DoKUS: The voice of doctoral researchers

DoKUS represents the interests of the doctoral researchers at the University of Stuttgart. Chair of the Board Amatus Beyer and board member Clemens Sonnleitner explain how DoKUS works and how you can get involved.

DoKUS, the doctoral student council at the University of Stuttgart, is essentially the continuation of the student council stuvus. We are committed to supporting everyone who is conducting research at the University of Stuttgart with the intention of obtaining a doctoral degree and we strive to create favorable conditions for this. It is also important to us to connect doctoral researchers with one another –both within the university and beyond.

The DoKUS executive board, which consists of doctoral candidates from various disciplines, represents the interests of doctoral candidates vis-à-vis the university. We are in dialogue with doctoral researchers and with the university authorities about this. We and other committed doctoral researchers take part in committees and working groups and advise on topics related to doctoral degree studies. For example, we are part of the working group that is revising the doctoral regulations. In addition, we have a vote in the Senate and the faculty councils.

Our aim is to improve things by presenting arguments that highlight areas with potential for optimization. However, it is important to understand that changes at a university often take time and cannot be implemented immediately. Committee work takes time. It is important to persevere – and that is what we are doing. 

Anyone who would like to get involved is always welcome! Participation does not necessarily involve serving on the executive board. There are many ways to get involved, for example in working groups or projects. Depending on how much you want to get involved, we will create the right framework. The most important thing is exchange. To get the conversation started, we regularly offer networking formats.

Twice a year, we organize larger networking events, the PhD Summer Break and the PhD Winter Break. There, we will briefly present the work of DoKUS and answer questions – but that's pretty much all there is to the program, because we want to leave room for informal exchange. The format has been very well received; we had around 150 participants during the last summer break. Additionally, there’s usually a freebie available, such as a drink or merchandise. 

Once a month, we also meet at the “Promobeer” regulars' table.  This provides an opportunity to discuss topics in a social setting. Everyone is welcome to join, we always enjoy seeing new faces! 

Once a month, a “formal” DoKUS meeting is also held in hybrid form. This deals with all the topics that directly or indirectly affect doctoral researchers: University policy reforms are discussed, as is the organization of the next event. 

We publish all dates on our website. If you would like to keep up to date on our work and events, you can also subscribe to our mailing list.

Of course! Through DoKUS, you get to know doctoral researchers from a wide variety of disciplines and gain insights into diverse academic cultures and ways of thinking – it's always fascinating. Despite the diversity, many of us face similar questions and challenges during our doctoral studies. The exchange strengthens both sides and helps to find your own solutions.

Get connected! Attend events and engage in conversation with other doctoral candidates. This is the best way to gain insider knowledge on all important topics and get your bearings.

Amatus Beyer is pursuing his doctorate at the Institute for Stochastics and Applications. His doctoral thesis focuses on the mathematical modeling and simulation of cellular systems. He investigates how mechanisms cause individual cells to organize themselves into multicellular structures, analogous to embryonic development. He was already involved in the student council during his studies at the University of Stuttgart. He has been active on the DoKUS board for two years and currently serves as its chair.

Clemens Sonnleitner is pursuing his doctorate at the Institute for Navigation. He is researching how to reliably monitor airspace and aircraft positions by using data from radio signals and evaluating it using mathematical methods. His aim is to make cooperative airspace surveillance in the civil sector safer and more efficient. Sonnleitner has been involved in the DoKUS board for three years.