PhD Supervision 2.0: Investing in social safety within the university
Social safety in PhD trajectories is high on the agenda both nationally and at Leiden University. In practice, however, it can be challenging to embed this theme structurally, particularly due to the complex and hierarchical dynamics that characterise academia. A recently awarded grant is set to change this.
With recent funding from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), Kate Kirk (Centre for Professional Learning) and Suzan Kommers (Leadership & Development) are launching a two‑year pilot programme. The pilot introduces new training courses for both PhD candidates and their supervisors, with a focus on social and psychological safety within the supervisory relationship.
A vulnerable position within the PhD trajectory
Traditionally, the relationship between PhD candidate and supervisor has followed a ‘master–apprentice’ model, in which early‑career researchers learn through close collaboration with an experienced academic. There is nothing wrong with this, emphasises Suzan Kommers, but the system also carries risks.
‘As a PhD candidate, you are highly dependent on your supervisor,’ Suzan Kommers, D&I Advisor, explains. ‘That same person acts as mentor and advisor, but also ultimately decides when your PhD trajectory meets the academic standards.’
Conversations with PhD candidates and supervisors reveal widely differing experiences. Some candidates benefit from highly engaged and empathetic supervision, while others face unclear expectations or feel little space to raise concerns. This dependency can make it difficult for PhD candidates to set boundaries or express problems.
From policy to practice
The importance of social safety is widely acknowledged within the university. Training programmes and guidelines for PhD supervision already exist, but according to Kate Kirk, senior programme lead, their application is not always clear. ‘There are guidelines, but in practice many exceptions are made. This can lead to confusion for both PhD candidates and supervisors.’
The funding makes it possible to run a pilot that focuses not only on awareness, but above all on practical communication skills. ‘This really allows us to go further,’ says Kate. ‘By offering training where participants actively practice difficult conversations and non‑violent communication.’
Training for PhD candidates and supervisors
A key principle of the project is that social safety is not a one‑sided responsibility. The pilot therefore targets both sides of the PhD relationship.
For PhD candidates, a one‑day training course will be developed that becomes part of their compulsory transferable skills programme. The focus is on communication, awareness of hierarchy, and strengthening professional resilience.
For supervisors, a training trajectory will be offered. Topics include psychological safety, non‑violent communication, and dealing with wellbeing issues among PhD candidates.
After the training sessions, peer consultation meetings will be held, so that participants can integrate what they have learned into their daily practice. This is intended to prevent the training from remaining a one‑off intervention
'The university is making a conscious investment. A highly encouraging development.’
- Kate Kirk
Practising, reflecting and integrating
‘We want to provide supervisors with concrete tools,’ says Suzan. ‘How do you offer space and support to your PhD candidate while also facing publication pressure and performance targets? That tension is one of the themes we address during the training.’
Attention is also paid to the physical dimension of stress. ‘It’s not just about cognitive understanding,’ Kate explains. ‘In difficult conversations, stress plays a major role. By also looking at the nervous system and bodily responses, they are taught to regulate their emotions, resulting in more effective responses.’
The pilot will run for two years and conclude with an evaluation and report. The explicit aim is to draw lessons that can be applied more broadly within the university. Kate emphasises that leadership and supervision are learned skills. ‘Not so long ago there was less attention for this topic, but we now see that the university is making a conscious investment. That is an encouraging development.’
Training: 'PhD Supervision that Works: Trust, Clarity, and Productive Dialogue'
The first event takes place on 9 July: PhD Supervision that Works: Trust, Clarity, and Productive Dialogue.
RegisterSupervisors and PhD candidates interested in the pilot or its further development are invited to get in touch with Kate Kirk: k.m.kirk@fgga.leidenuniv.nl or Suzan Kommers: s.kommers@bb.leidenuniv.nl.