The trial lecture and the dissertation defence (the defence of the thesis) take place on the same day. First, the candidate holds the trial lecture, which must be approved by the committee before the defence can begin.
After a break, the committee announces whether the trial lecture has been approved. If so, the candidate presents the thesis. The defence then begins with the first opponent delivering their argument. After a lunch break, there will be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions to the candidate "ex auditorio" before the second opponent begins. Those who wish to ask questions must notify the ceremony master in writing during the break. After both opponents have completed their presentations, the committee will announce whether the defence is approved or not.
Regarding the presentations from the opponents, the purpose is to establish a dialogue with the candidate so that the thesis can be illuminated and discussed in all its complexity. The opponents should have different approaches, focusing on themes and issues related to their own professional interests and research areas. Traditionally, the first opponent has taken an overarching perspective on the thesis, while the second opponent has concentrated more on details, but this is not an absolute requirement.
Trial lecture
The candidates receive the title of the trial lecture two weeks (10 working days) before the defence. The title of the lecture is sent from the Research administration to the candidate.
The trial lecture must last 40 to 45 minutes, but a maximum of 45 minutes.
Dress Code
Formal/semi-formal.
Program Outline
Times may vary.
11:00 Welcome, by the master of ceremony
- The audience stands to wait for the candidate and committee, who process into the auditorium in the following order: Candidate, first opponent, second opponent, and coordinator.
- The master of ceremony gives a formal introduction and presents the candidate and the committee.
Trial Lecture (45 min)
Break
The committee retreats to decide whether the trial lecture has been approved and uses the break to have lunch. A meeting room is made available to the committee for the entire day. The committee goes to the cafeteria to choose food and drinks for lunch. (The coordinator provides a requisition number to the cafeteria staff.) If desired, lunch can be served in the meeting room in advance.
13:00 Dissertation
- The candidate and committee enter the auditorium in procession.
- The master of the ceremony asks the coordinator to announce whether the committee has approved the trial lecture.
- If approved: The candidate presents the thesis (20 min).
- The first opponent debates with the candidate. (No fixed time frame. About an hour is normal.)
Break
- Any questions ex auditorio (very rarely occurs)
- The second opponent debates with the candidate (time frame: as with the first opponent).
- The committee retreats to determine whether the defence is approved.
Break
- The master of ceremony invites the coordinator to present the committee's final approval or rejection of the defence.
- The ceremony concludes.
- Important: All committee members must sign the assessment form, which the coordinator submits to AHO's research administration.