Initiatives for and by PhD researchers

VABAP (Association for Academic Assistant Staff and Contract Research Staff)

The Association of Assistant and Supernumerary Academic Staff (VABAP) is the representative body of the Academic Assistant Staff (AAP) and the Contract Research Staff (BAP) at the University of Antwerp. Our delegates represent and defend our (your!) interests in many of the councils and boards at our university. Detailed information can be found on Pintra.

Events organised by PhD researchers

In various faculties and departments, PhD researchers organise scientific activities such as conferences and lunch seminars. Those initiatives are organised and coordinated entirely by the PhD researchers themselves. The Antwerp Doctoral School provides financial support (OJO call). Some initiatives are listed below. This is not a complete list so in case you know of other initiatives that aren't mentioned yet, please let us know via DoctoralSchool@uantwerp.be.

WDW (working group for Science PhD researchers)

The Workgroup PhD researchers in Sciences (Dutch abbreviation; WDW) acts as a liaison, facilitating communication among PhD researchers in Science, Pharmaceutical, Biomedical, and Veterinary Sciences, and their university representatives. In 2014, the faculty of Design Sciences and association faculty of Nautical Sciences were also given representation.

“Our aim is to enhance dialogue between various departments and safeguard the interests of doctoral researchers. As intermediaries between PhD researchers and university PhD administration, we have successfully influenced adjustments to doctoral programmes and academic decisions to benefit doctoral researchers. Our efforts focus on highlighting the importance of inclusivity and encouraging engagement from all groups.”

The Council (rADS) and Bureau (bADS) of the Antwerp Doctoral School are responsible for the central coordination and policy of the doctoral study programme. Part of the coordination and policy is fulfilled by the faculties themselves, more specifically by the faculty doctoral committees (FDC). These faculty doctoral committees decide, among other things, on the number of points that can be awarded for a particular activity, progress reports and presentations and the procedure of the doctoral defence. The WDW sends representatives to faculty doctoral committees and to rADS/bADS meetings. This ensures a smooth flow of information and allows the WDW to act if necessary.

WDW representatives are always available to discuss issues and suggestions from PhD researchers regarding the doctoral study programme. Please email wdw@uantwerpen.be or Mirthe.Vandenputte@uantwerpen.be.