1. IOHE First meeting on
Part-Time and Research Incubators
Example of collaborative doctorate success
and research establishment at UTPL
Ingrid Kottke
Systematic Botany and Mycology
www.mycorrhiza-research.de
The story
The background
Future requirements Estación Scientífica San Francisco
www.tropicalmountainforest.org

2. The story
Two institutions searching for counterpart in 2001
Systematic Botany and Mycology Biologia Molecular y Cellular UTPL
University Tübingen
Desires
• Study symbiotic fungi in the
tropical mountain rain forest • Start of molecular lab
(ECSF/DFG) using molecular
techniques
Cooperation
• Training of UTPL assistant
professor in molecular lab • Memorandum of Understanding
• One semester studies of • Help with research permission
Mycology and Mycorrhizas and lab facilities
• Examined and accepted as • 2001 to 2007 each year two
doctoral student by Faculty of stays of 4-7 weeks at ECSF or
Biology UTPL for research (DFG
• supported by DFG grant FOR402), teaching,
• within 4 years (2003 -2007) conferences
– 5 x stays of 4 to 6 weeks
for lab work and writing

3. Common profit after 4 years
Systematic Botany and Biologia Molecular y
Mycology University Tübingen Celular UTPL
• Establishment of
molecular lab at UTPL
• Organization of
international scientific
conferences at UTPL
– Andean Orchids
• 3 publications in 2007
international journals – Mycorrhizas in
• Rigorosum: Tropical Forests
2008
magma cum laude!

4. The background of success
• Enthusiasm about science
• Flexible enough to work out a research project of common interest
• Strong will to succeed, learn fast, solve manifold problems
• Work really hard, thoroughly, self-critical and self-responsible
• Rely on each other, speak about problems
Additional advantages
• Strong, cooperative research group behind the supervisor in Tübingen
Leadership: Franz Oberwinkler
• Integration in a large German research group working in Ecuador on a
long-term project: DFG FOR402/816

5. Next steps
Founding research group at UTPL Establishing further
international cooperations
New research project
Integrated in DFG FOR 816
Regeneration by orchids

6. Future requirements to pertain research and researchers
Support by affiliation
Continuation of research by
to local university
candidate
or research center
establishing a research
group
Scientific
research
network of
International connections Acceptance by
support
and competition local society
and support by
government

7. Future requirements for selection of good candidates
Hurdles to be overcome before starting
1. Acceptance of studies and certificates as equal:
Master Studies
2. Proof of good knowledge of English (TOFEL)
3. Test on knowledge of political, social and
live situation in foreign country
Search and final decision for candidate-supervisor relationship
1. Research topic of common interest and importance in both countries
2. Granted research facilities in both countries
3. Granted sandwich financing for 3-5 years, affiliation of candidate
in home country
4. 3 to 6 months test phase in country of supervisor
5. Two semesters and additional short term stays (4-6 weeks)
of candidate in university of supervisor
6. Reduction of teaching duties of candidate from 10 to 2 hs per week
7. Regular visits of supervisor