Junior research groups: A promising format for PhD qualification

The doctoral research with its final thesis and its successful defense is one of the most important steps in the early career of a scientist. Whereas the achievement of a PhD individually under the supervision of an experienced scientist is common practice performed for decades, for example, in Germany, the development of structured PhD programs which should enhance the scientific quality of Higher Education was put forward in Europe within the so-called Bologna process since 1999. Both these options have advantages and disadvantages for the students and the supervisors involved. Accordingly, an additional format is suggested which enriches the portfolio of PhD formats. The Junior Research Groups have been established particularly within funding programs of the German Stifterverband. With a small number of PhD students performing supervised research in teams of various disciplines, this format offers flexible small research groups with a certain autonomy in which an intense interdisciplinary discourse can be established.