The first admitted JPD candidate is PhD student Arturo Elías Llumbet, who will work work with UCH supervisor Katherine Marcelain and UG's Romana Schirhagl on the joint project "Regulation of genomic functions in male germ cells during aging: role of free radical generation and TERRA RNAs in epigenetic control".

Why the Joint PhD?

The JDP is a step forward from the existing Double Degree PhD program, because it means a further integration of existing quality assurance at both universities. In particular:

• Supervisors and candidate work closely together on the research project from the application stage onwards
• Both institutions evaluate the quality of candidate and project together, via joint academic membership in the Qualification Exam (QE) Committee
• The QE remains in place during the entire PhD trajectory as the "Thesis Committee", formally evaluating quality and progress throughout the project
• Whereas the QE/Thesis Committee is an official part of the Chilean PhD program, formal evaluations at UG include also the PhD student's personal development, combining the best of both worlds
• A successful project results in a formal private PhD thesis defense in front of the Thesis Committee, followed by a public defense at UG and the subsequent award of the Joint PhD degree by both institutions. 

More information

In case you require more information, feel free to contact the program coordination at UCH and Groningen.

• UCH: Margarita Ahumada (overall management) & dr. Lisette Leyton (academic management)
• UG: Joyce Fongers

See also

UCH press release.