Professor & Researcher
At the University of Agder, formerly Aarhus University. My research focuses on doctoral supervision, research education and academic development.
About
Professor. Researcher.
Professor. Researcher.
Trusted advisor in doctoral supervision.
I help universities and individual supervisors strengthen the quality, culture and sustainability of doctoral education — grounded in research and shaped by years of international practice.
Background
A career devoted to better supervision
I am a professor at the University of Agder and previously held a position at Aarhus University, where much of my research on doctoral supervision took shape.
My field is doctoral supervision: how it works, why it sometimes fails, and how supervisors and institutions can develop it. I move between three worlds — research, teaching and facilitation — and I believe the most useful development happens where they meet.
Over the years I have worked with supervisors at every career stage, from newly appointed assistant professors to highly experienced full professors, as well as with the leaders responsible for doctoral education across faculties and whole universities.
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In short
How I work across academia
Academic Developer
Designing and leading research-based development for supervisors and doctoral schools — translating evidence into practice.
Facilitator
Creating reflective spaces where experienced academics can examine and renew their own supervision practice.
International Speaker
Delivering keynotes and conference presentations across the Nordic region and wider Europe.
Doctoral Supervision Specialist
A focused expertise — not a generalist consultant — built over two decades of dedicated work.
Trusted Advisor
A partner to deans, doctoral school leaders and research education coordinators navigating change.
What guides me
Core values
These principles shape every programme, keynote and conversation.
Reflection
Development begins when we pause to examine our own assumptions and practice.
Academic integrity
Honesty, rigour and respect for the scholarly community in everything I do.
Dialogue
The richest learning happens in genuine, two-way academic conversation.
Development
Every supervisor — however experienced — can keep growing.
Sustainability
Building academic environments where people and research can thrive over time.
Clarity, support and growth — the three things every doctoral relationship needs, and the three things good supervision can cultivate.Gitte Wichmann-HansenOn the purpose of supervision
Mission
To strengthen doctoral supervision through reflective practice, research-informed development and meaningful academic dialogue.
Vision
To contribute to sustainable academic environments where doctoral students, supervisors and institutions can thrive.
Work with me
Let's strengthen supervision together
I'd be glad to discuss your institution's needs — from a single keynote to a long-term development partnership.