The research program is the main part of each doctoral researcher project and thus, are managed mostly outside of the WGS but inside the research group and via the supervisors. However, the supervision of each doctoral researcher within the WGS is performed by a supervisory team consisting of two supervisors (preferably from two different disciplines) whoa mentor from outside the university (non-academic mentor) and accompanies the doctoral candidates in the preparation and review of their personal career and development plans (PCDP). This creates optimal opportunities to support the doctoral candidates during their doctorate and to prepare them for their intended career. The direct involvement of the non-academic mentors in the supervision of the doctoral researchers ensures not only excellent scientific training but also an insight into the non-university working world.

The regularly (every six months) prepared and reviewed PCDPs (including the PCDP itself, a publication list and a timetable) are evaluated in the steering committees of the respective structured doctoral programs or the coordinator of the WGS and discussed with the steering committee of the WGS if necessary (e.g. if problems arise). This is also to ensure that completion of the doctoral projects is possible in three years and that the doctoral researchers also attend (inter-)national conferences, achieve scientific qualifications and more during their thesis.