Supervision
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 2025
The Potsdam Graduate School (PoGS) presented the SUPERvisor Awards at the University of Potsdam for the first time at the Grand Professorium on July 3, 2025 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, Dr. Stephanie Natho from the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Geography and the German scholar and director of the Theodor Fontane Archive Prof. Dr. Peer Trilcke were honored. In the “University Supervision” category, the prizes went to Dr. René Schneider from the Institute of Biochemistry and Biology and Prof. Dr. Fabian Schuppert from the Department of Political and Administrative Science. The four winners were selected by a jury from 84 nominees. Congratulations to the award winners!
Dr. Stefanie Natho received the SUPERvisor Award for her outstanding support and supervision in research, as she always takes time for individual concerns in a timely manner and works together with her team to find solutions to research problems, according to the nominators. During a challenging personal period, she coordinated lab work efficiently by distributing tasks among several people, including herself and a research assistant, which allowed the research to continue without major delays. Her encouragement to present research findings at conferences and publish papers in journals, as well as her facilitation of contacts with peers, contributed significantly to the expansion of scientific skills and networking. She creates a motivating research environment and sets standards for excellent supervision.
Prof. Dr. Peer Trilcke was presented with the SUPERvisor Award for his outstanding support and encouragement as a doctoral supervisor, which goes far beyond the usual level. His extraordinary blend of professional excellence, individual support and tireless commitment set him apart, according to the nomination. He advises his PhD candidates regularly and very individually and provides significant support for their academic careers. He treats all students and colleagues as equals, always takes the time to answer questions and creates a motivating working environment characterized by mutual respect, openness and support. This environment ensures a balance between research and personal challenges and contributes to the creation of a positive and productive atmosphere.
Dr. René Schneider was honored for his outstanding social commitment and his exemplary support of scientific development within the research group. Through initiatives such as the Summer BBQ and the Journal Club, he promotes interdisciplinary exchange and creates an inviting atmosphere for PhD candidates to regularly read specialist literature and network with each other. According to the nomination, his impressive expertise and continuous support encouraged the PhD candidates to push ahead with their own projects and to take part in conferences, workshops and publications, helping them to surpass themselves both professionally and personally.
Prof. Dr. Fabian Schuppert was recognized for his outstanding professional expertise and pioneering leadership in research as well as for his valuable mental support during challenging phases. He provides the necessary freedom to develop independent research niches and publish international papers, and offers targeted preparation for international conferences that promote both professional and personal growth. As an internationally recognized luminary, he helps to effectively incorporate non-university practical professional experience into the dissertation and thus boosts the individual strengths of his doctoral students. In addition, he encourages participation in conferences and workshops and supports the provision of resources, including third-party funding, which helps to create a healthy and encouraging research environment. As a role model, he creates a space for excellence by always being accessible, supportive and constructive, thus providing an ideal environment for completing the PhD.
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)
- Dissertation agreement - Structured PhD programs (DOC, 66 KB)

Contact person: Dr. Johannes Freudenreich
Dr. Johannes Freudenreich
