In the first half of the four-year programme, Dr Tanja Schröder worked as a research assistant at the Institute for Digital Innovation (IDI) at HNU, providing her with a solid foundation for her dissertation on the use of digital health apps by the ageing population. Under the supervision of Prof. Dr Heiko Gewald, she prepared her research project, collected and analysed initial data and was actively involved in ongoing research projects. With this preliminary work under her belt, she then travelled to the MQ in Sydney, where the Australian Institute of Health Innovation (AIHI) offered her a second research home. At this internationally renowned research centre, experts from various fields are working on using digital technologies and health data to improve patient care. There, the research assistant was able to concentrate intensively on completing her dissertation and benefit from an international environment.
Joint PhD: more than just a doctorate
‘This programme has given me so much more than just a doctorate,’ says Dr Tanja Schröder, summing up her doctoral experience. ‘Switching between Germany and Australia showed me how different research cultures can be, and that's what made the experience so exciting and educational.’ The interdisciplinary research at the interface of healthcare technology and innovation management opened up a wide range of perspectives for her and provided valuable insights. Dr Tanja Schröder highlighted the development of an international network of researchers and practitioners as a particular advantage for her future career.
Doctoral programme intensifies cooperation between HNU and MQ
At HNU's Institute for Digital Innovation (IDI), Prof. Dr Heiko Gewald and his team have been researching the digitalisation of healthcare and the acceptance of digital solutions by an ageing society together with AIHI for several years. In 2020, this German-Australian collaboration was further intensified in the form of the joint doctoral programme. By pooling their respective expertise profiles, the two universities are opening up international prospects for outstanding doctoral students in the field of health IT research.
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Prof. Dr. Heiko Gewald
Interview with Dr Tanja Schröder
What is it like to do research at two renowned universities in two different countries? In this interview, Dr Tanja Schröder shares her experiences of the joint PhD programme between Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences (HNU) and Macquarie University (MQ) in Sydney. Among other things, she talks about the opportunities that come with an international research project and explains how the switch between Germany and Australia has shaped her academic and personal development.
How is the Joint PhD programme structured?
I worked as a research assistant at HNU for the first two years. During this time, I was able to prepare my research project, collect and analyse initial data and be actively involved in ongoing projects. This phase was particularly helpful in creating a solid foundation for my dissertation.
After these two years, I moved to Sydney to Macquarie University (MQ) for the remaining one and a half years. There I had the opportunity to focus intensively on completing my dissertation and to benefit from an international environment. Moving between these two academic worlds broadened my perspective and helped me to bring new perspectives to my research.
How did you experience your time at the AIHI?
The AIHI is an internationally recognised research centre specialising in innovations in the healthcare sector. Experts from various fields work here to utilise digital technologies and health data to improve patient care. I was able to work in an interdisciplinary team and benefit from the excellent research infrastructure. The dialogue with colleagues and the diverse perspectives not only enriched my research, but also broadened my personal horizons.
Why was this route to a doctorate the right one for you?
This programme has given me so much more than just a PhD. Moving between Germany and Australia showed me how different research cultures can be, and that's what made the experience so exciting and educational. At the same time, I had the opportunity to build up an international network of researchers and experts, which is invaluable for my professional future. The interdisciplinary work was particularly important to me. By researching at the interface of health technology and innovation management, I was able to look at my work from different angles and gain valuable insights.
The support and resources at both universities were also excellent. Both HNU and Macquarie University gave me the support I needed to successfully progress my project. I was particularly motivated by the fact that the practical research at AIHI gave me the feeling that I could make a real contribution to improving healthcare systems.
How would you describe life in Sydney?
The city shaped my time on the Joint PhD programme in a special way. I found its dynamism, cultural diversity and close proximity to nature very enriching - for my work, but also for my personal development. Being able to recharge your batteries on the beaches of Bondi or Manly after intensive scientific work is an invaluable advantage. The intercultural exchange was particularly inspiring: in Sydney you meet people from all over the world, and this open, international spirit has broadened my perspective on research and collaboration in the long term.
What is your conclusion?
Looking back, the Joint PhD programme was an incredibly enriching experience. I have not only grown academically, but also personally. Switching between the two universities and countries opened up new opportunities for me and paved the way for an international career. To summarise, I can only thank all those responsible for this unique opportunity and experience!
