Structure of the DFG Research Training Group “Standards of Governance”

Our Research Training Group (RTG) deals with ideas and practices for which the term “good governance” has become established. On this page, you will find further information about the course of the doctoral cohorts and the governance of the DFG Research Training Group “Standards of Governance”.

Doctoral Cohorts

In April 2023, the first cohort of doctoral students began their studies as part of the Research Training Group. They are expected to complete their doctorates by March 2027. The second cohort has been pursuing their doctorates at the Research Training Group since April 2025. They will also have four years to complete their doctorates. The projected second funding phase will prospectively begin in 2028. A third cohort is expected to start in the same year,

The RTG is committed to transparency and participation in its organisation and decision-making processes. The central body for this is the Executive Board, which meets as required by its members to make decisions of strategic importance. These include, among other things, the organisation of the study programme, the planning of conferences and the invitation of guest researchers. The Executive Board consists of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, two elected representatives of the academic mid-level faculty, the Gender Equality Officer, and the Managing Director.

All members of the RTG belong to the General Assembly. Its purpose is to critically reflect on the work of the RTG and to set new priorities. The Speaker and the gender equality officer report to the General Assembly. The RTG’s Gender Equality Officer and the Deputy Representative of the academic mid-level faculty are elected from among the members of the General Assembly.

To resolve conflicts concerning individual doctoral projects or the progress of a doctoral project, the Executive Board appoints an Ombudsperson. This is an experienced academic from one of the two universities involved who is not a member of the RTG.