Ombudspersons are available at Ulm University to provide confidential advice and support in conflict situations related to doctoral studies. They help those seeking advice to develop a viable solution for their individual situation. This service is available not only to doctoral researchers, but also to postdoctoral researchers, junior research group leaders and junior professors.

Our ombudspersons listed below are available to advise and support you in conflict situations, particularly those arising in the context of your doctoral research, with the aim of finding a solution to the issue. This service is available not only to doctoral researchers, but also to postdoctoral researchers, junior research group leaders and junior professors.

The ombudspersons operate in accordance with the DFG’s Code of Conduct “Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice” and, in particular, maintain strict confidentiality.

What kinds of situations can you seek advice on?
Confidential consultation may be helpful, for example, when:
• expectations regarding supervision, collaboration or the workload are unclear
• communication between those involved has become difficult
• there are differing views regarding responsibilities, authorship or research findings
• the conditions of the doctorate are perceived as difficult or unfair
• recurring misunderstandings are affecting collaboration within the team
• you are unsure who to turn to with a particular concern,
• you would like an independent assessment of the situation

Not every conflict needs to be resolved comprehensively straight away. Sometimes, a confidential conversation can already help you help you sort out your thoughts and gain a clearer perspective.

How should you proceed?
If you feel that you would benefit from external advice and support, please contact one ombudsperson of your choice. You may choose someone whose scientific field is close to your own, but you may also deliberately choose someone from a different field.

The purpose of an initial contact – for example, by phone or email – may simply be to obtain an external perspective and an independent view of a difficult situation you are facing. Contacting an ombudsperson does not necessarily mean that the issue will be escalated. The ombudsperson will discuss possible next steps with you and will only take action with your consent. As the range of difficult situations is wide, the appropriate steps depend heavily on your specific case.

It may happen that certain matters do not fall – or, in the course of the process, no longer fall – within the remit of the ombudspersons for doctoral matters, and that it may be important to refer them to another body. This requires the consent of the person seeking advice. A confidentiality form is available for obtaining this consent and can be used at any stage of the consultation process.

If there is a specific suspicion of a violation or disregard of the principles and guidelines of good scientific practice, responsibility for clarifying the matter and taking over the case lies with the Commission “'Responsibility in the Conduct of Science”.