Experiences of PhD students at university medical centres investigated

The 2024–2025 collective labour agreement for university medical centres (UMCs) included a provision to conduct research into the position of PhD candidates. This research has recently been completed. PhD students shared their experiences and identified bottlenecks in interviews and focus groups. Among other things, they indicated that supervision is not always adequate, that PhD programmes often run over schedule, and that there are concerns about work pressure, social safety and inequality in terms of employment conditions.

In addition to these bottlenecks, PhD candidates also proposed solutions themselves, such as clearer agreements on PhD requirements and extensions, better supervision and feedback structures, more attention to social safety and a fairer remuneration system.

What now?

The results of this study will be included in further discussions between the parties to the collective labour agreement. In addition, the findings and suggestions will be put on the agenda of the Graduate Schools and HR directors within the UMCs, so that improvements can also be made at institutional level.

This study represents an important step towards gaining a better understanding of the position of PhD candidates and working together on solutions that strengthen their position.

The study was conducted by a-advies on behalf of UMCNL and CNV, in collaboration with the Dutch PhD Network (PNN). The full report is available from UMCNL via umcnl@umcnl.nl.