Change of research environment

As of 1 February 2023  you have to apply for financial support at the same time as you register your change of research environment. You cannot apply for financial support without completing all necessary steps  in your application regarding change of research environment.

Changing your research environment means that you spend a period of time in a different environment from where you normally conduct your research.

A change of research environment during your PhD programme is a requirement according to the PhD Order,

There are various ways to plan your change of research environment so that it suits the progress and topic of your project and meets the requirement. It can be a research stay at another research institution, a private research company or organisation etc.

The main purpose of your change of environment is to further your research, to experience a different research environment and to develop your network within your field of research. The stay should preferably be abroad, but stays in Denmark are also accepted.

Please note that participation in courses, conferences or congresses is not accepted as a change of environment.

 

At the Graduate School of Health and Medical Sciences, the duration of the research stay(s) must be at least one month. If possible, longer stays are preferred as this gives you the time and opportunity to develop networks with other researchers.

The change of research environment must be completed within your enrolment period.

 

 

 

 

The Graduate School recommends that you go abroad for your research stay. Going abroad gives you the opportunity to make international contacts and gain new perspectives on your research. You can apply for financial support if your stay(s) last at least four weeks.

Addendum to your employment contract
If you are employed at UCPH and your stay abroad exceeds 28 days, you will need an addendum to your employment contract in order to be covered by UCHP's travel insurance. Please contact your place of employment if this applies to you. If you need further information or have any question concerning the addendum, please contact International Staff Mobility

If you are employed elsewhere, make sure to check your employer’s insurance conditions.

 

 

 

 

The change of research environment is a mandatory part of the PhD programme. Accordingly, your supervisor plays a crucial role in the planning of your stay.  

  • Your supervisor must help you identify institutions, research groups or   organisations that are relevant to your project, e.g. via his/her own network.
  • Activities at another research institution or private research company must be approved by your principal supervisor.

As a rule of thumb, a stay at a supervisor’s research facility or department cannot be approved, unless your supervisor’s research facility or department differs from your own.

 

During temporary stays in a country outside the EU/EEA, employees will be able to access personal data stored on a network drive or SIF or another secure platform via a VPN connection. If the employee does not share or disclose personal data to others in the country of residence, it will not be necessary to enter into agreements on the transfer of personal data to third countries. 

For example, a PhD student will be able to work with personal data stored at the UCPH during a change in research environment to a country outside the EU/EEA.

Read more about safe storage of personal data at the Research Portal on KUnet.

 

 

The processing time of your application is approximately 14 days.


Questions about change of research environment?

Questions concerning the following must be directed to the Graduate School at graduateschool@sund.ku.dk:

  • Financial support
  • Documentation
  • Duration of your change of research environment

International Staff Mobility Office, UCPH

The International Staff Mobility Office, UCPH (not a part of the Graduate School), offers practical guidance for PhD students at UCPH who are going abroad. They can help you with issues such as:

  • Insurance
  • De-registration and residence in Denmark
  • Social security
  • Visa
  • Tax
  • Safety

The service is aimed at facilitating the compulsory change of research environment. All PhD students at UCPH are welcome to seek guidance by phone, email or by booking a personal meeting.

Contact
International Staff Mobility.

The International Staff Mobility Office is not part of the Graduate School and does not answer questions specific to SUND rules and regulations, applications etc.

Learn more at the International Staff Mobility Office' website