Doctoral “orphans”: nurturing and supporting the success of postgraduates who have lost their supervisors

Much research into doctoral student-supervisor relations focuses on developing positive interactions. For many students, however, the research experience can be troubled by breakdowns in communication, and even the loss of the supervisor(s), turning the student into a doctoral ‘orphan’, and impacting on their academic identity and ability and confidence in producing a sound doctoral level contribution to knowledge. Our work with a range of UK and internationally based doctoral students looks specifically at reasons for supervisor loss and/or absence and the students’ experience of being doctoral ‘orphans’ in terms of identity, confidence and progress. In focusing on those who achieve successful completion, it suggests the need for institutional and community support and highlights the development of effective strategies leading to ownership, empowerment and emotional resilience.