Statement of the Czech Association of Doctoral Students on the interview of the Vice-Rector of Charles University, Tomáš Šimůnek, dated May 13, 2026, in the Forum Magazine regarding doctoral students

After reading the recent article by Charles University Vice-Rector Tomáš Šimůnek on doctoral education, we believe it is important to add the perspective of doctoral candidates themselves to the discussion.

The number of PhD candidates in the Czech Republic has been declining for years and is now at its lowest level in the past two decades. If we want to reverse this trend, we need to ask why.

We do not agree with the claim that the main reason for not completing a PhD is a lack of commitment or motivation among doctoral candidates. In our view, such an interpretation overlooks issues that PhD candidates have been highlighting for years.

Many doctoral candidates balance research, teaching, publishing, grant-related work, and additional employment needed to cover basic living expenses. Long-term inadequate funding, financial insecurity, varying quality of supervision, and the challenge of combining doctoral studies with paid work are, in our experience, among the key reasons why some candidates do not complete their degree.

We also disagree with the suggestion that people have traditionally entered PhD programs because they “did not know what to do with their lives” or simply wanted to prolong their student years. Such a generalization diminishes the work of thousands of current and former doctoral candidates who entered doctoral studies with a clear motivation to contribute to science and research. Moreover, the final decision on admitting doctoral students is made by the admissions committee, which evaluates the applicants' motivation, determination, and thoughtful vision.

Similarly, we find it problematic to claim that doctoral candidates do not participate in international research stays simply because they do not want to. Low mobility is a complex issue shaped by financial constraints, workload, family responsibilities, and the structure of doctoral programs themselves.

We fully respect Vice-Rector Šimůnek’s right to express his views. At the same time, we believe it is important to note that such statements may be perceived as dismissive of people who have devoted years of their lives to doctoral studies.

The Czech Association of Doctoral Researchers is ready to participate in an open discussion on improving the quality, attractiveness, and completion rates of doctoral education.