Doctoral dissertation requirements at the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology 

Doctoral dissertation requirements 

In the fields of natural sciences, forestry, and technology, a doctoral dissertation may consist of a number of scientific articles or manuscripts accepted for publication, deemed sufficient by the faculty, together with a summary section. These articles must address the same research problem. Doctoral dissertation may also be another work that meets equivalent scientific criteria. The articles may include co-authored articles, provided that the independent contribution of doctoral researcher can be demonstrated. 

The summary section of an article-based dissertation and a monograph-based dissertation must comprehensively present the research background, objectives, the research data and methods used, the results, their discussion and the overall conclusions. The summary section of an article-based dissertation should not unnecessarily repeat content presented in the individual articles. The length of the summary of an article-based dissertation and of a monograph-based dissertation may vary across disciplines. 

Article-based dissertation 

An article-based dissertation typically consists of three (3) individual articles and a summary section based on them. At least one (1) of the individual articles must be published or accepted for publication in an international peer-reviewed scientific journal. If any of the individual articles is a manuscript, it must have been submitted for review to an international peer-reviewed scientific journal before the dissertation is submitted for preliminary examination. In exceptional cases, a dissertation consisting of two (2) individual articles may be accepted, provided that both articles have been published or accepted for publication. 
 

The doctoral researcher must be the first author or principal author of at least two (2) of the individual articles in the article-based dissertation. Shared first authorship is considered equivalent to first authorship. The doctoral researcher must include in the dissertation a statement specifying their own contribution to any co-authored articles. 

 
For justified reasons, the same individual article may be used as part of two dissertations, provided that both doctoral researchers can demonstrate a sufficient role and contribution in the article in question. If a dissertation includes an individual article that is used as part of two dissertations, a free-form statement must also be appended, specifying the role and contribution of both doctoral researchers in the article in question. The statement must also indicate that both doctoral researchers consent to the use of the individual article in the respective dissertations, and it must be signed by both doctoral researchers and their main supervisor or UEF supervisor. 

Monograph-based dissertation  

 
A monograph-based dissertation is a coherent work independently written by the doctoral researcher. The doctoral researcher must have contributed to the production of all results presented in the results sections of the monograph. The doctoral researcher may publish articles related to their research topic before the completion of the monograph-based dissertation and discuss the results of these previously published studies in the results section. The text, tables, figures or structure of previously published articles or manuscripts must not be used as such as part of the monograph. Previously published material must be referenced in accordance with responsible conduct of research. The monograph-based dissertation must not be divided into chapters or sections based on any previously published articles. Published articles or manuscripts on which the work may partly be based are not appended to the monograph-based dissertation. 

Use of artificial intelligence  

If an AI application is used in the preparation of a doctoral dissertation, the application used and the way it was used must be reported in writing. A doctoral dissertation must not be written entirely using an AI application. The university’s AI policy is described in full on the UEF Intranet (requires UEF login). In addition, the following guidelines may be applied to doctoral dissertations as applicable: 

• AI policy for students at the University of Eastern Finland (Kamu)

• Describing the use of AI in theses included in Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees (UEF login required) 

Dissertation assessment criteria  

A doctoral dissertation is examined in two stages: first the preliminary examination, then the public examination. The preliminary examiners and the opponent assess the dissertation according to the assessment criteria described below. 

The doctoral researcher must demonstrate the capacity for independent and critical thinking in their own field of research. The scientific quality of the dissertation must be sufficient, and the dissertation must form a coherent scientific work that produces new scientific knowledge and/or strengthens existing understanding in the field of research. The dissertation is examined in a public examination. 

When examining the dissertation, the following are assessed in relation to the doctoral researcher: 

• The ability to produce new scientific knowledge and/or strengthen existing understanding in the field of research. 

• Familiarity with their own field of research and with the related general scientific theory and research literature in the field. 

• The ability to clearly describe the research background, research problem and objectives. 

• The ability to use research data and scientific research methods appropriate for solving the research problem. 

• The ability to present research results clearly, connect them to previous research findings and evaluate their significance in the field and potential applications. 

In addition, the following are assessed: 

• Whether the independent contribution of doctoral researcher in an article-based dissertation has been sufficiently demonstrated. 

• Whether the composition of the dissertation (presentation, style and language) is appropriate. 

• Whether the dissertation complies with research ethical standards. 

Grading scale 

The grading scale depends on when the preliminary examination process for your dissertation began: 

• Preliminary examination process began before 1 August 2026: Your dissertation is graded on a scale of pass with distinction – pass – fail. If the opponent proposes a grade of pass with distinction, the faculty will also consult the preliminary examiners. 

• Preliminary examination process began on or after 1 August 2026: Your dissertation is graded on a scale of pass – fail.