https://github.com/msberends/phd_student_info

This is a simple repo with info for my (new) PhD students.
https://github.com/msberends/phd_student_info

Last synced: 19 days ago
JSON representation

This is a simple repo with info for my (new) PhD students.

• Host: GitHub
• URL: https://github.com/msberends/phd_student_info
• Owner: msberends
• License: cc0-1.0
• Created: 2023-08-23T21:25:11.000Z (about 1 year ago)
• Default Branch: main
• Last Pushed: 2024-02-21T13:26:37.000Z (9 months ago)
• Last Synced: 2024-02-21T14:36:46.747Z (9 months ago)
• Homepage:
• Size: 43 KB
• Stars: 0
• Watchers: 2
• Forks: 0
• Open Issues: 0
• Metadata Files:
  • Readme: README.md
  • License: LICENSE

Awesome Lists containing this project

README

        
# PhD Student Information

This page contains essential information for my PhD students. Although some parts of this page might be useful for any UG student, the focus lies on Medical Sciences, and within that on Clinical Microbiology / Infectious Diseases - my field of research.

Notable abbreviations:

- **UG**: University of Groningen  

- **UMCG**: University Medical Center Groningen

- **GSMS**: Graduate School of Medical Sciences

2023-2024, Dr. Matthijs Berends.

# Table of Contents

- [PhD Student Information](#phd-student-information)

  - [First Steps](#first-steps)

    - [Register](#register)

    - [PhD Regulations](#phd-regulations)

    - [Scientific Code of Conduct](#scientific-code-of-conduct)

  - [Project Management](#project-management)

  - [GSMS PhD Council](#gsms-phd-council)

  - [Next Steps](#next-steps)

    - [Conferences and Seminars](#conferences-and-seminars)

      - [Declaring costs](#declaring-costs)

      - [ECCMID - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases](#eccmid---european-congress-of-clinical-microbiology-and-infectious-diseases)

      - [NVMM Scientific Spring Meeting](#nvmm-scientific-spring-meeting)

      - [Presentation Formats](#presentation-formats)

    - [Networking](#networking)

      - [LinkedIn](#linkedin)

      - [ResearchGate](#researchgate)

      - [ORCID](#orcid)

      - [Google Scholar](#google-scholar)

      - [The Importance of Internet Outreach](#the-importance-of-internet-outreach)

  - [Useful Resources / Links](#useful-resources--links)

    - [Publishing](#publishing)

      - [Reference Management Software](#reference-management-software)

      - [Journal Browser](#journal-browser)

    - [Data Storage / Syncing](#data-storage--syncing)

      - [UWP (University Workspace)](#uwp-university-workspace)

      - [OneDrive](#onedrive)

      - [Unishare](#unishare)

    - [Programming / Code](#programming--code)

      - [Hábrók (High-Performance Cluster)](#hábrók-high-performance-cluster)

      - [GitHub](#github)

      - [Adobe Creative Suite](#adobe-creative-suite)

## First Steps

### Register

To begin your PhD journey, it's crucial to register with our Graduate School for Medical Sciences (GSMS). You'll encounter the abbreviation GSMS frequently during your studies. Keep in mind that GSMS manages the PhD student progress system known as 'Hora Finita', a term you'll also hear just before you receive your doctorate after successfully defending your thesis!

You can initiate your registration [here](https://horafinita.rug.nl/registratie/).

### PhD Regulations

Familiarise yourself with our PhD regulations, which are accessible [here](https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/organization/rules-and-regulations/onderzoek/promotiereglement?lang=en). This document contains the PhD requirements, formal details about the PhD program and ceremony, and much more. 

For the Dutch 2022 version, you can find it [here](https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/organization/rules-and-regulations/onderzoek/8feb2022-promotiereglement.pdf).

### Scientific Code of Conduct

At the start of your PhD journey, you'll be required to commit to adhering to the Dutch scientific code of conduct. This commitment can be made within Hora Finita. After successfully defending your PhD, just before receiving your doctorate, you'll take an oath that legally binds you to this code as a scientist.

You can access the code of conduct [here](https://www.nfu.nl/themas/randvoorwaarden-wetenschappelijk-onderzoek/wetenschappelijke-integriteit).

As a PhD student at a Dutch UMC (university medical centre), you may also find the NFU guidelines for PhD trajectories of interest. They are available [here](https://www.nfu.nl/themas/randvoorwaarden-wetenschappelijk-onderzoek/promotietraject).

## Project Management

Your PhD represents one of the most significant projects in your life, and you'll be the secretary-general. This means you'll need effective tools to manage it. Fortunately, both the UG and the UMCG offer valuable support.

The UG, through GSMS, provides free project management courses designed specifically for PhD students. Additionally, UMCG provides you with a Microsoft account that includes Microsoft Planner and Microsoft To Do. Microsoft Planner is particularly useful for managing tasks across multiple projects. However, feel free to choose the tools that best suit your needs, even if you prefer traditional paper-based methods.

- You can access the online version of Planner [here](https://tasks.office.com).

