Lunch/dinner with opponent and others

Prior to the PhD defence, the IIIEE hosts a meal for the opponent, the examination committee members, the chairperson, supervisors and IIIEE representative (the Director and/or the Director of PhD studies). Supervisors should make sure that information of such is provided to the participants. 

The defence

The defence is open and anyone interested can attend. It starts by the opening remark by the chairperson, followed by a short speech by the opponent to introduce the field of research. The PhD student then gets an opportunity to present the thesis in app. 20 minutes. After this the floor is given to the opponent for her/his questions. Once the opponent finishes her/his questions, the examination committee members are asked to pose questions. Finally the floor is open for the rest of the audience. The chairperson then closes the session.

A detailed process is found here.

After the defence

The examination committee members will meet up in a separate room and discuss if the overall performance of the PhD student (the thesis and the defence) is sufficient for a pass. Other actors typically present in the meeting includes the opponent, the supplemental committee member, the chairperson and the supervisors, although their presence is not mandatory nor are they entitled (the decision of their presence is based on the three examination committee members). 

Once the decision is made, the three committee members should fill in the form provided from the chairperson and sign. The chairperson of the defence should make sure to obtain the signed document and bring it back to the PhD administrator.

Once the decision is made, the examination committee members announce the results at the venue where the IIIEE offers small refreshment. And we celebrate! It may be followed by a dinner hosted by the PhD student, but this is optional.