How a binational PhD opens two doors to a future research career

In a binational PhD programme, a student pursues research at two universities in two different countries and is jointly supervised by two professors. This can be as interesting (and maybe as demanding!) as working on two research projects at the same time and provides young researchers with opportunities to exchange knowledge and experience diverse professional practices.

But how does a binational PhD really work? I share my experience and tips below.

What a binational PhD involves

Binational PhD programmes can already exist between selected faculties or through existing collaborations between two universities. Often, students can also initiate a binational PhD by finding a host and securing funding.

In general, a PhD student begins their research at the primary institute and later undertakes a mandatory research stay at the partner institution, typically lasting 6-24 months. In my case, the stay is scheduled for 12 months and can be completed either as a single continuous visit or split into two six-month periods. During the research stay, you might continue work initiated at the primary institute, start a new project or become involved in an ongoing project within the host group, thereby gaining experience and familiarity with that laboratory’s research focus and methodologies. The research framework enables the PhD project to develop in a broader and more interdisciplinary direction. For example, materials synthesised in the primary institute can be transferred to the host institution to be experimented on using specialist equipment. Afterwards, the PhD student returns to the primary institute to continue research or to begin thesis preparation.

In my case, I worked on the synthesis of organic molecules, with a focus towards spectroscopy investigations during the initial year of my PhD in India. During my research stay in Germany, I was able to strengthen my organic synthesis skills and gain deeper insight into supramolecular chemistry.

Planning is key

Official documentation differs between countries, from application and visa procedures to how to submit the PhD thesis and can be time-consuming to navigate. Once the duration of the research stay is fixed, the official invitation and host agreement from the host institution are required to proceed with further administrative steps such as visa applications, academic leave approval from the primary institution, and formal registration as a PhD student in the host institution. It is generally advisable to initiate these procedures 2-3 months before the planned visit. If you can choose the time frame for your visit to the partner institute, the midpoint of your PhD journey is the best time, in my opinion. This allows you to apply and further develop the skills and knowledge acquired at the primary institute. Proper communication with the partner institute is important for planning a convenient time for hosting. Having a prior idea of the tasks to be completed or the project work to be undertaken during your research stay can also save a lot of time.

Challenges

During your research stay you may still need to manage existing commitments or responsibilities from your primary institution, including managing submitted manuscripts and supervising bachelor’s students.

Obviously, the lifestyle and way of living can be very different from one country to another. For me, moving from a residential campus in India to Germany, where I had to plan and manage everything from accommodation to daily cooking myself, was a completely new experience. It was a bit cumbersome initially, but I managed as I settled in.

A new work atmosphere and new people naturally take some time to adapt to. The approach to training, the evaluation of research problems, and the direction provided may differ from one lab to another. The best way to deal with this is to observe closely and discuss with coworkers. Also, work ethics and professionalism may differ from one place to another; the best approach is to implement the stronger practices on each side.

Naturally, you may need some time to learn new things and may even make mistakes. The purpose of the binational PhD is to sharpen research skills at both ends, so there is no need to feel discouraged if you are unfamiliar with a particular experiment or instrument. Undertaking a binational PhD has indeed been one of the best decisions and opportunities I have had. The diversity within the working groups has helped me broaden my thinking, appreciate different perspectives, and approach scientific problems more critically.

More information about the binational PhD programme I am currently enrolled in can be found here: uni-wuerzburg.de/irtg2991/