For each PhD student of the International Max Planck Research School on Physical Processes in the Solar System and Beyond at the Universities of Braunschweig and Göttingen a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) is set up at the beginning of the PhD project.
The TAC usually consists of two or three scientists. One of its members has to be a faculty member at the university where the student is enroled. If the doctoral degree regulations of the university requires so, two members have to be professors or habilitated scientists. The daily supervisor is a member of the TAC. The student can propose a member of his or her choice.
The TAC approves the PhD project, reviews the progress of the PhD student and advises him or her on further studies and research. The TAC also approves a thesis as ready for submission. When it can be foreseen that a PhD project will not be successfully finished, the TAC can recommend to discontinue the project; this has to be confirmed by the IMPRS chairperson.
The TAC meets at least once per year with the student and documents these meetings by written minutes with an executive summary. These meetings shall preferentially take place in months 6-9, 15-18 and 30-33 after the beginning of a PhD project. On request of the student, one of the TAC members or the IMPRS chairperson, the TAC also meets in between.
TAC regulations as PDF file
Form for establishing a TAC