Your PhD is a four year project, with different responiblities at different moment. Remember that every PhD is different, having its own challenges.

Year 1

This year is all about making a research plan and getting to know the lab, the division, the data and the recordings.

You need to start with defining your project. This is in strong collaboration with your supervisor. At the end of this year, you will have a meeting with your supervisor and HR whether you may continue your PhD.

PhD Track

To help you track your progress, Maastricht has the PhDTrack system. Here you are required to write down your research plan, and each year PhD track will ask for an update. It is useful to keep this up-to-date. If you were to experience delays, you can use the PhD track to demonstrate when the delay occured.

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PhD track is insufficient to unsure good expectations, plans and supervision. Take a look at clarifying your phd for a checklist.

Year 2

Your first projects may be nearing an end in this year. Don't be surprised if things are delayed more than you'd like. This is usually the case. If finances allow it, we do encourage everyone to visit another lab or company. If you would like to, start dicussing this already early in your second year.

Year 3

Perhaps your first publication is out! Congratulations, this is a big step. The end is already coming closer, so it is good to start discussing your thesis. What will the story be, what chapters do you want, and when do you want to finish? Start early! Dont worry too much about feeling you dont have enough publications at this point. Many publications is not a requirement, and usually the last year everythings comes together

Year 4

This year will be all about writing your thesis. Start early, start writing. For more tips of writing your thesis, check this page