University of Helsinki abolishes ‘doctoral student’ title

People pursuing PhDs will now be called “doctoral researchers” in a bid to boost careers

The board of the University of Helsinki has decided to scrap the title of “doctoral student” as assigned to people pursuing a PhD.

Instead, the term “doctoral researchers” will be used, the board said, in a move intended to help advance their future careers. The change in title is also meant to better underline the professional level at which PhD candidates operate in the university system, and the fact that they count as staff.