PhD Defenses around the world: two defenses in Sweden

Over the years, I have written quite a bit about PhD defenses around the world (and even published some research on the topic, and a book). The final step of the doctoral journey is very different depending on the country and academic tradition. Some defenses are short and closed-door events, while others are highly ceremonial public occasions.

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend two PhD defenses in Sweden. Seeing the process firsthand was fascinating, particularly because the Swedish defense is both very public and quite lengthy. If you are curious about how a Swedish PhD defense unfolds, here is what the timeline typically looks like.

Timeline of a Swedish PhD Defense

• Opening presentation (about 45 minutes): The defense begins with a presentation by the PhD candidate. During this talk, the candidate introduces the research problem, explains the methodology, and summarizes the main findings and contributions of the dissertation.
• Short break with refreshments: After the presentation, there is a short break. Refreshments are typically served to the audience, giving attendees a chance to stretch their legs, get fika and prepare for what’s next.
• Discussion with the opponent (45 minutes to 2 hours): The central part of the Swedish defense is the discussion between the candidate and the opponent. The opponent is an external expert invited to critically examine the dissertation. This discussion can be quite extensive, lasting anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours in the two defenses I witnessed. The opponent asks detailed questions about the research methods, assumptions, results, and broader implications of the work.
• Questions from the committee (about 10–15 minutes each): After the opponent finishes, the other members of the committee ask their questions. Typically there are three additional committee members. Each member has a limited time (usually around 10 to 15 minutes) to ask questions or request clarifications.
• Questions from the audience: Once the committee members have finished, the floor is opened to the audience. Attendees can ask questions or engage in the discussion, reinforcing the public and scholarly nature of the defense.
• Committee deliberation over lunch: After the public defense concludes, the committee leaves to deliberate. In Sweden, this discussion often takes place over lunch, where the committee evaluates both the dissertation and the defense itself before deciding on the outcome.
• Announcement of the result and celebration: After lunch, the committee returns to present the outcome of the defense. This moment is usually informal and celebratory, often accompanied by coffee and cake with colleagues, friends, and family.

Although the candidate learns the outcome of the defense that same day, the formal conferral of the doctoral degree usually happens later during the university’s annual academic ceremony in November. This ceremony marks the official awarding of the degree and adds a ceremonial closing to the PhD journey.

Overall, the Swedish PhD defense combines rigorous academic discussion with a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere. It is a long event, the dress code is not very formal (no togas for example) but one that emphasizes openness, scholarly dialogue, and community.