1. The doctoral program is a forum for networking and exchange with doctoral candidates from a variety of fields who work on similar or comparable research questions
2. Membership brings support from a team of professors with a diverse array of subject and theoretical orientations. The quality of one’s own research can be honed through discussion and reflection of one’s own approaches. The program’s networks can provide assistance in difficulties that can arise in the course of working on a dissertation with specific tips, orientation guidance etc.
3. The doctoral program trains participants in interdisciplinary research praxis but also educates them on the potential difficulties of such cooperations.
4. The doctoral program offers many possibilities for forming both formal and informal groups, e.g., for reading and discussing scholarly literature, visiting exhibitions etc.
5. For interested participants, there is a possibility of working with the research network “Heterogeneity and Cohesion"

Doctoral students of all disciplines and faculties can become members of the doctoral program. The sole prerequisite is that their dissertations address a gender-specific research question. If this is the main focus of the project, then membership throughout the entire course of doctoral study is worthwhile. If aspects of gender research are merely brushed on, then a shorter length of participation (the minimum is one semester) is also possible for the purpose of discussing specific questions and problems with the members of the doctoral program. 

Submitting applications is possible at any time via the E-mail address dpgeschlechterstudien(at)uni-graz.at: a short description of the dissertation project (3500-7000 characters including spaces), a letter of motivation and a short resumé are required for application.

A membership in the doctoral program hones doctoral candidates’ interdisciplinary expertise and underscores competence in gender-relevant research questions. 

In applications for scholarships, grants, research projects, and travel allowances, these are important signals. Since “Gender” also constitutes a Cluster in the “Research Network Heterogeneity and Cohesion” (FSP HuK), membership also indicates participation in a research network of the University of Graz. Additionally, participation in relevant academic events, which are recommended over the course of the doctoral program, are free of charge for student program members.

This course does not only facilitate presentation and discussion of gender-relevant questions but enables active participation in relevant academic events (conventions/conferences, lectures, workshops, academic exhibits etc.) as well.

There is no deadline for the completion of dissertations.