Published on December 1, 2023, the RNCD report offers an in-depth survey conducted within French doctoral schools, revealing that 74% of respondents express overall satisfaction among the 13,412 doctoral candidates registered in 2022-2023. It highlights key elements such as thesis duration and financial conditions, emphasizing their significant impact on doctoral satisfaction. The results unveil disparities between disciplinary domains and stress the need to enhance material, scientific, and financial conditions to optimize the doctoral experience.
Thesis Supervision: A Fundamental Pillar
The report emphasizes the fundamental role of supervision in thesis success. The PhD community expresses satisfaction with the actions of their supervisors, underscoring the importance of adequate training. Collaboration within supervisory teams, individual thesis committees, and the need to maintain an optimal ratio of PhD students per supervisor are crucial factors to ensure quality supervision.
Valorization and Recognition of the PhD: Challenges and Perspectives
The report underscores the urgency of increasing the visibility and recognition of the PhD in France. Clear recommendations are made, ranging from early awareness for students to conferences on various employment sectors for doctors. The PhD community's confidence in their professional future correlates with access to relevant and up-to-date information on employment prospects. The report highlights the need to consolidate national data on graduate employment to strengthen the attractiveness of the PhD in France.