- To use the online version of To Do, visit [this link](https://todo.microsoft.com).

Both services have dedicated apps available for both iOS and Android.

Both the UG and UMCG also offer generous cloud storage options and excellent synchronisation software (see OneDrive and Unishare below), ensuring your valuable work is always accessible and secure.

## GSMS PhD Council

The [GSMS PhD Council](https://www.gsmsphdcouncil.org) of the University of Groningen represents the interests of all PhD students/candidates enrolled within the GSMS. In order to achieve this, the GSMS PhD Council:

* Gathers information from the PhDs enrolled in the GSMS about needs and wishes for further improvement

* Coordinates with the GSMS Board and other relevant bodies in order to ensure that GSMS PhDs have access to education, networking opportunities, and tools to ensure their well-being

Be sure to follow [their planned events](https://www.gsmsphdcouncil.org/events). They are free for PhD students of the UG.

## Next Steps

### Conferences and Seminars

#### Declaring Costs 

GSMS provides you with a budget of € 1200 per calendar year for learning purposes. PhD students can declare up to € 600 for conferences they have participated in per calendar year. PhD students also can declare up to € 600 per calendar year for external courses they have participated in, if they are not offered by the GSMS, and are of Master level or above.

**Important**: declarations must be done AFTER the conference/course but WITHIN 3 months after attending them.

See this page from the GSMS PhD Council for more info: .

#### ECCMID - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

One of the most prestigious events in the field of clinical microbiology and infectious diseases is the **[European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID)](https://www.eccmid.org/)**. ECCMID is an annual congress that brings together experts, researchers, and professionals from around the world to discuss the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the field. It is always held in a European city.

Participating in ECCMID offers invaluable opportunities for PhD students. Here's why it's inportant to attend and present your work at ECCMID:

- **Global Exposure**: ECCMID attracts a global audience, providing a platform to showcase your research to experts and peers from diverse backgrounds.

- **Knowledge Exchange**: It's an excellent forum for learning from leading researchers, attending informative sessions, and gaining insights into the most recent developments in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases.

- **Networking**: ECCMID offers unparalleled networking opportunities. Interact with professionals, potential collaborators, and experts who share your research interests.

- **Presentation Opportunities**: You can present your work at ECCMID in various formats, including [paper posters](https://www.eccmid.org/abstracts/call_for_abstracts/), [ePosters](https://www.eccmid.org/scientific_programme/e-poster_gallery/), or even as an [oral presentation](https://www.eccmid.org/programme/scientific_programme/).

#### Other International Congresses

Other  international congresses include:

- [International Congress of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (ICC)](https://www.isac.world/meetings/icc), organised by the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (ISAC)

- [International Conference on Prevention & Infection Control (ICPIC)](https://conference.icpic.com)

#### NVMM Scientific Spring Meeting

The **Dutch Society for Medical Microbiology (NVMM)** hosts the **[Scientific Spring Meeting](https://www.nvmm.nl/voorjaarsvergadering/voorjaarsvergadering)** annually. This event gathers professionals and researchers in the field of medical microbiology mainly from the Netherlands, and provides a platform for presenting your research and engaging in discussions.

- **Local Focus**: This meeting is an excellent opportunity to connect with professionals in the Dutch medical microbiology community, fostering local collaboration.

- **Research Showcase**: Presenting your work here allows you to share your findings with peers and receive feedback from experts in your field.

- **Networking**: Engage with professionals in your immediate research community, opening doors to potential collaborations and opportunities.

- **Practice for Bigger Conferences**: Presenting at local meetings like NVMM Scientific Spring Meeting can serve as valuable practice for larger international conferences like ECCMID.

#### Scientific Presentation Formats

When considering conferences, think about how you want to present your research:

- **Paper Poster**: Traditional posters are in A0-format and an excellent way to visually represent your work and discuss it with attendees during dedicated poster sessions.

- **ePoster**: Electronic posters offer interactive elements and can be a more engaging way to present your research.

- **eFlash Talk**: Some conferences provide this short oral form to present to a small group of people.

- **Oral Presentation**: Presenting your work orally allows you to deliver a concise and impactful overview of your research findings. These 'orals' are often 8 to 12 minutes each. **Regular talks** are 15-30 minutes each, and **keynote lectures** are often 30-60 minutes.

Remember that participating in conferences and seminars not only benefits your academic growth but also expands your professional network and opens doors for potential collaborations.

### Networking

Building a professional network is a crucial aspect of your academic journey. Here are some essential platforms to consider for networking:

#### LinkedIn

[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/) is a powerful professional networking platform. Create a comprehensive LinkedIn profile that highlights your academic achievements, research interests, and goals. Connect with fellow researchers, professors, and professionals in your field. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions to stay informed about industry trends and opportunities.

#### ResearchGate

[ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/) is a platform dedicated to academics and researchers. It allows you to share your publications, connect with peers, and follow the work of others in your field. You can also ask and answer research-related questions, fostering intellectual exchange.

#### ORCID

Creating an ORCID is mandatory by the GSMS.

[ORCID](https://orcid.org/) provides a unique identifier for researchers. It ensures that your work is correctly attributed to you and enhances your visibility in the academic community. Register for an ORCID iD and link it to your research outputs.

#### Google Scholar

[Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com/) is a widely used academic search engine. Create a Google Scholar profile to showcase your publications and citations. It's an essential tool for tracking the impact of your research and finding collaborators with similar interests.

#### The Importance of Internet Outreach

In today's digital age, internet outreach is vital for researchers. Your online presence not only enhances your academic credibility but also makes you more discoverable by peers, potential collaborators, and employers. Regularly update your profiles with your latest research publications and engage with the academic community by sharing insights and participating in discussions.

By actively networking and maintaining a strong online presence, you'll enhance your research visibility and create opportunities for collaborations and knowledge exchange that can significantly benefit your academic and professional journey.

## Useful Resources / Links

### Publishing

#### Reference Management Software

Our university provides free access to [EndNote](https://endnote.com) (by Clarivate), although more kinds of reference management software are useful:

- [Papers](https://papersapp.com) (by ReadCube)

- [Mendeley](https://www.mendeley.com) (by Elsevier)

In my experience, all of EndNote, Papers and Mendeley are effective. I'm currenty using EndNote for its most advanced integration with MS Word, but I do find it buggy too often (EndNote 21.2). If you're dealing with dynamic programming files to manage your references, consider the open-source solution [Zotero](https://www.zotero.org) instead.

Two important pieces of advice: **choose one EARLY** and **use it ALL THE TIME**. It's essential to avoid getting overwhelmed with references when you begin writing your manuscript. Also, in a later phase, you will want to be able to go back to older papers you read. Be sure to have them organised.

Fortunately, switching between software options is relatively straightforward, although it may require some effort.

#### Journal Browser

The UG offers an excellent journal browser, which you can access [here](https://library.wur.nl/WebQuery/rugbrowser?title=*). It's worth noting that this tool indicates where the Article Processing Charge (APC) will be discounted.

For those of us involved in microbiology and infectious disease research, there are free-to-publish journals listed [here](https://library.wur.nl/WebQuery/rugbrowser?q=Microbiology%20OR%20Infectious%20Diseases&wq_flt=journal/apc&wq_val=No%20costs%20for%20RUG%20authors&wq_srt_desc=citescore&wq_max=100). These journals use CiteScore instead of Journal Impact Factor (JIF or IF), providing a more stable metric. 

Additionally, you can follow further links in the browser to access specific journal information on Scopus.

### Data Storage / Syncing

#### UWP (University Workspace)

The UG provides access to the *universitaire werkplek* (UWP, university workspace) for all PhD students. This includes a desktop environment with various useful software applications. You can log in [here](https://uwp.rug.nl) using your P-number and UG password.

#### OneDrive

Your UMCG email address serves as a Microsoft account and offers numerous benefits. It allows you to install Office desktop applications on up to 5 computers and install Windows on (I believe) 2 computers. Additionally, it provides access to many Microsoft services for free.

OneDrive, with 1 TB (1024 GB) of cloud storage, is one of these benefits. Visit [their website](https://onedrive.live.com), download, and install OneDrive, then log in with your UMCG account.

#### Unishare

The UG also offers a data storage service called Unishare, which is essentially a [Nextcloud](https://www.nextcloud.com) instance. It's immediately accessible without the need for setup. Importantly, data is stored on UG servers, ensuring your data remains within the university.

All staff members, including PhD students, receive 250 GB of cloud storage. You can also create guest accounts for collaborative research with other universities. Log in [here](https://unishare.rug.nl) using your P-number and UG password. Synchronization with your local operating system can be achieved by downloading and installing the [Nextcloud sync client](https://www.nextcloud.com/install).

### Programming / Code

As a PhD candidate, you're often classified as a 'student' in many foreign countries, which comes with software benefits. It's worthwhile to explore websites and services to determine if you're eligible for free access, as you might discover valuable resources.

#### Hábrók (High-Performance Cluster)

Hábrók is the high-performance cluster (HPC) at the UG, succeeding Peregrine. To use it, you'll need to register. Hábrók allows you to run computationally intensive background jobs that may exceed the capabilities of your personal device.

For more information, please visit [this link](https://wiki.hpc.rug.nl/habrok/start), or don't hesitate to reach out to me for assistance.

#### GitHub

You can apply for [GitHub Education](https://education.github.com) for free, which provides access to valuable resources and benefits. Be sure to use your UMCG email address for eligibility.

#### Adobe Creative Suite

Through [SurfSpot](https://www.surfspot.nl), you can access the full Adobe Creative Suite at a cost of €20 per year, using your UG/UMCG account. This suite includes a comprehensive set of creative tools and applications that can be invaluable for various aspects of your research and presentations.

Please feel free to reach out if you require more detailed information or assistance with any of these resources or if you have any other questions related to your PhD journey. Remember that you have a wealth of support and tools at your disposal to make your research and studies as productive and successful as possible.