What makes the Ph.D. programme at GSN so attractive? You don't have to choose between the internationally recognized, cutting-edge research opportunities, a flexible degree structure, the broad exposure to various research fields, and support of interdisciplinary research projects. They are all integral parts of the program.
The GSN Ph.D. in Systemic Neurosciences combines rigorous scientific training with a deeply individual approach to research supervision. Two core elements define the program: a structured scientific training curriculum worth 30 ECTS, and a doctoral thesis project supported by a dedicated Thesis Advisory Committee. Together, these ensure that every doctoral researcher receives both the breadth of knowledge and the focused mentorship they need to develop as a scientist.
At the heart of the GSN Ph.D. is your doctoral thesis – an original research project developed and pursued with the sustained support of a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC).
Rather than a single supervisor, every GSN doctoral student works with a Thesis Advisory Committee of three or more researchers drawn from different fields. TAC members may include junior faculty and external researchers, ensuring that each student benefits from a genuinely interdisciplinary perspective.
Students form their TAC during the first months of study. From that point, the committee meets regularly with the student to develop, review, and refine their individual research plan, providing both scientific guidance and continuity of support throughout the doctoral journey.
Progress within the Ph.D. is documented through Training Objectives (TOs) – a written record of the student's research goals, milestones, and competency development, agreed jointly by the student and their TAC. Training Objectives are formally reviewed and updated at least once per year, and students are encouraged to revisit them with their TAC every six months.
Training Objectives are designed to benefit the student first. They bring clarity and transparency to the research process, making it easier to stay on track, identify support needs early, and build a foundation for individual career planning.
The TO form serves as a living document archived in the student's academic file and accessible to all parties involved. This structure not only supports close supervision of the research project, but also facilitates genuinely personalized career guidance over the course of the doctorate.
Alongside their thesis project, all GSN doctoral students complete a structured scientific training programme worth 30 ECTS. The content of this programme is individually tailored: students define their training plan together with their TAC, and document it in their Training Objectives form.
The programme is built around four pillars:
| Pillar | What it covers |
|---|---|
| General Education | Courses, seminars, lecture series, and workshops that broaden neurobiological knowledge and introduce students to the full range of GSN research areas. Participation in teaching and training activities is also included. |
| Individual Research Training | Tailored theoretical and practical training directly tied to each student's Ph.D. project – designed to meet the specific needs of the individual researcher, in close collaboration with their Thesis Advisory Committee. |
| International Networking | Attendance at international conferences and symposia, plus a self-organized research internship abroad (one week to three months) with a collaborating laboratory of the student's choosing. |
| Transferable Skills | Workshops covering scientific writing, oral presentation, grant writing, management and leadership, time management, and ethical responsibility – preparing students for the full demands of an academic or research career. |
The GSN places particular value on international experience. Every doctoral student is encouraged to plan and conduct a research stay abroad (from one week to three months) at a collaborating laboratory of their own choosing. This self-directed element reflects the GSN's commitment to developing independent, internationally connected researchers.
Conference attendance is also a formal part of the training programme. Students are required to attend a number of international conferences and symposia over the course of their doctorate, and to report on these experiences as part of their training record.
The demands of a scientific career extend well beyond research. The GSN's transferable skills programme ensures that doctoral students are equipped for leadership, communication, and the broader responsibilities of academic life.
Workshops cover:
These modules complement the core curriculum and are chosen by each student in consultation with their TAC, ensuring that transferable skills training is as targeted and relevant as possible.
The GSN Ph.D. in Systemic Neurosciences is open to outstanding graduates with a strong background in neuroscience or a related discipline. Applications are accepted yearly starting Dec. 1st.