What makes the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Lodz University of Technology stand out?
Certainly, our greatest asset is the very wide scientific offer. We are authorised to educate in as many as twelve study programs corresponding to disciplines - in engineering and technology: architecture and urban planning; automation, electrical and electronic engineering; information and communication technology; chemical engineering; civil engineering and transport; materials engineering; mechanical engineering; in natural sciences: mathematics; chemical sciences; physical sciences; in social sciences: management and quality studies; in agricultural sciences: nutrition and food technology. Each young researcher, if he or she needs it, is helped to choose the right field in which to develop according to his or her interests. The IDS program gives the possibility of an almost individual educational path. We have a wide offer of optional classes, including those developing soft skills, such as preparing publications or writing project proposals. Lodz University of Technology has an established position on the international arena, which makes it easier for students to establish cooperation with universities and research institutes around the world.
Could you explain the IDS admission process?
We are currently running the admission process for the next academic year, which will start in the standard (regular mode) and implementation mode. In the second half of September we will conduct interviews with candidates, filling the admission limit for the regular mode set by the Senate of Lodz University of Technology. For the academic year 2021/22 this limit is 60 people. The procedure for the implementation doctorate starts in spring. However, there is one more possibility to enrol to IDS: young researchers who will carry out their PhD thesis within the framework of research projects have the possibility to qualify to IDS throughout the year.
What is the difference in training for students admitted under these three modes?
The most significant is in the case of implementation doctorates, since a student enrolled in this programme, even before being admitted to the university, must be employed or have a promise of full-time employment in a company, in partnership with which he or she will carry out a doctoral thesis. This type of doctorate is becoming increasingly popular among people who want to use their practical experience gained during their professional career while conducting research. The aim may be to solve a specific problem in a company, which often contributes to its further development. This is an excellent example of technology transfer.
The core curriculum is the same for every doctoral student, and everyone is also subject to a mid-term evaluation. The students' timetable may look different depending on the form of their doctorate, as - apart from the obligatory part - each individual chooses elective subjects and soft skills. The number of hours for implementation doctoral candidates is much lower, which makes it easier for them to combine their studies with other responsibilities in the company.
What are the plans for the functioning of the ISD?
After the difficult time of restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, we are anxious to resume international contacts as quickly and as intensively as possible. I am pleased that students and lecturers are interested in mobility, whether in the Erasmus program or in other projects. We are expanding these opportunities all the time. The presence of visiting professors will also be increased, and these will be exceptional people who, I hope, will strongly inspire our academic community. Many such activities are planned as part of the grants we have at IDS.These include - for example - the STER program awarded by the National Agency for Academic Exchange, or a grant under the Operational Program Knowledge Education Development (POWER) awarded by the National Centre for Research and Development.
I would also like to draw attention to the continuous process of optimising the curriculum. The school has been operating for two years, and we already have some experience and insights that we will implement in the future way of education to make it as effective as possible for young scientists.
How would you sum up the school' s activity?
It has been a very good time for the development of the students. I look with admiration at their successes - patent applications, scientific publications, established and implemented cooperation with interesting business or scientific partners.
I would like to take this opportunity to mention the recent spectacular success of our doctoral candidate Kajetan Duszyński - the Olympic champion from Tokyo in the 4x400 m mixed relay. He is pursuing a doctoral thesis in Biotechnology and we are extremely proud of the way he is pursuing his dual career in sport and science.
I am pleased that the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School is gaining more and more interest among science enthusiasts. I also want to draw attention to the growing popularity of implementation PhDs. Many companies with R&D backgrounds are
looking for employees who want to evolve, and an excellent form of development are doctoral studies implemented in cooperation between science and industry.
Interview by Agnieszka Garcarek