BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam//NONSGML v1.0//EN NAME:PhD defence K. Penner METHOD:PUBLISH BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20260422T134500 DTEND:20260422T151500 DTSTAMP:20260422T134500 UID:phd-defence-k-penner@8F96275E-9F55-4B3F-A143-836282E12573 CREATED:20260922T224304 LOCATION: SUMMARY:PhD defence K. Penner X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:

Living in many world s

Between Two Worlds: How PhD Theology Candidates from Po st-Soviet Countries Enrich the Academy

At the same time, enorm ous added value lies precisely in this complex background. The PhD ca ndidates contribute to the theological debate with original insights from a context that was for a long time relatively isolated. Conseque ntly, their research possesses not only academic value but also socie tal relevance.

Targeted Support
Penner demo nstrates that targeted support is crucial for their success. A combin ation of structured guidance and practical training—for example, in research methods, critical thinking, and academic writing in English —helps these students find their way. Intercultural supervision als o plays a key role: supervisors must not only be strong in content bu t also be attuned to cultural differences and additional pressure.

Furthermore, it appears that social and academic connectedness is essential. PhD candidates who actively participate in both a familia r, contextually related community and an international research group experience less isolation and develop more strongly. This helps them bridge the tension between the different ‘worlds’ in which they live.

Universities can make their PhD programs more inclusive a nd effective by better addressing the specific needs of international part-time PhD candidates. This leads to higher success rates, better research quality, and innovative themes within theology.

Oppor tunities also exist for churches and faith communities. By actively c ontributing to the personal, academic, and spiritual development of t hese students, they can support a new generation of theologians who b uild bridges between cultures and contribute to societal issues. With the right support, these PhD candidates can grow into important voic es in both academia and society.

More information on the th esis

DESCRIPTION: Living in many worlds

Between Two Worlds: How PhD The ology Candidates from Post-Soviet Countries Enrich the Academy

Ph D theology candidates from post-Soviet countries bring new perspectiv es and ideas to the academic world, but their path to a doctorate oft en proves more complex than that of other PhD candidates. Katharina P enner's research shows that this group faces a unique combination of obstacles: major differences between education systems and research c ultures, language barriers, administrative hurdles, and the impact of political and economic instability in their home countries.At the sa me time, enormous added value lies precisely in this complex backgrou nd. The PhD candidates contribute to the theological debate with orig inal insights from a context that was for a long time relatively isol ated. Consequently, their research possesses not only academic value but also societal relevance.Targeted Support
Penn er demonstrates that targeted support is crucial for their success. A combination of structured guidance and practical training—for exam ple, in research methods, critical thinking, and academic writing in English—helps these students find their way. Intercultural supervis ion also plays a key role: supervisors must not only be strong in con tent but also be attuned to cultural differences and additional press ure.Furthermore, it appears that social and academic connectedness is essential. PhD candidates who actively participate in both a familia r, contextually related community and an international research group experience less isolation and develop more strongly. This helps them bridge the tension between the different ‘worlds’ in which they live.Universities can make their PhD programs more inclusive and effe ctive by better addressing the specific needs of international part-t ime PhD candidates. This leads to higher success rates, better resear ch quality, and innovative themes within theology.Opportunities also exist for churches and faith communities. By actively contributing to the personal, academic, and spiritual development of these students, they can support a new generation of theologians who build bridges b etween cultures and contribute to societal issues. With the right sup port, these PhD candidates can grow into important voices in both aca demia and society.More information on the thesis END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR