Wellbeing and support during your PhD

A PhD is both professionally and personally demanding. During your studies, you may experience disagreements, stress, or other challenges that affect your wellbeing or working environment. If this happens, it is important that you seek support early. Experiencing challenges during a PhD is not uncommon – and seeking support early is a sign of professionalism, not weakness.

Below, you will find information about common situations and where to get help.

Challenges or disagreements with your supervisor

Read more about your options and possible next steps here.

Offensive behaviour or inappropriate conduct

ECE and AU have a clear policy against offensive behaviour. You can find information about reporting procedures here.

Preventing and managing stress

You can find guidance and tools for stress prevention and management as a PhD student here.

Work-related psychological problems

Psychological counselling is available to all PhD students at GSTS. You can either contact AU’s psychological counselling service anonymously or by referral after dialogue with GSTS. Read more here.

Local support at ECE

If you experience difficulties during your PhD, you are always welcome to contact:

A member of ECE's PhD Committee (confidential dialogue)
See the current members here.
Your union representative (confidential support on employment matters)
Your representative is stated in your employment contract, or you can search here.
A member of ECE's Liaison Committee (LSU) (facilitates dialogue between employees and management)
See the current members here.