The Doctoral Consortium provides an opportunity for graduate students to present their research interests and plans at a formative stage in their research. The students will receive structured guidance from a panel of distinguished researchers as well as comments from conference participants and fellow students in a collegial setting.

The PHM Society Doctoral Consortium will be held as a workshop on Sunday September 23, 2012, a day prior to the start of main conference.

The PHM2012 Conference planning team invites full-time students to submit their thesis ideas to the Doctoral Consortium. A maximum of 10 student thesis will be selected. Proposals for the Doctoral Consortium will be accepted until June 1, 2012 and should be submitted directly to the Doctoral Consortium Chair.

Each selected full-time student will received a travel subsidy of up to US$1,500 (based on daily meal allowance, and receipts for accommodation and transportation). Complimentary conference registration will also be provided. Students presenting at the Doctoral Consortium are also invited to present a poster of their research at the conference, and their two page thesis abstract will appear in the conference proceedings.

Requirements to participate:

• A two page abstract of your thesis with a concise statement of the problem addressed, the expected contributions, and the proposed plan including the work already performed. Your abstract needs to follow the conference paper submission template (Word or LaTeX).
• A CV with educational, employment and other experience to underscore the expected contributions of the student to the event. The CV must also clearly indicate the beginning and expected graduation dates and the contact information for your supervisor(s).
• A one page statement of why this opportunity is important to you and how you will contribute to the process.
• A brief support letter or email from your supervisor – may be emailed directly to the co-chairs.

Although preference was given to doctoral students, the committee also invited applications from master's students. We accepted submissions on any topic relevant to the conference. The evaluation was based on the quality and completeness of the submission package, stage of research (preferably at the early stage of the research so that constructive feedback from the panel can be incorporated into the thesis), and on the perceived research potential of the candidate.

Please note the following:

• Students who participated in previous year's Doctoral Consortium are not eligible to participate again.
• Travel reimbursement and free registration is only available to full-time students. Part-time graduate students who are employed in the industry are welcome to participate, but they will not be eligible for travel reimbursement and free registration.

PHM Society Doctoral Consortium Chair:
Nils Propes npropes@globaltechnic.com