GOVERNANCE AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN DOCTORAL STUDY

DOCTORAL CANDIDATE

A doctoral candidate is a student enrolled in a doctoral study programme who carries out individual scientific and educational activities under the supervision of a supervisor according to an individual study plan. Doctoral study consists of a study part and a scientific part, and its proper completion is conditional upon passing the dissertation examination and successful defence of the doctoral thesis.

A doctoral candidate particularly:

• fulfils obligations arising from the individual study plan,
• completes the study and scientific parts of doctoral study,
• obtains credits for study, scientific, publication and pedagogical activities,
• submits an application for the dissertation examination,
• submits the doctoral thesis and application for permission to defend the doctoral thesis,
• participates in the dissertation examination and doctoral thesis defence,
• in full-time study performs pedagogical or other professional activities to the extent defined by legislation and internal regulations.

A full-time doctoral candidate is also required to record attendance at the training workplace and fulfil additional obligations arising from the Study Regulations and the individual study plan.

References:
Study Regulations of JFMED CU (IR 21/2023), Articles 23, 26–36.

SUPERVISOR

The supervisor is a key person for the doctoral candidate throughout doctoral study. The supervisor provides professional guidance, oversees fulfilment of the individual study plan and participates in continuous evaluation of doctoral study progress.

List of supervisors for individual accredited study programmes

Responsibilities of the supervisor:

• a) professionally supervises the doctoral candidate during doctoral study,
• b) in cooperation with the doctoral candidate prepares the individual study plan and submits it for approval to the Departmental Board,
• c) manages and professionally guarantees fulfilment of the individual study plan and monitors fulfilment of pedagogical activities,
• d) determines the focus of the dissertation project and specifies the dissertation topic together with the doctoral candidate,
• e) awards credits for completed stages of individual study of scientific literature and the scientific part of the individual study plan, if defined in the individual study plan,
• f) submits the annual evaluation of the doctoral candidate to the Dean with a recommendation on continuation or termination of study,
• g) submits a proposal for exclusion of the doctoral candidate from doctoral study,
• h) comments on requests concerning interruption of study, change of doctoral study programme or change of study form,
• i) recommends the doctoral candidate for study stays at domestic or international scientific, research, educational or artistic institutions,
• j) arranges consultations with other experts where necessary,
• k) participates in the dissertation examination and has the right to comment on its evaluation,
• l) prepares an evaluation report on the doctoral thesis and the doctoral candidate,
• m) participates in the doctoral thesis defence and has the right to comment on its evaluation.

For full-time doctoral candidates, the supervisor additionally:

• a) in cooperation with the head of the training workplace and the guarantor of the respective study programme ensures the doctoral candidate’s involvement in pedagogical and other professional activities,
• b) monitors the doctoral candidate’s attendance at the training workplace,
• c) grants permission for fulfilment of study or scientific tasks from home (“home office”),
• d) determines the use of study leave together with the doctoral candidate.

Approval and qualification requirements for supervisors:

Supervisors of doctoral study are approved by the Scientific Board of the Faculty at which the respective doctoral study programme is implemented. Proposals to the Scientific Board are submitted by the guarantor of the doctoral study programme, the chair of the Departmental Board, the Dean (if the proposed supervisor is an employee of the Faculty), or the statutory representative of the external educational institution (if the proposed supervisor is an employee of the external educational institution and supervises a doctoral candidate at the Faculty).

The role of supervisor in a doctoral study programme may be performed by university teachers, researchers, artistic staff and other experts who are active in research, development or artistic activities and in dissemination of their results through peer-reviewed scientific or artistic publications and at scientific, professional or artistic events of international significance, namely:

• a) university teachers and researchers holding the scientific-pedagogical title of Professor or Associate Professor,
• b) university teachers and researchers holding scientific qualification grade I or IIa,
• c) university teachers and researchers holding the scientific degree DrSc.,
• d) university teachers holding the functional position of Professor or Associate Professor, or
• e) other experts holding one of the scientific-pedagogical titles, scientific qualification grades or scientific degrees listed in points a)–c).

One supervisor may supervise a maximum of five doctoral candidates simultaneously. In justified cases, the Vice-Rector responsible for doctoral study may, upon proposal of the Dean of the respective Faculty, permit simultaneous supervision of a higher number of doctoral candidates.

 

References:
- Responsibilities of the supervisor – Study Regulations of JFMED CU (IR No. 21/2023), Article 25(1–3).
- Approval and qualification requirements for supervisors – Internal Quality Assurance System of Higher Education of Comenius University in Bratislava (IR No. 23/2021), Article 51(2), Article 52(2), Article 53(3).

