Second version of the basic principles of ABCPhD

1. Our principles (the ten pillars)
For a competitive, attractive, well working PhD Program
ABCPhD program
Architecture, Built Environment and
Construction Engineering Doctorate

2. The ten pillars of ABCPhD
1. Doctoral Candidates are trained producing original
research
2. … as independent (mentored) researchers
3. … under a continuous supervision and
independent review
4. Their training is tailored on their objectives and
needs ...
5. … based on a wide spectrum doctoral training
offer
6. The PhD Program aims continuous quality
improvements
7. It is based on an effective, transparent recruitment
process
8. It promotes original, systematic scientific
production
9. It promotes the development of networks and
relations with other researchers
10. It promotes the development of relations with the
stakeholders
for a competitve, attractive, well working PhD Program
Cardo Maximus, Apamea, Damascus, Siria

3. 1 – Doctoral Candidates are trained
producing original research
Research training is through research itself, working with other
researchers, mainly in the ABC Department.
Candidate’s activity is embedded in our institutional activity
(Sistematica Collaborazione all’interno in programmi di ricerca
dipartimentali)
[Salzburg Principles, 1 and 2]

4. 2 – PhD candidates are trained as
independent (mentored) researchers
Mentors (tutor, supervisor, advisor) are
counsellors, trainers, bosses , and their
qualities are:
• Credibility
• Integrity
• Confidence
• Cooperation
Mentorship means to involve, to offer
opportunities, also for learning from
errors and bearing responsibilities.
Pablo E. Fabisch -
http://paesmem.stanford.edu/html/proceed
ings_4.html
[Salzburg Principles, N.4: Early Stage Researchers, and N.5, The
crucial role of supervision …]

5. 3 – PhD candidates are continuously
supervised and independently reviewed
ABC-PhD: study + work + internal and external assessment/help
• Mentorship comes together with systematic review (6
Milestones) and independent assessment (by external
experts) of candidate’s projects and products
• Results are planned and expected from the first year
+
[Salzburg Principles, N.5, The crucial role of supervision and assessment]

6. 4 – PhD training is tailored on the
Candidate and his/her objectives
Each Candidate defines, with the Tutor
his/her Research and Training Plan
(R&Tplan):
• A lot of research activity about a
chosen topic (66-85%).
• Some formal training (few), to
gain a common starting level and
to fill possible gaps, to get basic
skills (e.g. research management
and communication) and to be
updated

7. 5 – PhD training is based on a High
level and wide spectrum training offer
The whole PhD School offers a
complex and wide set of courses on
may topics and disciplines, with the
best international teachers and
about the most actual research
questions.
The Program adds a good number
of strategic and specialistic courses
and research workshops about our
main topics
[Salzburg Principles, N.3: Diversity]

8. 6 – Its management system aims
systematic quality improvement
[Salzburg Recommendation 2.7, Quality and accountability]

9. 7 – It assures an effective recruitment
1. Open, efficient, transparent and
supportive recruitment procedures ,
internationally comparable and
tailored to the advertised positions.
2. A selection based on the research
of the compromise among youngers
potential, personal motivation and
proved competencies.
[Salzburg Recommendation 2.2,
Recruitment, admission and status]

10. 8 – It promotes original, systematic
scientific production (without excesses)
PhD Candidates are directly involved in active research. Their average number of peer-
reviewed publications during the PhD is about 2,0. We aim to grow a lot in the future:
not a lot in number, in quality.
Alternative to publication: PATENT!
[Salzburg Principles, N.4: Doctoral Candidates as
early stage researchers.]
[Salzburg Reccomendation 2.4, The outcome of
their research must be original and suitable for
dissemination within the scientific community]

11. 9 – It promotes the development of a net-
work of relations with other researchers
There are thousands of researchers in Europe, hundrieds of
thousands in the world: the most of them works on similar
projects and topics.
http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive/phd112006s.gif
[Salzburg Principles, N.9, Increasing mobility]

12. 10 – It promotes the development of
relations with the stakeholders
Candidate’s activity is embedded in the institutional activity of
the ABC Department, that is defined in a strong relation with
stakeholders. Moreover, Candidates are strongly encouraged to
stay in relation with the stakeholders of their research activities.
OPEN INNOVATION
Inside-out
Outside-in
knowledge
resources
skills
ideas
EC Principles for Innovative Doctoral Training in Europe:
5. Exposure to industry and Interface with the labour market

13. 10 – It promotes the development of
relations with the stakeholders
Candidate’s activity is embedded in the institutional activity of
the ABC Department, that is defined in a strong relation with
stakeholders. Moreover, Candidates are strongly encouraged to
stay in relation with the stakeholders of their research activities.
Image from Cheeky Scientist Association, from the post
“How To Transition From Academia Into Business”
http://cheekyscientist.com/phd-jobs/

14. 10 – It promotes the development of
relations with the stakeholders
Open the door and look around!!
Published by AAAS, ILLUSTRATION:
ROBERT NEUBECKER
… as soon as possible, before ending your PhD and your scholarship!