Designing One Health-Related PhD Training: Insights from the University of Tartu

On October 22, 2024, Prof. Aavo Lang from the University of Tartu conducted a one-hour session on designing high-quality PhD training programs tailored to One Health themes. The event, attended by 20 participants, including researchers, PhD students, and management from Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMU), focused on improving doctoral education in the Faculty of Medicine.

Prof. Lang shared detailed insights into the doctoral journey, from admission to graduation, highlighting regulatory frameworks, governance structures, and essential milestones. He emphasized ethical compliance, transferable skills training, and the value of tools like self-analysis forms and individual doctoral plans to ensure effective alignment between students and supervisors.

The session also introduced IT solutions that enhance communication, track progress, and simplify administrative processes for PhD candidates. Collaborative opportunities through joint supervision (cotutelle) were explored, underscoring the program's adaptability and support for interdisciplinary research.

This session provided participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical tools to design robust PhD programs, fostering academic excellence and innovation in One Health studies.