TRAINING WORKPLACE

The training workplace represents a professional and research workplace at which the doctoral candidate carries out the scientific part of doctoral study under the supervision of a supervisor. Training workplaces at JFMED CU include in particular scientific and teaching departments of the Faculty, university clinics, institutes, research workplaces and workplaces of external educational institutions participating in the implementation of doctoral study programmes.

The training workplace particularly:

• provides professional, personnel and material-technical background for doctoral study,
• ensures conditions for implementation of the doctoral candidate’s scientific and research activities,
• participates in fulfilment of the study and scientific parts of doctoral study,
• enables the doctoral candidate to participate in research teams, scientific projects, pedagogical activities and other professional activities (e.g. healthcare activities),
• cooperates with the supervisor in ensuring the course of doctoral study,
• in full-time study ensures recording of the doctoral candidate’s attendance at the workplace.

If doctoral study is implemented in cooperation with an external educational institution, the conditions of doctoral study are regulated by an individual agreement on the doctoral study of the doctoral candidate.

References:
Study Regulations of JFMED CU (IR 21/2023), Article 23(2), Article 25(3), Article 26(5–7), Article 27(3)(d), Article 28.

STUDY PROGRAMME BOARD / DEPARTMENTAL BOARD

In doctoral study programmes at JFMED CU, the Study Programme Board also performs the tasks of the Departmental Board in accordance with the Internal Quality Assurance System of Comenius University (IR No. 34/2024) and the Study Regulations of JFMED CU (IR No. 21/2023).

The responsibilities of both bodies overlap in doctoral study programmes. However, such a body must fulfil the requirements imposed both on the Study Programme Board and on the Departmental Board. The Departmental Board does not include student representatives.

Overview of Study Programme Boards for individual accredited study programmes

Composition of the Study Programme Board: 

• a) guarantor and co-guarantors of the study programme,
• b) representative(s) of employers from the relevant field of education,
• c) representative(s) of students,
• d) other members appointed to the position, especially representatives from universities outside the Slovak Republic.

Composition of the Departmental Board:

• The Departmental Board consists of a chairperson and at least four additional members.
• At least one member of the Departmental Board must hold the scientific-pedagogical title of Professor, the scientific degree Doctor of Sciences (DrSc.), or scientific qualification grade I.
• Other members of the Departmental Board may include:

   a) university teachers and researchers holding the scientific-pedagogical title of Associate Professor,
     b) university teachers and researchers holding the academic degree PhD or CSc.,
     c) university teachers and researchers holding scientific qualification grade IIa, or
    d) qualified professionals from practice holding one of the academic titles, scientific-pedagogical titles or scientific degrees listed above.

Functions of the body:

• monitors and evaluates doctoral study in the respective field of study,
• approves dissertation topics,
• approves the individual study plan of the doctoral candidate,
• proposes to the Dean the chairperson and members of the examination committee for the dissertation examination,
• proposes to the Dean the reviewer of the written work for the dissertation examination,
• proposes to the Dean the reviewers of the doctoral thesis,
• proposes to the Dean the composition of the examination committee for the doctoral thesis defence.

Within the Internal Quality Assurance System, the body additionally:

• prepares proposals for new study programmes, proposals for modifications of study programmes and proposals for suspension or termination of study programmes,
• approves modifications of course information sheets for compulsory, compulsory elective and elective courses involving updates of teachers and recommended literature, and prepares proposals for changes in conditions of implementation of the study programme,
• is responsible for implementation of measures adopted by the Faculty Accreditation Board or the Accreditation Board of Comenius University, including possible termination of the study programme and ensuring completion of study for students of terminated study programmes within another study programme in the same field of study,
• verifies the sustainability of the study programme once per academic year,
• adopts proposals for measures or modifications of the study programme,
• is responsible for:
  1. preparation of study programme evaluation reports and their submission to the Faculty Accreditation Board at least once during the standard duration of the study programme,
  2. monitoring graduate employability and evaluation of graduate outcomes and their submission to the Faculty Accreditation Board at least once during the standard duration of the study programme,
• is responsible for timeliness, accessibility and completeness of information on the study programme in Slovak and English languages, and also in another foreign language if the study programme is implemented in that language,
• evaluates and publishes at least once per year results of student surveys related to the study programme, available data on graduate employability and information from employers, and other information from students, graduates and teachers of the study programme,
• is responsible for preparation of documentation for the annual faculty educational activities report,
• performs other related tasks and activities.

References:
Departmental Board – Study Regulations of JFMED CU (IR 21/2023), Article 24(2) and (4).
Study Programme Board – Internal Quality Assurance System of Higher Education of Comenius University in Bratislava (IR 23/2021), Articles 23 and 24.

