For over 25 years, our department has proudly upheld an important and cherished tradition: the creation of a personalized PhD hat for each newly minted doctor.
In the days leading up to the defense, the junior PhD students who worked alongside the candidate take on a special mission. They design and build a one-of-a-kind hat—often elaborate, always meaningful—that captures the essence of the graduate’s scientific journey. But it’s more than just science: these hats tell a story. From research breakthroughs and sleepless deadlines to unforgettable social moments, inside jokes, and shared memories, every detail celebrates the person behind the PhD.
Once the candidate has successfully defended their dissertation and passed the rigorous questioning, the moment arrives. Amid cheers and applause, the new doctor is presented with their custom-made hat—crafted with creativity, care, and a whole lot of affection.
It’s not just a hat. It’s a symbol of achievement, community, and the many moments—both serious and silly—that define the PhD experience.
In the days leading up to the defense, the junior PhD students who worked alongside the candidate take on a special mission. They design and build a one-of-a-kind hat—often elaborate, always meaningful—that captures the essence of the graduate’s scientific journey. But it’s more than just science: these hats tell a story. From research breakthroughs and sleepless deadlines to unforgettable social moments, inside jokes, and shared memories, every detail celebrates the person behind the PhD.
Once the candidate has successfully defended their dissertation and passed the rigorous questioning, the moment arrives. Amid cheers and applause, the new doctor is presented with their custom-made hat—crafted with creativity, care, and a whole lot of affection.
It’s not just a hat. It’s a symbol of achievement, community, and the many moments—both serious and silly—that define the PhD experience.
