The Ombudsperson's Office of the RCC

The ombudspersons are experienced scientists from various disciplines who adhere to the principles of strict confidentiality, independence and neutrality.

For details, you can take a look at the statutes of the ombudsperson's office.

To the procedure

Doctoral candidates can address their concerns to the ombudsperson of their choice (regardless of their academic background) or by e-mail to the ombudsperson's office. In the case of an e-mail to the ombudsperson's office, the email will be forwarded  to an ombudsperson who is most suitable for the matter. This person will consequently contact the doctoral candidate to arrange a meeting to discuss the issue.

The ombudsperson is objectively independent and is not bound by instructions in this function.

Every inquiry will of course be treated confidentially!

The ombudspersons

As a former Vice-Rector for Research and Promotion of Young Researchers, founder and director of the Doctoral Academy and a long-time supervisor of doctoral students myself, I have become familiar with the structures of the university, in particular doctoral education and most of the lecturers in the Doctoral Academy, as well as many problems that (can) arise for doctoral students. I have also already helped to solve many individual concerns and difficulties. Many doctoral students and lecturers therefore know that they can turn to me with confidence for all problems arising in connection with the dissertation and its supervision (both personal and academic) if things are somehow not going as they should. My motto has always been: We will find a way - and if not, we will build one!

- Prof. Dr. Peter Scherrer

As Laozi said, "Only those who know their goal will find the way." I would like to offer support in removing the stumbling blocks on this path.

- Assistant Professor Dr. Tea Pavkov-Keller

As an ombudsperson, I see my main task as providing neutral and independent advice and mediation in the event of conflicts, questions about good scientific practice or questions about inappropriate behavior in the context of doctoral training. Trust plays a key role in this context, which is why I take the duty of confidentiality to which I am subject very seriously. I see my role as an impartial mediator who has a great interest in a high-quality and at the same time humanly balanced doctoral education and therefore strives for balance in any related issues.

- Prof. Dr. Martin Arendasy

I see myself as a service point for young academics. In this role, I will endeavor to support our doctoral students in their research and career planning in the best possible way.

- Professor Bettina Nunner-Krautgasser

The mutual expectations of doctoral students and their supervisors have changed significantly, including in the direction of structuring, internationalization and de-hierarchization. Conflicts and frustrations arise because expectations are often not adequately articulated and because doctoral students find themselves in a special relationship of dependency - dependent on being treated fairly by supervisors and superiors, being well guided and at the same time being given freedom to conduct independent research. I am happy to be available as a contact person to participate in appropriate learning processes and to help with any problems that arise, to facilitate dialog and to find solutions.

- Prof. Dr. phil. Ulrich Ermann