The Water-Earth Systems (WES) PhD School is a collaboration between academic institutions within Switzerland, established to elevate the standards of PhD training in the field of groundwater studies and related geoscientific research fields. Its aim is to offer PhD students working on groundwater issues and related fields a national platform for training and networking. This meets a need for transdisciplinarity and exchanges at the interface of earth and water sciences on a national scale that is not covered by other initiatives.

The school was founded in 2015 and is coordinated by the Center for Hydrogeology and Geothermics at the University of Neuchâtel. Over the years, the WES PhD School has played a pivotal role in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and providing advanced training in groundwater and environmental sciences. The school addresses critical challenges in hydrogeology, geosciences, and related fields, offering a robust platform for both academic growth and networking opportunities.

Objective of the WES PhD school

The WES PhD School seeks to provide high-quality training and development for PhD students in groundwater and environmental sciences, with the following key objectives:

• Promote scientific quality and integrity in all areas of research.
• Enhance educational opportunities by offering specialized courses and workshops, while encouraging skills development in core areas of groundwater sciences and related topics.
• Ensure the timely progress of doctoral candidates through structured guidance and support.
• Foster innovation in multidisciplinary research, encouraging collaboration across various domains of environmental science.
• Develop strong research and communication skills to prepare students for both academic and professional careers.