SUPERvisor Award
Excellent academic supervision is a central element of the University of Potsdam's support for researchers in the early stages of their careers. This requires, on the one hand, intensive specialist supervision of PhD candidates by experienced academics with the aim of increasing independent research performance and, on the other hand, a transparent, structured support for PhD candidates that is tailored to individual circumstances. Excellent supervision not only creates the basis for high-quality doctoral degrees and outstanding research, it also makes a decisive contribution to a culture of support and trust, strengthens academic exchange and counteracts abuse of authority.
Winners of the SUPERvisor Award 2026
The Potsdam Graduate School (PoGS) presented the SUPERvisor Awards at the University of Potsdam for the second time at the Grand Professorium on July 09, 2026 in the Botanical Garden. With this award, four researchers were honored for their outstanding commitment to academic supervision and their lasting impact on the academic community. In the “Daily Supervision” category, Prof. Norbert Marwan from Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) was honored. In the “University Supervision” category, the prizes went to Prof. Lisa Bruttel from the chair of Economics, Prof. Thomas Siedler from the chair of Economics, and Prof. Peter van der Beek from the Institute of Geosciences. The four winners were selected by a jury. Congratulations to the award winners!
Prof. Lisa Bruttel was honored for her exceptional support and encouragement, as well as her commitment to diversity. She is considered a rare model of reliability, with clear deadlines and absolute dependability. She always treats PhD candidates as equals and actively encourages them to challenge her views, which she communicates openly. When conflicts arise, she always seeks to balance the interests of all parties. She promotes gender-sensitive practices in teaching and ensures that her team is diverse. She is an exceptional advisor who supports and challenges PhD candidates in an exemplary manner.
Prof. Norbert Marwan was honored for his active commitment to diversity and inclusion. He creates a safe space, where open discussion, mutual respect, and different perspectives are encouraged. He is genuinely open to criticism and willing to reflect on and improve his leadership practices. His support extends far beyond formal supervision: he creates exceptional opportunities and instills the skills and self-confidence required to take full advantage of them. He always treats PhD candidates with care and respect, not only as researchers but also as a person.
Prof. Thomas Siedler was honored for his outstanding support and guidance as a doctoral advisor. He ensures that PhD candidates can balance their research with personal challenges. He valued PhD candidates not just as researchers but also as individuals with important responsibilities beyond academia. He consistently provided clear guidance and helped them navigate the complex academic landscape, actively expand their professional networks, and keep their future careers in mind while considering the wide range of options available.
Prof. Peter van der Beek was honored for his professionalism, integrity, and genuine commitment to the success of his PhD candidates and postdocs. He creates an environment characterized by trust, structure, and intellectual curiosity. Through trust-building mentorship and strong academic support, he fosters a supportive and diverse research group that offers outstanding role models and opportunities. He places clear value on the well-being of his group and creates a respectful and supportive work environment. He is an inspiring role model for excellent mentorship.
Dr. René Schneider, 2025„I was genuinely pleased. This award represents a clear recognition of the values that are important to me in supervision.“
Interview
We talked to one of the 2025 award winners, Dr. René Schneider. Supervision comes with a lot of expectations, but often gets less attention. Does an award like this make the work more visible? What challenges do you constantly face in supervision? These and other questions guided our conversation. But check out the whole interview for yourself.
Quality Criteria of the Potsdam Graduate School
In 2007, the Potsdam Graduate School, together with the faculties, was one of the first universities in Germany to develop transparent, structured and individualized quality criteria, including discipline-specific criteria, as minimum standards for PhD projects, both for individual and structured doctorates.
Individual Doctorates
Structured Doctorates
Downloads
- Quality criteria of University of Potsdam (PDF, 163 KB)
- Dissertation agreement 2025 - EN (DOCX, 152 KB)
- Dissertation agreement 2025 - GER (DOCX, 160 KB)
Contact person:
Dr. Bettina Buchholz
- Potsdam Graduate School
WIS | Wissenschaftsetage, 4th floor
Bildungsforum
Am Kanal 47
14467 Potsdam
Contact person:
Nadja Schubert
- Potsdam Graduate School
WIS | Wissenschaftsetage, 4th floor
Bildungsforum
Am Kanal 47
14467 Potsdam