Swiss TPH - PhD Survey Series

Project Abstract

Doctoral students make a significant contribution to the scientific work and publications of Swiss TPH. To further improve their working conditions, Swiss TPH has adopted an excellence concept in doctoral training. This concept was developed collaboratively with GRACE and QD – University of Basel, and an internal project team. It includes a biennial survey, conducted in alternate years to the Employee Engagement Survey EES, with a questionnaire featuring both University-wide benchmarking items and Swiss TPH-specific questions.
The baseline PhD survey was conducted in October 2021, followed by a first follow-up in October 2023. The next survey is planned for October 2025. Each excellence cycle follows four key steps:

Survey: Questionnaire revised based on past feedback; survey conducted by QD Uni Basel and Swiss TPH QM (2–4 weeks after semester start)
Analysis: QD Uni Basel prepares and shares results; project team identifies areas for improvement
Improvement: Evidence-based initiatives are developed and implemented by the Education Team and Swiss TPH QM
Validation: Progress is assessed through the next survey in the two-year cycle

With three survey phases completed, this process forms a core element of the planned EFQM application end of 2025. Performance indicators from the improvements are integrated into the Swiss TPH management steering system.