Olsztyn Doctoral Students’ Agreement

Joint activities for the benefit and in the interest of doctoral students in Olsztyn – this is the idea behind the Olsztyn Doctoral Students’ Agreement, which was formally signed during the 2nd Open Meeting of the Board of the National Representation of Doctoral Students (KRD). In addition to legal and organizational issues related to doctoral studies, the meeting also addressed an equally important topic – the mental health of doctoral students and the scientific community.

At the end of June, the Second Open Meeting of the Management Board (OPZ) of the National Representation of Doctoral Students (KRD) ) – the Polish representative body for doctoral students – was held in Olsztyn. (KRD took place. The event was organized by the Doctoral Student Council of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, and co-organized by the Doctoral Student Council of the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn. Important point of the meeting was the ceremonial signing of the Olsztyn Doctoral Students’ Agreement, which expressed the will to undertake joint actions for the benefit of PhD students in the region.

Open Management Board meetings are held regularly and summarize the activities of the KRD authorities to date. The key issues addressed by the current term of the Management Board include: the status of doctoral students from the moment they submit their dissertation up to its defense, the conditions for suspension of studies at a doctoral school, the legal basis for the institution of the Doctoral Student Ombudsman, and the representation of doctoral students in the Science Evaluation Committee. The event is a good opportunity to broaden horizons, including organizational ones, exchange experiences, and share good academic practices. Young scientists also have the opportunity to develop soft skills during training sessions.

During the meeting, doctoral students could participate in one of three training paths:

1. How to cope with stress?

2. Strong scientist – leadership skills.

3. Intercultural academic etiquette – how to build relationships in an international environment? (conducted in English, also available to international doctoral students from organizational units).

As part of the KRD meeting, the Olsztyn Doctoral Students’ Agreement (OPD) was formally signed. The OPD letter of intention was signed by Magda Słyszewska, MSc, Chair of the Doctoral Student Council of the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and Aleksandra Cichowska-Likszo, MSc, Chair of the Doctoral Student Council of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn.

– The agreement is a result of joint work, discussions, and trust between two doctoral student councils. I believe that this step opens up new opportunities for us – not only in terms of organization, but also socially and scientifically. We hope that it will allow us to represent our interests more effectively, support initiatives, and create a space where every doctoral student in Olsztyn will feel part of a larger community – sums up Magda Słyszewska.

FOCUS ON THE WELL-BEING OF PhD STUDENTS

The grand opening of the OPZ was capped off with a panel discussion devoted to the mental health of doctoral students and the entire academic and scientific community. The discussion was attended by: Prof. Aneta Andronowska, Director of the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Agricultural Sciences, Prof. Paweł Brzuzan, Director of the Doctoral School at the University of Warmia and Mazury, Prof. Jan Szmidt, Warsaw University of Technology, Prof. Andrzej Szeptycki, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Monika Wilanowska, MA, second deputy Ombudsman for Doctoral Students.

The topic of mental health and the challenges faced by the scientific community in this area is increasingly being discussed in public debate. In March, a report prepared by SWPS on behalf of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education was published. The report shows, among other things, that people in the early stages of their academic careers are particularly vulnerable to mental health deterioration, hence the need for targeted measures to identify difficulties, build mental resilience among doctoral students, and create systemic preventive solutions and psychological support.

– Supporting initiatives focused on mental health is an important step and should include both doctoral students and academic teaching staff – emphasizes Prof. Andronowska.

The event was held under the honorary patronage of Prof. Monika M. Kaczmarek, Director of the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Prof. Jerzy A. Przyborowski, Rector of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Robert Szewczyk, Mayor of Olsztyn, and Andrzej Abako, Starost of Olsztyn.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF DOCTORAL STUDENTS

The KRD was established out of the need to create an official voice for doctoral students that would be included in academic discourse. As stated on the website of the doctoral community representatives, the KRD has the right to express opinions and submit proposals on matters concerning all doctoral students, including issuing opinions on normative acts concerning doctoral students. For more information visit: krd.edu.pl.