Instructions for the opponent of PhD thesis

Please have a look at the "Regulations of Doctoral Studies" section III 7.

Some additional specific points concerning the procedure in our Institute/Department:

1. You are the only opponent. There is no need for any earlier prepared written document from the opponent.

2. The format of the procedure is public discussion of the thesis.

3. At the beginning, the applicant makes an introductory presentation (max 20 min) where s/he gives a short overview of the thesis to be defended.

4. Then a discussion between the applicant and the opponent follows. Time for this is not limited, but usually it lasts 1-1.5 hours. The opponent is welcome to make also a short introductory presentation, although this is not obligatory. 

5. Please bear in mind that the main purpose of the disputation is to enable the applicant publicly demonstrate her/his personal competence and orientation in the topic. This is important, as the thesis itself is usually based on multi-author papers.

6. After the discussion between the applicant and the opponent, other members of the Doctoral Committee, and then also other listeners, can ask additional questions. All the procedure together usually lasts no longer than 2-2.5 hours.

7. Doctoral Committee makes final decision in a closed meeting. You belong to the Committee and will attend the Committee meeting.

8. The Opponent’s comments and the applicant's ability to address the questions constitute the major basis for the Committee in making its decision whether the applicant meets the requirements of the PhD degree. If you like, you can express your personal opinion publicly at the end (or even at the beginning) of your discussion with the applicant. No quality grades are used.

Outline of the examination procedure:

The Chairman introduces CV of the applicant

Introductory talk by the applicant (max 20 min)

Discussion between the applicant and the opponent (time not limited, usually 1-1.5 hours)

Questions/comments from the members of the Committee

Questions/comments from the audience

Final statement of the applicant

Committee will make the decision in a closed meeting

Chairman of the Committee will announce the decision

Note. There is no formal dress code neither for the opponent nor for any of the members of the Committee. However, applicant, opponent and jury chairman often wear more formal attire.