Why a PhD committee?
- Inform, connect and involve current PhD-students and attract and inform future PhD-students
- Reach out to the VITO PhD community and connect between various VITO disciplines
- Share experiences about their PhD life with current and future VITO PhD students
- Organise events for VITO PhD-students
- Shape and improve the PhD-programme at VITO
- Contact point for potential PhD candidates
Get to know the PhD comittee
The PhD committee is an international group of PhD students at VITO, which represents the community of PhD students currently performing their PhD at VITO. The committee works in close cooperation with the Scientific Relations team, which is co-ordinating the VITO PhD programme.
Tu Nguyen
PhD at University of Hasselt, Belgium
Started on 01/12/2021
"PhD-ers in VITO are special: they are a part of their associated university and also a part of VITO. Sometimes there are unique experiences that I believe only PhD-students in VITO might relate. Therefore, the VITO PhD committee is there to bring PhD students together and to support each other. It is meaningful for me to be a part of the organization that creates a sense of belonging for other PhDs at VITO and makes them feel “at home”. Doing a PhD at VITO has been an enjoyable journey to me so far, and I would love to help spread the spirit to other fellow VITO-PhD students as well."
Erik Bollen
PhD at university of Hasselt, Belgium
Started on 01/10/2020
"I think doing a PhD is hard work, but it should be or can be fun too. The PhD committee helped me with both facets. For example, the committee helped me to get started and make sure I could find my way within VITO. Besides, the committee ensured that I did not feel left alone in this new chapter of my career. The social events and the buddy program are nice examples of that. The PhD committee ensured a smooth start for me, thank you. Now, I want to return this favour to the colleagues already here and the ones that will join in the future. I hope that I can help with the organisation of the events and programs so that others have an equally nice experience starting and working at VITO as I did. Being part of the VITO PhD committee is also an excellent opportunity to meet as many of my colleagues and get to know their interesting research."
Tam Huynh Thi Thanh
PhD at University of Brussels, Belgium
Started on 15/12/2022
"A PhD is an exceptional experience, especially if you are an international student who may cross the pond to begin this adventure, leaving family and friends behind. I can tell you that you will learn a lot about cultural differences, diversity, and inclusion at VITO. Furthermore, the PhD committee exists to bring us together not only academically but also socially. I am honoured to be a part of a PhD committee where I hope that I can contribute my expertise and assist new PhD researchers."
Daniel Flender
PhD at University of Antwerp, Belgium
Started on 01/12/2020
"The PhD journey is undeniably difficult, but it is also extremely exciting. We can make this path more enjoyable and rewarding by encouraging fellow PhDs to share their experiences and progress. Throughout the start of my own PhD, the PhD committee served as an important support system, ensuring a smooth start. Now I'm motivated to return this invaluable help by assisting other PhD students in their own beginnings.
The annual PhD event is an important chance provided by the PhD committee. This event offers a forum for vital research skills to be sharpened and experiences to be shared among peers. By actively participating in the PhD committee, I can help organize this event and have the opportunity to collaborate with PhDs from various disciplines at VITO."
