When are the monthly meetings held?

The monthly meetings are fixed dates held once a month during the evening hours. The exact dates are announced before the new cycle. Next to these meetings you decide with your teammates where and when you want to work. This could be at one of your universities, at a central station or sometimes online.

What is the purpose of these meetings?

During the monthly meetings you work on your project and receive assistance of THRIVE managers. They are present to brainstorm with and discuss the process and content. In addition workhops are being held on pitching, popular writing, negotation and (intercultural) communication. There is also room for individual coaching, but this is usually planned next to the monthly meetings. 

What are the requirements for the application format?

There are no set requirements. It is important for you to send in the application in a way you feel most comfortable with. Please highlight what makes you stand out and what you hope to learn! So no specific requirements or rules from our part, just have fun with it. However don’t forget to attach your CV!

Is English the official language of the THRIVE PhD Academy?

Yes, as we want our program to be accessible for PhD candidates from different nationalities and research backgrounds.

Are there any testimonials from previous participants I can read or receive?

On our website and YouTube channel you can read and see some testimonials. Do you want a direct link? Contact us at macalou@thriveinstitute.nl and we will connect you to one of our previous participants.

Where will the meetings take place?

Most fixed meetings and events take place in the area of Rotterdam when offline meetings are available. Now and then we will meet in Delft. In addition, depending on where your teammates and partner organization are seated the other flexible meetings might take place somewhere else.

What are the requirements for participating in the program?

The requirements for participating are:

1.     You are currently enrolled at a Dutch or international university as a PhD candidate. It is no problem if you’re PhD contract ends before the end of the cycle, however you must be committed to finishing the Academy till the end.  

2.     You live in the Netherlands or are often based in the Netherlands. If you live abroad, it’s important you are in the Netherlands during the Monthly Meetings and the meetings with your team and partner organization. In this way, we can assure you will get the full 100% out of our program.

3.     You are committed to spending 12-15 hours a month on the Academy. Sometimes it might be a little more, other moments a little bit less. As a reference, this is the time usually spent on a hobby.

4.     You are passionate about making an impact on societal issues, eager to learn new work experiences, a team player, flexible and open minded.

The 12-15 hour workload is considered to be "homework" or during face-to-face extra meetings?

Both. The program is not a typical lecture-homework-test system. You will be working in a team of 3-5 PhD candidates together with a partner organization on a societal/ecological topic. Depending on the phase your project is in, every month is different. Thus, flexibility is important! Sometimes you will have more face-to-face meetings (or Meets meetings) with your teammates, sometimes you will be visiting organizations or doing field research.