Doctored

A PhD exam in most of continental Europe is a very different process from what I'm used to in the UK. Instead of a very testing viva which most often concludes with a decision to award the degree subject to (major or minor) amendments, and then a later graduation ceremony, over there the examiners take an early decision that the thesis is basically sound and can proceed to 'defence'. This is a formal process in front of an audience. Here in Utrecht, each member of the committee is allowed one or two questions, and there is no real discussion. Friends and family are there to observe and, following the formal decision and award, the event concludes with an informal reception.

Before that, however, the candidate has to walk into the room and face the assembled grey hairs and gowns. Stephanie was lucky in having two of her fellow students, like a pair of prop forwards, to accompany her on what could otherwise have been a lonely walk. Afterwards at the reception the same two led a larger group in a cleverly composed song about her research journey, to the tune of 'Buffalo Soldier'. Then we all had a good lunch, in the midst of which I had to rush off and catch my plane.