Safeguarding the PhD as a Research Degree
ORPHEUS
The Organisation for PhD Education in Biomedicine and Health Sciences in the European System
Mission Statement
The Organisation for PhD Education in Biomedicine and Health Sciences in the European System, or ORPHEUS, was founded in 2004. ORPHEUS aims to safeguard the PhD as a research degree by supporting graduate schools, faculties and departments, research students and their supervisors, through quality assurance mechanisms, advocation of best practices, professional development and training.
About
ORPHEUS hosts annual thematic conferences, addressing key topics in graduate research relevant to its network. In collaboration with the Association of Medical Schools in Europe (AMSE) and the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), ORPHEUS has developed Best Practices for PhD Training. These guidelines allow graduate schools and biomedical departments to assess their PhD training standards, with ORPHEUS providing support and guidance towards certification and labelling as quality assurance mechanisms.
Additionally, ORPHEUS offers discipline-specific training opportunities for research students and supports the professional development of both new and experienced research supervisors.
General Assembley
The ORPHEUS General Assembly are held every year at the Annual Meeting. The General Assembly are open to all ORPHEUS members. The minutes are published here.
Legend
Orpheus, the legendary poet and musician of antiquity, possessed a gift so powerful it could tame wild beasts, move trees and rocks, and even alter the course of rivers. More than just a master of melody, he is celebrated as a pioneer of civilization, credited with teaching humanity the arts of writing, agriculture, and medicine.
Today, his legacy lives on—not only in music but in the transformative power of science and discovery. The enduring strength of his song mirrors the determination and perseverance required to drive progress in medical research and beyond.
Below, you will find a warm welcome from the President of ORPHEUS, Professor John Creemers (KU Leuven). We invite you to contact ORPHEUS with any questions on how we can support your graduate research students and staff or to discuss quality assurance mechanisms leading to certification.
Specific Aims of ORPHEUS
Dedicated to Excellence
At ORPHEUS, we are committed to advancing excellence in PhD education and research in biomedicine and health sciences. Through advocacy, collaboration, and quality assurance, we support institutions in safeguarding the PhD as a research degree, driving career development, and promoting international best practices. By facilitating networking, training, and accreditation, we empower graduate schools, research supervisors, and PhD candidates to achieve the highest standards in education and professional growth.
Advocacy & Policy Influence
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Represent higher education and research in biomedicine and health sciences.
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Influence policymaking at national, European, and international levels.
Collaboration & Networking
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Encourage cooperation among members through bilateral and multilateral networks.
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Co-operate with other graduate educational associations with similar goals.
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Promote the development of joint PhD programmes.
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Encourage mobility of PhD candidates and academic staff.
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Professional Development
- Support the ongoing professional development of research supervisors.
- Provide information on training opportunities to ORPHEUS members and PhD candidates across Europe.
Quality Assurance & Accreditation
- Stimulate quality assurance in PhD research and education.
- Develop an accreditation process for PhD programmes in biomedicine and health sciences.
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PhD Career Development
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Safeguard the PhD as a research degree.
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Strengthen skills development and career opportunities for PhD graduates.
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Promote access to and harmonisation of international best practices in PhD programmes.
Thought Leadership & Discussion
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Provide a forum for discussion and debate on developments in graduate research education.
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Offer active support and guidance to members in enhancing their contributions to graduate medicine education.
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Our Objectives
International Recognition
ORPHEUS aims to enhance the global reputation of PhD training in biomedicine and health sciences by promoting international accreditation, fostering cross-border collaborations, and advocating for standardised best practices.
Expanding Support
Recognising the critical role of research supervision, ORPHEUS is committed to providing structured training, resources and professional development opportunities to improve supervisory practices and mentorship quality.
Enhancing Impact
ORPHEUS combines PhD education with societal needs strengthening careers, encouraging interdisciplinary research and supporting initiatives that increase the visibility and influence of PhD graduates in academia and industry .
Executive Committee
Our Executive Committee is composed of esteemed professors and doctors committed to shaping the future of PhD education and research. Meet the experts driving our mission forward.
Professor John Creemers
President
KU Leuven, Belgium
Dr Janet Carton
Vice President
University College Dublin, Ireland
Professor Ana Borovečki
Treasurer
University of Zagreb, Croatia
Join ORPHEUS
Join ORPHEUS and be part of a network dedicated to advancing excellence in PhD education and research. Gain access to best practices, accreditation opportunities, and a community of experts shaping the future of biomedical and health sciences. Become a member today and help drive innovation in doctoral training!