ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the more than 40 testimonies from PhD students around the world about the format of their PhD defence and their experience, as well as references from the literature. The defence starts with a 20 minute presentation for friends and family , called the “lekenpraatje”. The actual defence starts with the beadle, who is responsible for ensuring the protocol is followed, leading committee members to their seats. In France the committee consists of researchers from the same lab and university as the candidate, as well as external committee members. There are no formal rules for the defence. In France the committee consists of researchers from the same lab and university as the candidate, as well as external committee members. There are no formal rules for the defence. In Germany, the requirements for the defence vary between universities.
