What to do if you run into problems during your PhD

You’re becoming a professional in the neuroscience field that fascinates you. That’s something to celebrate.

Still, the PhD journey isn’t always easy. You might run into things like stress, sleepless nights, financial worries, insecurity, time pressure, writing blocks, conflicts with your supervisor, or simply feeling alone.
Whatever comes up — there is always help for you. We’ve laid out clear steps and support options to help you find the right kind of help when you need it. So you can keep moving forward — not just in your research, but in your personal well-being too

Steps you can take

🗣️ Talk to your supervisor

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First, speak with your supervisor
Try discussing your issue with your own supervisor. They can probably relate to your problems!

🏛️ Seek support within your institute

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Explore options within your institute
Below you'll find various roles that can assist you in finding answers or support. If you're feeling a bit lost among the options, HR can always direct you to the right person, or perhaps your institute has a PhD candidate advisor who can help you connect with the appropriate individual.

🎯 Reach out to the ONWAR coordinator

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Still haven’t found the right help?
If you still haven’t found the assistance you need, don’t hesitate to reach out to the ONWAR coordinator.

🧠 Ask for external support via your ONWAR mentor

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ONWAR Mentorship for External Scientific Advice:
Sometimes, external insights are essential when you're facing scientific challenges or navigating team dynamics within your research group. As part of our support system, ONWAR mentors are available to support you. These experienced academics — appointed from various faculties after your TSP — offer confidential, independent advice and act as a trusted sounding board.Please note: ONWAR mentors do not serve as mediators or formal conflict resolvers. Their role is to guide, support, and help you reflect, not to intervene directly in group issues.Every PhD candidate is assigned an ONWAR mentor. If you haven’t met yours yet, please contact the ONWAR coordinator to establish this important connection.

Below you can find a list of professional roles available at every institute for specific situations. You can find contact information and further details for each role via the provided links for your institute

Human Resources (HR) ▾

Human Resources is your go-to for a wide range of employment-related issues. Contact HR for assistance with labor disputes, contract questions, salary discrepancies, workplace accommodations, and general employment guidance. HR can also direct you to additional resources within the organization and facilitate referrals to other departments or specialists when more specific expertise is required. Whether you need help understanding your benefits, navigating promotions, or resolving conflicts, HR is there to support your professional journey.

Confidential Counsellor ▾

The Confidential Counsellor supports PhD candidates experiencing issues like undesirable conduct and other integrity concerns including bullying, verbal aggression, discrimination, unethical behavior, and violations of guidelines or regulations. Contact can be made directly or through a referral by your PhD Advisor.

Scientific Integrity Counsellor ▾

For issues related to scientific integrity, such as authorship disputes, misrepresentation of results, and plagiarism, seek advice from the designated Scientific Integrity Counsellor at your institution.

Ombudsperson ▾

For structural and systemic issues affecting multiple individuals, or severe transgressions, contact the institutional ombudsperson.

Occupational Health Service ▾

For matters related to occupational health and absenteeism counseling, contact your institution's occupational health service.

Psychological Support ▾

If you are experiencing mental health issues, consult the corporate social support services or the psychological support services available through your institution.

PhD Candidate Platform ▾

Most institutions have a platform or organization representing PhD candidates. These platforms often organize social and informative events to foster community and support among peers.

Confidential Counsellor: Confidential advisers at UvA

Ombudsman: UvA Ombudsperson

Occupational Health Service: UvA Occupational Health and Safety Policy

Psychological support: UvA psychologists

General health & wellbeing: General UvA support

PhD Council: Central PhD Council, SILS PhD/PD Council

HR advisor: Michelle Springintveld - van Dillen – m.springintveld-van.dillen@vu.nl

General HR: servicedesk.hrm@vu.nl

Confidential Counsellor: VU confidential counsellors – staff and PhDs

Ombudsman: VU Ombudsman

Occupational Health Service: VU Occupational Health Service

Psychological support: VU psychological support for PhD candidates