Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC)
Get an idea of how TAC works, who its members are, and what its benefits are. Learn how you can find potential members of your TAC.
PhD candidate Supervisor Doctoral Board
TAC and its benefits
Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) is an advisory body composed of experts in a particular field of science, which is commonly used at leading universities to support PhD candidates throughout their studies. Its role is consultative rather than administrative and consists of systematic professional and methodological support beyond the scope of normal supervision.
TAC regularly evaluates the PhD candidate´s progress, provides feedback on their dissertation research, and helps identify any obstacles. Its main task is to ensure that the research project leads to the successful completion of the doctoral thesis within the planned time period and to the highest possible quality. TAC members do not get any financial reward.
TAC is beneficial for the PhD candidate, the supervisor and the Doctoral Board, but it also benefits the committee members themselves.
Benefits of TAC for PhD candidates
- ongoing constructive feedback regarding ISP fulfilment
- dissertation research evaluation, possible identification of strengths and weaknesses
- expert guidance and support in the preparation of the doctoral thesis
- presentation skills to introduce one’s research
- a safe space for expressing concerns in the supervisor’s absence
- insights from members of other institutions or from non-academic or industrial environments,
- opportunities to connect with experts in the field, support for career development and professional growth, publications and other aspects of an academic career.
Benefits of TAC for the Doctoral Board
- periodical information about the PhD candidates´ performance, which lessens the administrative burden of Doctoral Boards,
- greater transparency and objectivity of PhD candidate guidance,
- support for interdisciplinarity and a broader professional perspective on research and doctoral studies,
- conflict prevention and timely resolution,
- improvement of the quality and efficiency of doctoral programmes.
Benefits of TAC for supervisors and members themselves
- learning about various research methods and institutional processes,
- opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration,
- improvement of mentoring and advisory skills,
- creation of networks and professional connections,
- supervisors may obtain invaluable feedback on their own approach to guiding PhD candidates.
TAC members & TAC at MU
If the TAC is established, it is composed of two or three academics who are not directly involved in the doctoral thesis supervision, but have the relevant expertise and at least one of them is not affiliated with MU. The PhD candidate´s supervisor from MU should attend the meeting of the TAC members with the PhD candidate (at least once a year).
TAC at MU
TAC has been used in certain units of MU (e.g. CEITEC MU) and its functioning is being constantly developed.
- Each PhD candidate is assigned one TAC, which works with them throughout their studies.
- TAC members are usually selected by the PhD candidate in consultation with their supervisor and, as a rule, also after approval by the Doctoral Board, in accordance with rules defined by the faculty in advance.
- The faculty may define another process of TAC members’ selection; the rules are set in such a way that the quality of feedback and professional guidance of the PhD candidate is ensured.
- The establishment of TAC shall not affect the supervisor’s obligations ensuing from the SE Regulations and other bylaws or the powers and competence of the Doctoral Board and its responsibility stipulated by the applicable regulations.
An example of possible TAC’s operation
TAC should ideally be established within 6 to 12 months after the start of doctoral studies. It is recommended that TAC has 2 or 3 members with the relevant research focus, of whom at least one works outside Masaryk University (or at least outside the faculty). The meetings with TAC should also be attended by the MU supervisor.
During the first meeting, the doctoral project and research plan should be approved, expectations and key milestones (schedule, publications, internships) should be set, and the roles of individual TAC members as well as the aims of individual meetings should be clarified.
Each PhD candidate should meet with TAC at least once per academic year. At these meetings, the PhD candidate presents the current stage of their research (orally and with a brief written report attached). TAC provides feedback on the outcomes, methodology and direction of the research, while also addressing any obstacles or the need for changes to the plan.
It is recommended that part of the meeting take place without the supervisor present, and another part without the PhD candidate, in order to ensure a safe space for open discussion.
Rules of the meetings
- The TAC meetings are friendly and open-minded.
- The work of the committee should be adapted to the requirements of individual PhD candidates and research projects. It can include informal consultations or online sessions.
- Each TAC meeting should result in a brief record containing, in particular, a summary of the discussion, TAC’s recommendations, progress made and next steps agreed, including the proposed date of the next meeting. This record serves for the PhD candidate, the supervisor and the Doctoral Board as an internal communication summary. It may be kept in IS MU under the Individual Study Plan application (tab Documents).
Addressing potential members of TAC
The establishment of TAC can significantly contribute to the successful completion of doctoral studies by providing structured support and expert guidance. If you wish to have TAC established, you should discuss the possibilities with your supervisor and the faculty.
- Discuss the idea of TAC establishment and identify potential members together with your supervisor.
- Agree on how TAC should operate so that your progress can be continuously evaluated and any potential issues addressed.
- Don’t forget about the formal establishment of TAC in accordance with the faculty’s regulations.
When choosing the TAC members, consider their expertise and experience. Find people who:
- have expertise in an area close to your research,
- have experience with guidance of PhD candidates or are active researchers,
- can provide a new perspective, expert methodology or interdisciplinary approach.
Don’t be shy to address the best minds in the field.It is an honour for academics to collaborate with and support young researchers – and they will often respond more positively than you might expect.
When addressing potential members:
- Specify which doctoral degree programme at MU you pursue, who your supervisor is and what doctoral thesis project you are working on.
- Mention the reason why you are addressing the particular person.
- Explain what you expect from TAC, suggest how often and in what way you will meet.
- Make clear that there are no administrative duties connected with TAC membership, that membership is not binding and is not rewarded financially.
It is helpful to attach a brief description of your doctoral thesis project, your CV and links to your publications and Individual Study Plan if drawn up and approved.
Information sheet for TAC potential members. Can be attached to an e-mail or form a cover page of the “Invitation to collaborate”.
Inspiration from abroad
See a few examples where TAC or a similar body is used at prestigious universities to support PhD candidates during their studies. The aim is to ensure high quality guidance, regular feedback and successful completion of doctoral studies.
- USA – Harvard University, MIT
- United Kingdom – University of Oxford, University of Cambridge
- Switzerland – ETH Zurich, EPFL Lausanne
- Austria – Universität Wien
- Germany – Universität Heidelberg, Max Planck Institute
- Finland – University of Helsinki
- Netherlands – Leiden University