PhD Survey VUB 2022

This report presents the results of the PhD survey 2022. The survey is organized annually by the Researcher Training and Development Office (RTDO) of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). It is aimed at investigating the satisfaction of the PhD candidates at the VUB concerning their work environment and job conditions. A pilot study was launched in 2017, in which three faculties were invited to participate. Since 2018, the sample has been expanded to PhD candidates of all the faculties at the VUB. This is the sixth edition of the survey. For earlier reports, see Verbeylen, Minnen et al. 2017, Glorieux, te Braak et al. 2018, Glorieux, te Braak et al. 2019, Glorieux, te Braak et al. 2020, Glorieux, van Tienoven et al. 2021.
The main goal of this survey is to gather data on how PhD candidates experience the PhD trajectory, and to eventually be able to create an optimal environment for junior researchers to successfully complete their PhD. The survey allows PhD candidates to anonymously report where support is lacking or where the work environment does not live up to their expectations, and in that wayprovide input for new doctoral policies at VUB and faculty level.
The PhD survey is also a self-evaluation tool for the PhD candidates. After completing the survey, they get access to their data and can compare their results to that of their peers. In this way, PhD candidates can reflect on the year that has passed and on how they are doing compared to other doctorates. The PhD survey also informs them on what instances they can contact in case help is needed.
The first chapter of this report discusses the methodology. The second chapter presents the background characteristics of the population. The third chapter handles variables that contribute to job satisfaction, and in the fourth chapter, these variables are used to conduct a latent class analysis, grouping together PhD candidates with a common experience of their trajectory. Finally, the fifth chapter discusses some additional support mechanisms for the PhD candidates, apart from their supervisor.