GUARANTORS AND CO-GUARANTORS OF THE STUDY PROGRAMME

At JFMED CU, doctoral study programmes are implemented through a system of persons responsible for ensuring the quality of the study programme (“guarantors” and “co-guarantors”) in accordance with the Internal Quality Assurance System of Higher Education of Comenius University. These are persons responsible for the implementation, development and quality of the study programme.

In doctoral study programmes, these persons simultaneously functionally correspond to the chairperson and members of the Departmental Board according to the Study Regulations of JFMED CU. Therefore, at JFMED CU the Study Programme Board for doctoral study programmes also performs the tasks of the Departmental Board in accordance with the internal regulations of Comenius University.

Overview of guarantors and co-guarantors for individual accredited study programmes

The guarantor of the study programme is the main person responsible for the implementation, development and quality assurance of the study programme or its coherent part.

Responsibilities of the guarantor:

• a) proposes to the Dean the chairperson and members of the admission committee for the doctoral study entrance examination,
• b) comments on the application for the dissertation examination and confirms fulfilment of all conditions necessary for the dissertation examination and submission of the written dissertation examination work,
• c) comments on the doctoral candidate’s application for permission to defend the doctoral thesis and reviews fulfilment of content and formal requirements of the doctoral thesis,
• d) requests the doctoral candidate to remove deficiencies in the prescribed requirements of the doctoral thesis or the application for permission to defend the doctoral thesis,
• e) comments on transfer of credits within the doctoral candidate’s academic mobility,
• f) comments on recognition of completed courses when changing the doctoral study programme or the form of doctoral study,
• g) comments on proposals for exclusion of the doctoral candidate from doctoral study.

 Within the Internal Quality Assurance System, the guarantor additionally:

• a) coordinates preparation of the study programme content or its coherent part in cooperation with teachers participating in the study programme,
• b) ensures that the study programme or its coherent part is implemented in accordance with accreditation standards and the internal accreditation file,
• c) oversees the quality of the implemented study programme or its coherent part,
• d) approves topics of final theses; dissertation topics are approved only after approval by the Departmental Board,
• e) in cooperation with heads of departments approves teachers participating in implementation of the study programme or its coherent part, except where the guarantor is simultaneously the head of the department concerned,
• f) develops the study programme or its coherent part in terms of content and methodology in accordance with the current state of knowledge in the field and labour market requirements for graduates,
• g) submits proposals to the Dean for amendments to internal regulations related to study,
• h) cooperates with heads of Faculty departments and persons responsible for other study programmes or coherent parts of study programmes,
• i) participates, where necessary, in meetings of Faculty bodies responsible for internal quality assurance processes,
• j) monitors activities of teachers participating in implementation of the study programme, particularly through class observations and inspections,
• k) provides cooperation in preparation of annual reports on educational activities and other evaluation reports concerning the study programme or its coherent part,
• l) implements measures adopted for improvement of the study programme or its coherent part following evaluation processes.

 

Co-guarantors are additional persons responsible for profile courses and jointly responsible for implementation, development and quality assurance of the study programme.

Responsibilities of co-guarantors:

• a) ensure that the study programme or its coherent part is implemented in accordance with accreditation standards and the internal accreditation file,
• b) oversee the quality of the implemented study programme or its coherent part,
• c) develop the study programme or its coherent part in terms of content and methodology in accordance with the current state of knowledge in the field and labour market requirements for graduates,
• d) monitor activities of teachers participating in implementation of the study programme, particularly through class observations and inspections,
• e) provide cooperation in preparation of annual reports on educational activities and other evaluation reports concerning the study programme or its coherent part,
• f) implement measures adopted for improvement of the study programme or its coherent part following evaluation processes.

 

References:
Study Regulations of JFMED CU (IR 21/2023), Article 24(6).
Internal Quality Assurance System of Higher Education of Comenius University in Bratislava (IR 23/2021), Article 21(1–2).

DEPARTMENT OF DOCTORAL STUDIES

The Department of Doctoral Studies provides administrative, organisational and methodological support for doctoral study at JFMED CU. It participates in administration of doctoral study programmes and ensures administrative procedures related to the course of doctoral study, dissertation examinations and doctoral thesis defences.

Contact: Department of Doctoral Studies, JFMED CU

The Department of Doctoral Studies particularly:

• provides administrative support for doctoral study,
• receives and registers applications for dissertation examinations and applications for permission to defend doctoral theses,
• ensures administrative preparation of dissertation examinations and doctoral thesis defences,
• maintains and archives documentation related to doctoral study,
• ensures communication with doctoral candidates, supervisors, reviewers and members of examination committees,
• provides administrative support for implementation of decisions of the Dean, Study Programme Boards and examination committees,
• ensures publication of information and documents related to doctoral study on the Faculty website.

 

References:
Study Regulations of JFMED CU (IR 21/2023), Article 2(4), Article 30(3), Article 31(2), Article 35(15).

VICE-DEAN FOR DOCTORAL STUDIES

The Vice-Dean for Science, Research and Doctoral Study coordinates doctoral study at the Faculty and participates in quality assurance of doctoral study programmes. The Vice-Dean cooperates with guarantors and co-guarantors of study programmes, Study Programme Boards, supervisors, the Department of Doctoral Studies and the Faculty leadership in organisation, management and development of doctoral education.

Contact: prof. MUDr. Štefan Sivák, PhD. – First Vice-Dean and Vice-Dean for Science, Research and Doctoral Study

The Vice-Dean particularly:

• prepares proposals for profiling, conceptual development, management and coordination of doctoral study at JFMED CU,
• prepares proposals for third-cycle study programmes and participates in their quality assurance, monitoring and development in cooperation with Study Programme Boards,
• coordinates admission procedures for doctoral study, annual evaluations of doctoral candidates, preparation and conduct of dissertation examinations and doctoral thesis defences,
• participates in preparation of internal regulations and conceptual documents in the field of doctoral study,
• coordinates communication between doctoral candidates, supervisors, Study Programme Boards and the Faculty leadership and participates in resolving individual issues related to doctoral study,
• coordinates student scientific activities and represents the Faculty in matters related to doctoral education at university level and during external quality evaluations,
• submits documents related to doctoral study for discussion by academic self-governing bodies.

 

References:
Organisational Regulations of JFMED CU (IR 20/2023), Article 9.

DEAN OF THE FACULTY

The Dean of the Faculty decides on matters related to doctoral study within the scope defined by legislation, internal regulations of Comenius University and the Study Regulations of JFMED CU. The Dean ensures organisational, personnel and administrative conditions for implementation of doctoral study programmes and participates in quality assurance of doctoral education.

Contact: prof. MUDr. Andrea Čalkovská, DrSc. – Dean of JFMED CU

The Dean particularly:

• determines dates of enrolment, dissertation examinations and doctoral thesis defences,
• decides on continuation of doctoral study on the basis of the annual evaluation of the doctoral candidate,
• decides on interruption of doctoral study,
• decides on changes of the doctoral study programme or form of doctoral study,
• appoints chairpersons and members of examination committees for dissertation examinations and doctoral thesis defences,
• appoints reviewers of the written work for the dissertation examination and reviewers of the doctoral thesis and formally requests preparation of review reports,
• grants permission for defence of the doctoral thesis, determines the time and place of the doctoral thesis defence and formally invites members of the examination committee, reviewers, supervisor and doctoral candidate to the defence,
• decides on matters concerning academic rights and obligations of doctoral candidates,
• may decide on exclusion of a doctoral candidate from study in cases defined by legislation and the Study Regulations,
• may grant exemptions from the Study Regulations in cases worthy of special consideration,
• issues the internal regulation governing establishment of Departmental Boards after approval by the Scientific Board of the Faculty,
• approves paid and unpaid study stays of doctoral candidates,
• grants Dean’s study leave.

 

References:
Study Regulations of JFMED CU (IR 21/2023), particularly Articles 7, 20, 24–35, 42–43.

SCIENTIFIC BOARD OF THE FACULTY

The Scientific Board of the Faculty is an academic self-governing body of the Faculty participating in quality assurance of scientific and research activities, habilitation and inauguration procedures, and doctoral study.

Scientific Board of the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin

In relation to doctoral study, the Scientific Board of the Faculty particularly:

• approves supervisors of doctoral study,
• approves persons authorised to examine at dissertation examinations and doctoral thesis defences (Commission for State Examinations),
• approves rules governing establishment of Departmental Boards (Study Programme Boards),
• participates in quality assurance of doctoral study programmes and scientific and research activities of the Faculty.

The activities of the Scientific Board of JFMED CU are governed by the Rules of Procedure of the Scientific Board of JFMED CU.

References:
- Internal Quality Assurance System of Higher Education of Comenius University in Bratislava (IR 23/2021), Article 50(3).
- Study Regulations of JFMED CU (IR 21/2023), Article 24(3), Article 30(8), Article 33(4).
- Rules of Procedure of the Scientific Board of JFMED CU (IR 25/2023).

