Managing your PhD
Managing your PhD
16 January, 6 February, 6 March & 19 March 2026, 09h - 13h
General context
To be successful in your PhD, you need to be able to “manage” your project, yourself and your environment. This course focuses on all these 3 pillars.
Define the scope and key goals of a PhD research project to establish a clear research direction.
Develop a realistic and flexible project plan using weekly and monthly milestones.
Revise project plans and priorities in response to changing circumstances while maintaining long-term objectives.
Identify key academic stakeholders and formulate strategies to influence them effectively.
Apply self-management principles to improve focus, time use, and motivation in academic work.
Demonstrate resilience by shifting to alternative strategies when facing setbacks.
This course consists of four half-day sessions, typically spread over multiple weeks. Between sessions, participants are encouraged to apply the concepts to their own PhD project, allowing for reflection, feedback, and real-world integration of the tools.
Each session addresses one or more of the three pillars of PhD success:
Project (planning, scope, milestones),
Self (resilience, time management, motivation),
Environment (stakeholder management, communication).
The training is highly interactive and tailored to the real-life challenges of participants. Practical templates, exercises, and peer discussions are used to support individual progress.
PhD students working in VIB Centers.
The training provided immediate improvement in how to communicate, what my rights and duties are. Very nice to know.
Participant edition spring 2025
The training learned me a lot on how I react in discussions and that had me reflect on how I behave in my work environment.
Participant edition autumn 2024
It was very inspiring and now I feel more confident in my PhD, because I know what are the problems to expect and ways to tackle them.
Participant edition spring 2023
Program
Session 1
- Project Management instead of routine or improvisation
- Different types of projects
- Project management in a research project
- Contracting between project leader and client
- Bermuda triangle (goals, resources, timing)
- Project charter
Session 2
- Project charter (continued)
- Milestones planning
- Kick-off, follow-up and closing of projects
- Getting things done
- Prioritize things
Session 3
- Milestone plan
- Stakeholder management
- Influencing people
- Determining your own style
Session 4
- Stakeholder analysis and communication plan
- Integration of learned lessons and how to project management has influence on it
Practical info
16 January 2026 - 19 March 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
16 January 2026 - 19 March 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
16 January 2026 - 19 March 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Looking for a custom cycling route? Try the online cycling route planner to easily and quickly identify the fastest, safest and/or most scenic route to any destination in Ghent.
Cycling route planner
Shared bicycles:
Several providers are active in the area.
Take a look at their platforms:
- Indigo Weel Pro app
- Bluebike
- DOTT
- BOLT eBikes
- Donkey Republic
There are also some public bicycle pumps at the park.
16 January 2026 - 19 March 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
There is only one entrance to Technologiepark. At the entrance, please take a ticket - Parking is only allowed in regular parking spots (for instance in front of the building) and in the parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.