International PhD candidates
More than 40% of all PhD candidates in the Netherlands are international PhD candidates. The PNN wants to focus on the needs of these candidates and the specific problems they face. International PhD candidates are not always easy to reach for both the PhD councils (POs) and PNN, so it will be necessary to develop effective strategies for this. Specific attention is also paid to PhD candidates who come to the Netherlands on a scholarship from their home country. These scholarship PhD candidates often have to live on a scholarship that is lower than the salary of employee PhD candidates and sometimes even lower than the Dutch minimum wage. Although some universities provide a so-called "top-up" scholarship, this is not the case everywhere because it is legally complex. Nevertheless, institutions must prevent international PhD candidates from coming to the Netherlands on a scholarship that is so inadequate that they cannot support themselves. Therefore, support for, for example, housing is important, especially in cities where average rental prices are high. Another group that requires special attention is the so-called "sandwich PhD candidates" who are affiliated with two universities, one of which is often a foreign institution.
Integration in the Netherlands, including in the Dutch scientific system, is challenging for many international PhD candidates. The PNN PhD Survey 2020 shows that while cultural differences and language barriers are widely experienced by international PhD candidates, over half of them do not have access to integration support. Additionally, international PhD candidates are more likely to experience mental health issues and unwanted behavior, such as discrimination. Due to differences in (work) culture, lack of knowledge about their rights, and complex institutional procedures, international PhD candidates can find it difficult to advocate for themselves. PNN focuses on providing good, English-language information about the rights and obligations of PhD candidates within different structures and pursuing fair compensation through a 'top-up' system. Additionally, PNN wants to encourage universities to offer more accessible integration opportunities and mental health support.
Are you currently experiencing issues during your PhD that you need help with?
Most institutions have a number of contact points for help. This compass is designed to help you find the right support.
In the drop-down menu you can select the institution that you are doing your PhD at. Then the roadmap will show you available contact points. In most cases it makes sense to start by considering contact points in your immediate work environment first and then progress to higher levels (like institutional or national).
At the bottom of the page you can find some examples of problems you can run into and a list of descriptions of each contact point.
Your first contact points
Colleagues: Sometimes it can already help to talk with your colleagues about the issue you are experiencing. This will help you judge the severity of it and can provide you with allies in taking further action.
Daily supervisor*: Naturally, your daily supervisor is the first contact point for all issues. They can help you determine the next steps. Of course, you may not feel comfortable discussing everything with your supervisor, or maybe your daily supervisor is involved in the issue. In these cases have a look at the other available contact points.
Promotor or Co-Supervisor*: Especially, in cases of issues with your daily supervisor, consider reaching out to your promotor or another member on the supervision team and ask for a one-on-one meeting. Maybe they can (temporarily) step-up and help you resolve the issue.If you have a conflict with your supervisor(s), you can also have a look at the PNN PhD supervisor conflict roadmap.
*Note that your annual review talk with your supervisory team is a good opportunity to address issues or suggestions for improvement.
National contact points
Labor unions: Organizations representing the interests of academic staff, offering support on employment-related matters, rights, and fair treatment.
NWO Scientific Integrity Desk: A specialized desk addressing scientific integrity concerns in projects related to or funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
Netherlands Board of Research Integrity (LOWI): An independent body handling complaints related to scientific integrity, providing a platform for fair investigation. If you feel like the local scientific integrity committee at your institution did not handle a case correctly, the LOWI can be the next contact point.
Making a police report: In cases involving a criminal offense, please consider contacting local law enforcement to report incidents and seek assistance.