Miranović: Research within Docotral Studies of Office Nature Flow Smoothly

President of the Center for Doctoral Studies of the University of Montenegro Predrag Miranović, PhD, states that the temporary measures against the spread of the COVID 19 virus did not have a significant impact on research work within doctoral studies, except in those cases which require work in institutions in other countries or contact with people.

“In most cases, the research work of doctoral students is carried out at the individual level, in cooperation with the mentor only, ie it does not require laboratory team work. I can safely say that the current situation has no negative effects on this type of research, which is of a cabinet character, for which it is enough that PhD students have free access to literature and communication with their mentor and other researchers,” Miranovic said.

He added that until now it has been a common case, not only at the doctoral level, but in general in the realization of research projects, that communication, meetings with mentors and colleagues from abroad take place via Skype, Viber or other video conferencing platforms. .

"The situation is somewhat more complicated with experimental research. If laboratory research takes place in the premises of the University, or in nature, as in the case of biology or agriculture, then the main problem is that there is a time limit for staying outside the place of residence, but ultimately it cannot significantly affect the quality of the research, "he explains. Miranović

He points out that the biggest problem is the students who planned to carry out part of their research outside Montenegro, namely those who intended to use the laboratories and equipment at partner institutions abroad.

"All trips outside of Montenegro are disabled and it is uncertain at what point they will be enabled. Also, research that inherently involves contact with people (anthropometric measurements, research involving patient work, and the like) is a problem. Unfortunately, these students will have to change the plan and dynamics of the research in agreement with their mentor. They can be replaced, indeed not in full, by electronic forms of communication, " Miranovic said.

He concludes that the restriction of movement of all of us has made it impossible for many everyday activities that were not related to our teaching and research work. "In some way, in the current situation, we have more free time that we can use differently. My message to students is to make the most of their free time, and to be fully committed to their obligations, exams or research, " Miranovic says to PhD students.