Ombudspersons for Doctoral Candidates Elected for Second Term

5 June 2013

Senate re-elects Hans-Guenther Sonntag and Theodor Strohm as confidential advisors

Prof. Dr. Hans-Guenther Sonntag und Prof. Dr. Theodor Strohm will continue their work as confidential advisors for doctoral candidates and their supervisors at Heidelberg University for another two years. The University Senate re-elected Professor Sonntag, from the Faculty of Medicine, and Professor Strohm, from the Faculty of Theology, as ombudspersons in May 2013. The two professors emeriti can mediate in conflicts arising during doctoral research that affect the cooperation between doctoral candidates and their supervisors. Hans-Guenther Sonntag and Theodor Strohm took up office in March 2011. The office of ombudsperson was created at the suggestion of the Graduate Academy to further improve the conditions of doctoral training.

“We are very happy to have Hans-Guenther Sonntag and Theodor Strohm, two highly reputable scholars, as ombudspersons for another two years,” said Prof. Dr. Friederike Nüssel, Vice Rector for Education. “They are an excellent choice due to their extensive experience in a broad range of disciplines as well as in advising young scholars.” Prof. Nüssel expressed her gratitude towards the ombudspersons for their work and commitment over the past two years. Their efforts, Nüssel said, have contributed greatly to improved support for doctoral candidates and to the development of more open communication between doctoral candidates and supervisors.