Who attends PhD supervision training? A multi-year snapshot of gendered participation in a Nordic graduate school

A study examining participation in voluntary PhD supervision training within a large Nordic graduate school from 2019 to 2024 reveals insights into the composition of attendees. The research focuses on gendered participation patterns, noting that attendance may reflect self-selection rather than the broader academic workforce demographics. The source provides a descriptive snapshot based on attendance records from six annual seminars.

Why it matters

Understanding participation in professional development initiatives, especially when voluntary, is critical for assessing the effectiveness and reach of capability-building efforts. Insights into who engages with training can inform strategic decisions regarding workforce development and resource allocation within academic institutions, ensuring equitable skill enhancement across the workforce.

Key insights

• PhD supervision training is recognized as an increasingly vital component of academic development in higher education.
• Participation in these training initiatives is typically voluntary, suggesting attendance patterns may indicate self-selection.
• The study analyzed attendance records from six annual PhD supervision seminars conducted between 2019 and 2024.
• The research was conducted within a large Nordic graduate school in educational research, involving participants from approximately 15 universities and university colleges.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1892378