Why “Local Research Supervisors” Do Not Exist in Standard Doctoral Education

A Familiar-Sounding Concept with No Academic Basis

In formal doctoral education, the concept of a “local research supervisor” is not a recognised academic term. Standard doctoral education systems only recognise research supervisors who belong to the awarding institution responsible for the degree.

The use of this phrase often comes from intermediary-based education models, where research supervision is divided or distributed among multiple parties. Although it may be presented under different names, the academic nature of this role is still not clearly established.

Who Is Recognised as a Supervisor in Standard Doctoral Education?

In formal doctoral education systems, a research supervisor is a person officially appointed by the institution. This person must meet the required standards in academic rank, qualifications, research capability, and must be recorded in the institution’s academic records.

The supervisor holds full academic responsibility for the dissertation, from approving the research topic and monitoring the research progress to confirming that the dissertation is eligible for defence. This responsibility cannot be shared with an individual outside the institution’s system.

Therefore, only faculty members belonging to the institution have the legitimate status of a supervisor.

Why “Local Research Supervisors” Are Often Introduced in Intermediary Models

In intermediary-based doctoral models, the introduction of a “local research supervisor” is often explained through reasons such as language support, understanding of the research context, or convenience for doctoral learners.

However, these reasons are directly connected to the scientific content of the dissertation. When a supporting person participates in shaping the research question, methodology, or interpretation of results, they are performing a core academic role.

Labelling the role as “local” does not change the nature of that academic intervention.

The Grey Area of Responsibility Created by an “External Supervisor”

The existence of someone referred to as a “local research supervisor” creates a serious grey area of responsibility. When academic issues arise, it becomes unclear who is responsible before the academic committee.

The awarding institution may deny the role of an external individual, while that individual has no institutional authority to assume academic responsibility. The doctoral learner becomes the only party exposed to the risk.

This is a structural risk, not an isolated incident.

Implications for Research Independence and Research Ethics

A doctoral dissertation must clearly demonstrate the research independence of the doctoral learner under the lawful supervision of a supervisor. When multiple people are involved in “supervision” without transparent roles, this independence is called into question.

In addition, issues relating to intellectual property, academic contribution, and authorship responsibility become difficult to define. In ethics review processes or international publication procedures, this can weaken the value of the dissertation.

Research Supervisor Direct Completely Eliminates This Concept

Under SIMI Swiss’s Research Supervisor Direct model, there is only one legitimate supervision structure: the research supervisor belonging to SIMI Swiss. There is no concept of a “local research supervisor” or any equivalent role.

The entire research supervision process is conducted directly, continuously, and transparently within the institutional framework of the school. The academic relationship between the doctoral learner and the supervisor is clearly established from the beginning.

This model does not allow any grey area of responsibility to exist.

Research Support Must Not Be Disguised as Supervision

Research Supervisor Direct does not deny the need for research support. However, such support is limited to technical or administrative assistance and does not interfere with the scientific content of the dissertation.

Maintaining clear boundaries helps doctoral learners understand exactly who is supervising them and who holds academic responsibility for the dissertation. This is a foundational condition of serious doctoral education.

Why This Model Is Selective in Admitting Doctoral Learners

The complete removal of the “local research supervisor” concept means that Research Supervisor Direct requires a high level of independence from doctoral learners. There is no buffer layer to intervene or provide substitute academic direction.

Doctoral learners who seek deep academic support from external parties are usually not suitable for this model. SIMI Swiss accepts this selectiveness in order to protect doctoral standards.

Conclusion: There Is No “Local Supervisor” in Standard Doctoral Education

In standard doctoral education, there is only one legitimate concept: a research supervisor belonging to the awarding institution. All other labels are variations without a solid academic foundation.

SIMI Swiss’s Research Supervisor Direct model is built to affirm this principle, protecting academic responsibility, research ethics, and the long-term value of the doctoral dissertation.