Amsterdam UMC already offers a broad range of social safety support structures for PhD candidates, but the presence of support does not automatically mean that it is visible, accessible, or experienced as effective. A recent study therefore examined how existing social safety support structures for PhD candidates function in practice. Based on a questionnaire, focus group, stakeholder interviews, and relevant literature, the study identified three main areas for improvement: fragmented information and unclear procedures, insufficient mandate and follow-up, and limited embedding within departments and supervisory teams.
The resulting policy brief below summarises the key findings and translates them into practical recommendations, including clearer governance and escalation routes, a central social safety platform, continuous monitoring, and stronger local prevention.