The dokNE II curriculum aims at providing an excellent basis for state-of-the-art inter- and transdisciplinary research projects with a focus on sustainable development.

Lecturers from diverse departments at BOKU and leading scientific experts in inter- and transdisciplinary research from other institutions provide a wide range of insights, experience and expertise from different institutions to enrich the PhD projects.

The dokNE seminars are jointly organised by the dokNE lecturers and collegiates, and offer an academic forum for intensive interactions between the supervisors, associated lecturers and the PhD candidates. Besides the discussion of aspects of general importance, the seminar is a forum for PhD students to regularly present the progress of their individual projects. This does not only provide an opportunity for open questions, but also critical reflection by students and supervisors on the projects. External experts as well as transdisciplinary research partners are invited on a regular basis to enrich the PhD projects with input and guidance.

In addition, lectures such as “Theory and Principles of Transdisciplinary Research” (by Christian Pohl – ETH Zurich) and “Methods of Knowledge Integration in Inter- and Transdisciplinary Research” (by Gabriele Bammer – Australian National University) equip the PhD candidates with state-of-the-art knowledge and the ability to apply inter- and transdisciplinary research. This even helps them to generate relevant and applicable results in order to contribute more useful research to policy process and practical change. Due to the international composition of the collegiates and the lecturers all courses are held in the English language.