What is TNDR?
TNDR (Teknisk-Naturvetenskapliga doktorandrådet) is the PhD Student Council of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Uppsala University. We represent all PhD students at the TekNat faculty, monitoring and addressing issues related to PhD student rights and concerns. We also organize social events throughout the semester.
Stay Connected
- Slack (group chat): Join our Slack group
- Website: TNDR Website
We highly recommend you to join us on Slack where we also invite you for spontaneous social activities that are not announced elsewhere.
Council Updates
Proposal for TNDR bylaws change
The TNDR Council has proposed changes to the TNDR bylaws, primarily clarifications regarding elections. You can find the proposed changes here (changes are highlighted in pink) and are welcome to submit comments until April 10 at 23:59. These comments will be taken into account, and a revised proposal will be prepared and sent to all TekNat PhD students no later than four weeks before the TNDR council meeting at which the proposal will be voted on.
AI guidelines
Faculty-wide regulations for usage of AI guidelines were introduced. The faculty’s guidelines for the use of generative AI in doctoral education complement the university’s guidelines (UFV 2023/2129) – can be found here. You can find the faculty regulations specific for your subject here. However, changes are to be expected.
Information from Doctoral board
Students are not filling course evaluation enough – teaching assistant should remind students to fill it in.
Overproduction of students – increase in the number of registered students but not funding
Lithium batteries leads to fire risks – batteries should not be removed from electric bikes on campus and/or store them indoors
Uppsala University wants to encourage international exchange – Long-term goal: 50% of PhD students with international exchange or international collaboration
“Abstract” platform – AI profile matching to find academic or industrial collaboratorsIssue raised in other faculties: PhD students lose access to university account and email upon the end of contract
Do you know about anyone having an issue with this? – Please contact Yishu
(yishu.zhu@ebc.uu.se) or Leo (leo.martin@kemi.uu.se )
Funding Opportunities
TNDR Social Activity Grants
TNDR provides grants for social activities targeting TekNat PhD students. Whether you’re starting a hobby group or planning a community event, we encourage you to apply.
Important update: You must now apply for reimbursement within 2 weeks after your event.
Learn more: https://tndr.se/new/tndr-grant/
Upcoming Events
TNDR PhD Gasque – April 21, 2026
Hello, summer! Be gone, winter! The 2026 TNDR Gasque will take place on the 21st of April in Värmlands Nation, and all TekNat PhD students are invited to a lovely evening to leave the cold behind! You’ll be dressing in warm, bright colors, flowery patterns and colorful makeup, and dancing to our DJ bangers until 1:00. There will be a price for the best outfit!
For more information and registration, please use the following link (here).
The essentials:
- When: April 21st 2026, 18:00-01:00
- Where: Ingmar Bergmansgatan 2 (a.k.a. Värmlands nation)
- Who: All PhD students at the TekNat Faculty (and a plus one)
- Extra seats will be open for other PhDs if available
- Cost: 350 SEK (alcohol-free) or 370 SEK (incl. alcohol)
Valborg Festival – April 19-26, 2026
During April 19-26, the River Rafting Festival takes place just by the Ångström Campus. Many activities are planned throughout the week (day, night, family-friendly, clubbing, etc.) and you are very welcome to join them!
TNDR of course continues to participate by creating our own raft!
You can find more information on the official website (https://www.forsranningen.utn.se/en).
Get Involved
We Need Your Participation
We’re currently facing challenges filling several representative roles for faculty-wide committees and boards. A previous survey identified the main barriers as low compensation, limited awareness of role requirements, and Swedish language requirements for some positions. We’re actively working to address these issues.
Open Positions
Several electable positions remain open. View unfilled positions: https://tndr.se/new/department-representation/
Information about roles: https://tndr.se/new/electable-positions/
If you’ve ever considered getting involved or want to learn more about what these roles entail, please reach out or join us at the next council meeting.
Departmental Representation
Do you know who represents your department at TNDR meetings? We’re working to ensure every department at the TekNat faculty has representation. If your department doesn’t have a PhD council or board, we’re happy to help you establish one. Contact us for support and advice.
Educational Development
Outstanding education depends on engaged staff who reflect on pedagogy, promote educational renewal, and remain open to new ideas. The Council for Educational Development (TUR) at the Faculty of Science and Technology provides support and guidance for pedagogical development work.
View upcoming events: https://www.uu.se/en/staff/faculty/science-and-technology/education-and-teaching/educational-development/events
Warm wishes,
TNDR board
Uppsala University, Sweden
Teknisk-Naturvetenskapliga DoktorandRådet
PhD Student Council of the Faculty of Science and Technology
