatherings for PhD candidates:

August 24 in Trondheim
August 27 in Tromsø
September 9 in Bodø
October 7 in Oslo
October 8 in Bergen

In addition, a national conference for PhD candidates is being planned.

"If we are to be the most important trade union for knowledge workers, we must be relevant to those who are at the very beginning of their research careers. This includes salary and working conditions, temporary employment and uncertain career prospects, working hours and expectations, the quality of supervision, and the psychosocial working environment. International PhD candidates may also face particular challenges. Knowledge about Norwegian working life, the tripartite cooperation, rights, and the role of trade unions cannot be taken for granted", says Slottemo.

One question that has been under discussion is whether a dedicated network or professional policy association should also be established within Forskerforbundet.

"A professional network for PhD candidates or younger researchers could be one possibility, and it is in any case interesting to investigate whether there is a need for an arena where this group can meet, formulate common interests, and gain a stronger voice within our organisation. But it would be wrong to start with the organisational chart. We will start by listening to the PhD candidates and their needs. It is the candidates themselves who must answer how they want to be involved", says the vice president.

This fall, a campaign is underway where PhD candidates get membership in Forskerforbundet for free for the rest of the year.