A supervision agreement is a binding document that defines the rights and responsibilities of both the doctoral researcher and the supervisors. It is mandatory for doctoral researchers funded by the CRC and optional for all other doctoral researchers. In addition, the agreement is a key requirement for membership in the university's Graduate Academy, enabling doctoral researchers to benefit from its qualification programme, networking opportunities, and funding schemes.

The agreement provides a clear framework for a structured and transparent doctoral process by 

• defining mutual expectations, 

• supervision responsibilities, 

• communication practices, 

• qualification goals, and the 

• overall planning of the doctoral project. 

It promotes effective collaboration, helps to prevent misunderstandings, and serves as a reliable point of reference should challenges arise during the doctorate.

A central element of the agreement is an annual documented progress meeting involving the doctoral researcher and both supervisors. This meeting is used to 

• review scientific progress, 

• evaluate project milestones, 

• identify and address potential challenges, and, where necessary, 

• adjust the research plan or define new objectives. 

It also provides an opportunity to discuss the doctoral researcher's professional development, training needs, publication strategy, and career perspectives. The written documentation ensures continuity, facilitates follow-up on agreed actions, and supports consistent, high-quality supervision throughout the doctoral project.