Dear PhD Students,

COVID-19 continues to challenge us all. We had to quickly learn new skills and although the learning curve has been steep, we have managed to adapt. As COVID-19 has challenged students in several ways, a maximum support structure is required to help meet the needs of students, while providing a mentoring programme.

The PhD Symposium is one important instrument that can be used to do so. The university wishes to have a successful mentoring programme available for all students.

COVID-19 does not change the three abilities you should have developed when finishing the doctoral programme at the WITS University. These abilities are most meaningful for future research and the societal impact. ¡°The ability to critically analyse, to evaluate and synthesise new and complex ideas. The ability to communicate with the professional environment, the scientific community and the society in general about basic questions of science and scientific politics, as well as the ability to promote social, clinical and cultural progress within an academic and professional context.¡±

The PhD Symposium aims to help you gain a better experience during your PhD journey.

Prof Ramokgopa