Positive Evaluation of the PULS Doctoral School. High Quality of Education and Strong Foundations for Development
The Poznań University of Life Sciences Doctoral School has received a positive evaluation from the Science Evaluation Committee. The first comprehensive assessment of the quality of education at the PULS Doctoral School, covering its operation since 2019, confirmed the high effectiveness of the teaching process and very good relationships within the academic community.
An important stage of the procedure was the submission by the Poznań University of Life Sciences of a self-evaluation report on the quality of education at the PULS Doctoral School during the evaluated period. Based on this report, the evaluation team appointed by the Chair of the Science Evaluation Committee analyzed the documentation and then conducted an on-site visit on 3–4 February 2026. Meetings with university authorities, teaching staff, PhD students, and the School’s management enabled a full verification of the presented data.
As a result of the procedure, the evaluation team confirmed that the educational process at the PULS Doctoral School meets all criteria specified by law. Education was conducted in accordance with the requirements for Level 8 of the Polish Qualifications Framework, and both the teaching process and the system for monitoring PhD students’ progress ensured the achievement of the intended learning outcomes.
The academic staff involved in teaching were also highly rated, with their appropriate selection and competencies emphasized. The transparency of the recruitment process and the comprehensive approach to doctoral supervision—covering all key areas of PhD students’ scientific development—were also highlighted.
Particular attention was paid to the School’s internationalization strategy, which is currently being developed. It includes, among other things, the involvement of foreign auxiliary supervisors and the intensification of international cooperation as a desired direction for future growth.
The resolution of the Science Evaluation Committee especially emphasized the atmosphere within the School: “Particular recognition should be given to the very good relationships between PhD students, teaching staff, and the administration of the Doctoral School, which enabled the proper implementation of the educational process.”
This distinction confirms that the Poznań University of Life Sciences not only ensures a high substantive level of doctoral research, but also creates a friendly and supportive academic environment.
The achieved success is the result of the commitment of many individuals, in particular the authorities of the PULS Doctoral School—its current director, Prof. Magdalena Zielińska-Dawidziak, and Prof. Janusz Olejnik, who led the School from 2019 to 2025 and currently serves as the Rector’s plenipotentiary for evaluation. The administrative team, members of the School Council, supervisors, and representatives of the University authorities also made a significant contribution to the preparation of the self-evaluation report.
The PULS Doctoral School can also boast a high effectiveness of education and numerous distinctions awarded to doctoral dissertations, which further confirms the quality of research conducted and academic supervision provided.
After reviewing the documentation, the Science Evaluation Committee decided to grant a positive evaluation of the quality of education at the Poznań University of Life Sciences Doctoral School. This is an important signal that the adopted model of doctoral education is delivering measurable results and provides a solid foundation for the School’s further development.
Iwona Cieślik
PULS Press Officer