ACCREDITATION BOARDS OF JFMED CU AND CU

At Comenius University in Bratislava, the Accreditation Board of Comenius University and, at the level of the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, the Accreditation Board of JFMED CU operate as bodies of the Internal Quality Assurance System of Higher Education.

Contact:
Accreditation Board of JFMED CU (in slovak)
Accreditation Board of Comenius University (in slovak)

In relation to doctoral study, the Accreditation Boards particularly participate in:

• assessment of proposals for new doctoral study programmes, proposals for modifications, suspension or termination of study programmes,
• monitoring fulfilment of quality standards for doctoral study programmes,
• evaluation of the quality of implementation of doctoral study,
• adoption of measures aimed at improvement of the quality of doctoral education,
• preparation of documentation for accreditation and external quality evaluation of higher education.

The Accreditation Boards cooperate with guarantors and co-guarantors of study programmes, Study Programme Boards and the Faculty leadership in quality assurance and development of doctoral study.

The activities of the Accreditation Board of JFMED CU are governed by the Statute of the Accreditation Board of JFMED CU.

References:
- Internal Quality Assurance System of Higher Education of Comenius University in Bratislava (IR 23/2021).
- Statute of the Accreditation Board of JFMED CU (IR No. 45/2023).

DOCTORAL SCHOOL OF COMENIUS UNIVERSITY

The Doctoral School of Comenius University represents a university platform supporting the quality of doctoral education, development of professional and transferable skills of doctoral candidates, and training of supervisors across the faculties of Comenius University in Bratislava.

Doctoral School of Comenius University

The Doctoral School particularly:

• organises professional courses, seminars and workshops for doctoral candidates and supervisors,
• supports development of transferable skills, academic writing, project management and research integrity,
• promotes interdisciplinary and international cooperation in doctoral education,
• provides a platform for sharing good practice in doctoral study,
• participates in development of the quality of doctoral education at university level.

ETHICS COMMITTEE

The Ethics Committees of JFMED CU and Martin University Hospital (MUH) evaluate research projects with regard to compliance with ethical principles, protection of research participants and conformity with applicable legal and ethical standards.

Contact: Ethics Committee of JFMED CU, MUH Ethics Committee

In relation to doctoral study, the Ethics Committee particularly:

• evaluates research projects and doctoral theses involving research on humans, animals, biological material or other ethically sensitive areas,
• issues opinions and approvals required for implementation of research,
• oversees compliance with ethical principles in scientific and research activities,
• supports adherence to principles of research integrity and protection of personal data in research.

Research Involving Animals

Research projects involving animal experiments are subject to a specific approval process in accordance with the applicable legislation of the Slovak Republic.

A prerequisite for submitting a project is that the person conducting animal experiments possesses the required professional competence and has successfully completed the relevant theoretical and practical training, including the final examination.

Projects involving animal experiments require approval by both the Ethics Committee and the State Veterinary and Food Administration of the Slovak Republic (SVFA SR).

Procedure:

1. The applicant must be qualified to perform animal experiments and hold a valid certificate of competence. Qualification requires completion of theoretical training provided by the Institute of Postgraduate Education of Veterinary Surgeons in Košice, followed by practical training at the respective workplace and successful completion of the final examination.
2. Approval of the project by the Ethics Committee of Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin.
3. Approval of the project by the State Veterinary and Food Administration of the Slovak Republic in accordance with Decree No. 436/2012 Coll. and Government Regulation No. 377/2012 Coll.

Application to the State Veterinary and Food Administration of the Slovak Republic

1. Application forms are available at: https://www.svps.sk/zdroje/index.php?page=vsetky
2. Category: Animal Health and Animal Welfare (Zdravie a ochrana zvierat)
3. Document: Žiadosť o schválenie projektu je určená pre fyzické osoby, fyzické osoby - podnikateľov, právnické osoby za účelom schválenia vykonávania projektu na živých zvieratách podľa nariadenia vlády SR č. 377/2012 Z. Z.

DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

The Disciplinary Committee of JFMED CU discusses disciplinary offences of students and participates in protection of academic ethics, academic rights and obligations of Faculty students.

Contact: Disciplinary Committee of JFMED CU – Disciplinary Regulations of JFMED CU

In relation to doctoral study, the Disciplinary Committee particularly:

• discusses disciplinary offences of doctoral candidates,
• assesses violations of academic ethics and principles of honest scientific and study work,
• participates in protection of principles of academic integrity and transparency of the academic environment.

Doctoral candidates are required to comply with academic ethics, act in accordance with principles of honest scientific work and avoid plagiarism, dishonest practices and other violations of academic rules.

References:
- Study Regulations of JFMED CU (IR 21/2023), Article 2(5–6).