The PhD program "Biodiversity through time" is dedicated to the extensive analysis of biodiversity - from the assessment of its current state to the prognosis of its future development. It investigates the factors responsible for temporal and spatial biodiversity change and trains experts in taxonomy, ecology and evolution. In this way, the PhD program makes a direct contribution to slowing down the currently serious extinction of species and to preserving key ecosystem services for future generations.
Like KomBioTa as a whole, the PhD program is the result of the close cooperation between the University of Hohenheim and the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart (SMNS). This promotes joint approaches between individual working groups of the two partners, increases joint research performance and enhances the training of young scientists.
The doctoral program is based on the doctoral regulations of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Hohenheim. This ensures that each doctoral student is guided by at least two to three supervisors from the SMNS and the University of Hohenheim in the planning and execution of their research work. The central part of the training begins with the writing of a research exposé, which supports the candidates in structuring their work from the beginning and driving it forward in a focused manner. Optimal conditions for further training are also provided beyond the candidate's own research work. For this purpose, joint seminars of the SMNS and the University as well as a comprehensive range of events for the acquisition of key qualifications are currently already available to the doctoral candidates. The establishment of summer schools and workshops at the SMNS, which is planned in cooperation with European partners, will provide PhD students with additional excellent opportunities for further education and networking.
The scientific work of KomBioTa deals with the analysis of the state of biodiversity, the investigation of essential factors responsible for the temporal and spatial change of biodiversity, and the preparation of forecasts for future development. Ongoing doctoral theses and their topics in the PhD program can be found on the News pages of the Faculty of Natural Sciences.
