The NVS Doctoral Student Council – an important voice
The NVS Doctoral Student Council plays a central role as a link between the department and its doctoral students. Through engagement, representation in various forums, and close collaboration, the council contributes to increased transparency, participation, and influence in doctoral education.
“Early on in the doctoral education, we were introduced to the NVS Doctoral Student Council, but there was so much other information to take in that it didn’t really sink in for me. It wasn’t until our departmental representative brought me along to a meeting, so I could see what it was like, that I understood why the Doctoral Student Council is so valuable,” says Karin Högstedt, a doctoral student at the Division of Occupational Therapy and chair of the Doctoral Student Council.
It didn’t take long before her division needed a new representative for the council, and Karin joined.
“The other doctoral students in our divison already had other commitments, so there weren’t many to choose from,” Karin says. “But being able to accompany someone, get to know the council, ask questions, and understand what the role entails is important. Realising that you can do it.”
Greater understanding of doctoral education
It has now been about a year and a half since she started, she joined in October 2024. When asked what this engagement has given her, she answers:
“I’ve gained greater insight into the entire NVS department. I’ve also gained a better understanding of doctoral education, projects, and the work behind them. You get to look beyond your own work.”
According to Karin, the most important role of the Doctoral Student Council is to act as a channel between the divisions and the doctoral students.
“We are an important point of contact for doctoral students.”
The council should include at least one representative from each division. Some divisions that are located in both Flemingsberg and Solna try to have two representatives to ensure broader coverage. In general, having two per division is encouraged, as it makes representation less vulnerable.
Most people join once they have settled into their doctoral studies, and it is common to step down about six months before the dissertation, when full focus is needed. However, there are no strict rules—each person decides in consultation with their main supervisor when to join or leave the role. Those stepping down are then expected to approach and enlist new doctoral students in their division.
Everyone participates and shares responsibility
“We rotate chairing our meetings,” Karin explains. “This way, everyone becomes involved and takes responsibility. I remain listed as chair on the website, and function as a contact point with Heli Vänskä, who coordinates doctoral education at NVS.”
Otherwise, tasks are shared based on which meetings members attend. Since Karin is Swedish-speaking, she also became the doctoral student representative on the NVS Department Council, with another member serving as deputy. Two members sit on the Committee for Doctoral Education (FoUK). Another two members participate in establishment meetings for new doctoral students, where they read and provide feedback on project plans.
In addition, one person represents NVS in the KI Doctoral Students’ Association (DSA), and one represents the council at annual follow-ups for new doctoral students.
“The Doctoral Student Council meet digitally once a month. We check which meetings are coming up, who can attend, and whether anything significant has happened since last time. Sometimes Heli Vänskä sends out a question for feedback, and we either review it as a group or assign a few people responsibility for it.”
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The Doctoral Student Council aims to stay informed about what is happening at NVS, have discussions about it, and consider what they can do from their perspective. At present, they are not driving a specific issue but are working more broadly. Previously, the council organised “Inner Sustainability Week.”
“In 2020 and 2021 it was held on campus, and then digitally for a whole month in 2024. It was a good and appreciated programme, but participation was low compared to the work the council put into it,” says Karin.
“It’s definitely an important topic, but we haven’t yet decided how to continue with it.”
Once the common courses are completed, doctoral students at NVS do not meet very often. This year, there was a gathering at KI’s new Doctoral Education Day on April 28, and they are always invited to the NVS summer lunch, which this year is a full-day event.
All new doctoral students at NVS are contacted by the council with information about its work. Karin explains that they want to involve new doctoral students early on, but the challenge is not to overwhelm them when everything is still new.
“Just contact any of us if you’d like to get involved or simply have an idea to share,” Karin says.
“Engaging in the council is a very social activity,” she concludes. “We are an important voice!”
Additional perspectives on the Doctoral Student Council
“The Doctoral Student Council plays an important role,” says Susanne Guidetti, professor and principal supervisor for Karin Högstedt. “It gives doctoral students the opportunity to raise and drive issues related to research - something that can otherwise easily be overlooked during their doctoral education, but is central to academic development.
“It is also about one’s own work environment,” Susanne continues. “Through their work on the Doctoral Student Council, doctoral students gain valuable experience in influencing, collaborating, and taking responsibility, skills that are important both during and after doctoral education.”
“For the department, it is also essential that different perspectives are brought forward. The doctoral students’ voice is a natural part of that work.”
Susanne also highlights the importance of a well-balanced doctoral period:
“As a principal supervisor, you need to maintain an open dialogue with your doctoral student and plan together how time is divided between research and other commitments. As the dissertation approaches, it naturally becomes important to gradually focus all attention on the thesis.”
“It is very important that our doctoral students are part of the Doctoral Student Council,” says Ann‑Helen Patomella, Head of the Division of Occupational Therapy, where Karin Högstedt is based.
“The Doctoral Student Council is a valuable bridge between doctoral students across different divisions,” she explains. “It gives them the opportunity to share experiences, receive support, and gain insights into how other divisions work with their doctoral students.”
“You get back what you invest in the Doctoral Student Council,” she continues. “You gain things that, among other things, benefit your own learning process.”
Ann‑Helen adds that she herself was a member of the Doctoral Student Council during her time as a doctoral student. She believes that it can also help initiate other processes.
“Being a doctoral student is not just an education—it is also a job. It is important to be able to have a voice and influence things.”