As a doctoral researcher, you are an important part of our university community.
During your doctoral studies and research, you strengthen your expertise through various learning and work processes. In academia, the doctoral researcher phase is seen as the first career stage of researcher training. As the highest level of education, a doctoral degree prepares you for demanding expert roles both within and outside the university.
Build your networks and get involved in the community
Producing research-based knowledge is an interactive and collaborative process. By participating in academic discussions, presenting your ideas, and giving and receiving constructive feedback, you advance both your own research and the work of the entire community.
Attend events and activities that interest you. Actively build networks with other members of the community – ask questions, listen, and share your interests. Curiosity and reciprocity make us a learning, growing, and strong community.
Your community can consist of, for example:
- members of your department/institute/unit, major subject, or research group
- members of your doctoral programme
- UEF research communities (link opens in a new tab)
- academic societies in your field.
Tutkitun tiedon tuottaminen on vuorovaikutteista ja yhteisöllistä. Osallistumalla tieteellisiin keskusteluihin, esittelemällä omia ajatuksiasi ja antamalla sekä vastaanottamalla rakentavaa palautetta edistät sekä omaa tutkimustasi että koko yhteisön työtä.
Peer mentoring is peer support for doctoral researchers
Research shows that peer mentoring supports students’ academic success, wellbeing, and social integration.
How to join a peer mentoring group:
- Sign up for a peer mentoring group when groups are advertised. Open groups are announced on the UEF Doctoral Education channel on Viva Engage (link opens in a new tab) and in the ReTS Newsletter, for example.
How to start your own peer mentoring group:
- Take the course Peer Mentoring and Collegial Relationships 1 (1 credit), which guides you in setting up a supportive small group. After completing part 1, you can continue with Peer Mentoring and Collegial Relationships 2 (1 credit), where you facilitate your own peer group. Both courses are part of transferable skills studies and can be included in your doctoral degree.
- While facilitating your own peer group, you receive regular support from the course teacher through voluntary sparring sessions.
Peer mentoring gives you valuable experience in collegial working relationships and building a sense of community, as well as motivation and support for completing your degree.
Get to know UEF Doctoral Researchers Association ITÄVÄ and the Student Union ISYY – and join if you wish
ItäVä
ItäVä (UEF Doctoral Researchers Association) is an organisation for doctoral researchers, active on both university campuses.
You can find information about activities and membership on the ItäVä website (link opens in a new tab).
Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland ISYY
The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY) is the advocacy and service organisation for UEF students.
The Student Union membership fee is voluntary when you are completing a licentiate or doctoral degree.
Please note that Student Union membership does not entitle you to the same student benefits as undergraduate students. For example, you are not entitled to travel discounts on buses or Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) healthcare services. For more information about student benefits, contact the Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland ISYY (link opens in new tab).