Guidelines and checklist for 60% review

Purpose

The purpose of the 60% review is to provide quality assessment of the doctoral student’s work so far, as well as support in their continued doctoral studies.

The doctoral student is to be given constructive feedback from the experts as well as comments that will be of help to the student as they continue with their thesis work.

The focus should be on the discussion of completed studies in relation to planned studies, as well as on the theoretical approach/previous research. The discussion and its content should be forward-looking.

The 60% review is not an examination.

Timeline

The thesis work should have resulted in two paper manuscripts, one of which should, as a minimum, have been submitted to a scientific journal; one introductory text on a plan for two further papers; as well as an outline for the thesis’ introductory chapter. The seminar should, if possible, be planned to a point in time when approximately 60% of the doctoral programme has been completed.

The review seminar shall be planned by the principal supervisor in consultation with the doctoral student, the assistant supervisor and the head of subject.

Course requirements

The recommendation is for courses of 30 credits to be completed with a passing grade. The compulsory courses must, however, be completed in full.

Introductory chapter

The introductory chapter for the 60% review should be written in English and follow the instructions given in the university’s thesis template.

Experts

At least two researchers shall, in their capacity of subject specialists, be appointed experts, of which:

• at least one should be an external expert,
• if applicable, one could be an internal expert
• one should have at least the qualifications required for appointment as a docent.

These experts are appointed by the head of subject, following a proposal by the principal supervisor.

If an external expert should be prevented from attending the review seminar, a new date should be arranged.

Disqualification

On the appointment of experts for the 60% review, formal rules on disqualification do not apply. However, the experts should act independently of the supervisors and be able to provide feedback and critique without the limitation arising from any conflicts of interest. Note that only one expert from the 60% review may be on the examining committee at the public defence of the thesis. None of them may, however, be appointed as the external reviewer at the defence.

Seminar leader

The review seminar shall be chaired by the principal supervisor.

Proposal and decision

Six weeks prior to the planned 60% review seminar, the principal supervisor shall submit a proposal for the 60% review via email to the study and research administrator. The experts must have accepted their assignments before the proposal is submitted.

Supporting documents to be attached to the proposal (with file names reflecting their content):

• an outline for the introductory chapter
• papers and manuscripts
• a list of other scientific publications part of the thesis project, i.e. conference abstracts etc.
• a status report on the development of the doctoral student’s learning in relation to the intended learning outcomes for the doctoral degree
• copies of ethical application(s) and permission(s) (excl. appendices to the applications). If the ethical vetting application is written in a language other than Swedish, Norwegian, Danish or English, the document must be translated by an authorised translator.
• transcript of records from Ladok (can be downloaded by the doctoral student in the student portal Studenttjänster)
• a statement from the principal supervisor relating to the doctoral student’s completed and planned courses. The account shall be based on the course requirements provided in the general syllabus.
• a copy of the current individual study plan (ISP)

The study and research administrator forwards the proposal and supporting documents to the head of subject for a decision and shall notify the doctoral student, the principal supervisor and the director of studies once the decision has been made.

Preparations

The study and research administrator shall send the invitation and documents listed under point 8 to the experts, with a copy to the head of subject and the principal supervisor, at least 4 weeks before the planned seminar date. The introductory chapter and papers/manuscripts shall be sent out via email 7 days before the seminar to those who have signed up to attend.

Seminar

The doctoral student presents their completed and planned thesis work, which is then followed by a discussion, firstly with the experts and thereafter with all attendees.

The seminar concludes with a discussion in private between the experts, doctoral student and supervisor(s).

Both the completed and planned thesis work shall be reviewed in relation to the qualification requirements. The focus should be on future studies. The experts shall consider the planning of the remainder of the programme as laid out in the individual study plan.

Language

The doctoral student’s presentation should be conducted in English. The following discussion may be held in Swedish.

Duration

The duration of the seminar should be approximately 2 hours. A private discussion will then follow, estimated to take approximately 1 hour.

Documentation/assessment

The experts shall provide verbal and written assessments. The written assessment shall be made using the form Assessment 60% and final seminars. The written assessment should contain a short summary of the most important advice given at the seminar. In addition, the supervisors shall take notes of the comments that are being discussed.

The seminar leader is responsible for the form; that it is completed and submitted to the study and research administrator. 

Finance

The experts receive reimbursement for travel, as well as accommodation, if needed, for one night. The subject is responsible for meeting these costs.

The university’s travel policy prescribes that travellers are required to opt for the most appropriate and cost-effective mode of travel with respect to cost, time and the environment.

Advertising

The study and research administrator will post details of the review seminar in the school’s calendar online and in other channels as requested by the subject.