Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC)
Shortly after joining the IMPRS-LM program, each PhD student selects their Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC). The TAC consists of the student’s direct supervisor and two additional advisors, one of whom must be an IMPRS-LM Faculty member. If the research project requires specialized expertise not available within the IMPRS-LM faculty, an external expert from another institution may be invited to serve as a TAC member.
The TAC meets at least three times during the doctoral studies (at 6, 18, and 30 months after the start of the student’s contract) with all members required to attend. These meetings are structured to provide regular, constructive oversight and support. In addition, students are encouraged to consult TAC members informally throughout their PhD for guidance on scientific, personal, or career-related matters.
Prior to each meeting, the student is required to submit a report, prepare a presentation, and, following the discussion, deliver a concise one-page summary of the meeting outcomes in bullet-point format. This ensures transparency, accountability, and clear documentation of feedback and next steps.
What is the purpose of TAC Meetings?
- to monitor and support the student’s research progress in a constructive, forward-looking manner,
- to provide independent advice on project scope, feasibility, timelines, and risk assessment, complementing the role of the primary supervisor,
- to help in defining key project milestones and deliverables,
- to mediate and resolve potential conflicts between student and supervisor, fostering a healthy and productive working relationship,
- to offer guidance on career development, including academic and non-academic pathways, and to support long-term professional planning.
During the second or, at the latest, the third TAC meeting, the committee will engage in a dedicated discussion about the student’s career aspirations. Supervisors serve as mentors and advisers, helping students explore options and build a strategic plan for their future.
The meeting format includes private sessions (one for the student and one for the supervisor) allowing both parties to raise concerns, share challenges, or discuss sensitive issues confidentially. This ensures that underlying tensions or misalignments can be addressed early and constructively. The TAC then provides recommendations, proposes solutions, and helps realign goals when necessary.
Through this structured yet flexible framework, the TAC serves as a vital pillar of academic support, ensuring that students receive balanced, multidisciplinary guidance throughout their PhD journey.