European collaboration on the future of PhD education

DOC BEST is a European collaborative project in which eight leading universities from France, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Norway, Spain, Poland and Italy are joining forces to develop a shared, transdisciplinary framework for PhD education in food science, the environment and sustainability.

The project aims to strengthen the quality of PhD education, promote international collaboration, and enhance the relevance of education in addressing major societal challenges.

Main content of the project

The DOC BEST project maps and compares existing PhD programmes in Europe and develops new models for joint and double PhD degrees, with an emphasis on challenge-based learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. Common digital platforms, databases, and research arenas are being established, and innovative courses and activities are being developed to enhance PhD students’ skills, mobility, and career opportunities.

The project places strong emphasis on inclusion, the use of digital tools, and close collaboration with external stakeholders from industry, the public sector, and society at large. Through joint activities, courses, and research projects, PhD students will develop the ability to work across disciplinary and national boundaries and contribute to solutions for global challenges such as climate change, food security, and sustainability.

NMBU's participation in DOC BEST

NMBU plays a central role in the project, leading an extensive effort to map and compile PhD programmes across the consortium. NMBU contributes its expertise in interdisciplinary research, PhD education, and the development of sustainable solutions. NMBU works closely with partner universities to identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities for joint Phd education, and helps to develop recommendations for standardised European PhD programmes in food, environmental, and life sciences.

NMBU has approximately 500 PhD students and maintains a strong focus on sustainability and interdisciplinarity in research and education. Through DOC BEST, NMBU collaborates with institutions across Europe to enhance the quality, internationalisation, and societal relevance of PhD education. NMBU is also involved in piloting new courses and models for mobility, joint degrees, and the digitalisation of PhD processes.

Contact us

For more information about the project, contact the project manager at NMBU or visit our website. Here, we will continuously publish news, results, and opportunities to participate in project activities.