Research Project

Also known as: thesis (project)

In the Research Project, the student carries out a project under the supervision of a staff member of the research groups offering the Artificial Science programme.

Set-up Research Project

The AINM Research Project is split into two parts, namely a 14 EC project proposal phase (INFOMAI1, Part 1) and a 30 EC thesis (INFOMAI2, Part 2). The Research Project can be done at Utrecht University, at a company or research institute, or at a foreign university (see also: ‘study abroad’). 

When can I start?

The Research Project-process can be started when the student meets all the following criteria: 

All courses are successfully completed, with the exception of Dilemmas of the Scientist (FI-MHPSDL1 and FI-MHPSDL2), for which you can do the second workshop (FI-MHPSDL2) during your thesis process. Further exceptions can be made by the AI programme coordinator for students with one pending course. Note that you should start looking for a supervisor and a subject before you have finished all your courses (see “Set Up” below).
The student has obtained at least 67.5 EC.

An (internship) contract is required if your project takes place outside UU, for example at a company.

Arrange the (internship) contract before submitting your application form in Osiris.

The contract has to be checked and signed by the Research Project Coordinators, Rebecca Puyk and Noor Weelink, on behalf of the UU via science.internshipcontracts@uu.nl. Once your contract has been checked and signed by the UU, you can upload it with your application form in Osiris (for more information on that, go to the page 'Getting started').

The contract options are as follows:

The Universities of the Netherlands (UNL) contract is preferred for an external project inside the Netherlands.
The EAIE contract is preferred for an external project outside of the Netherlands.
The host organisation may have their own contract, provided that it meets the requirements of Utrecht University.

There can only be one contract, so please discuss this with the host organisation carefully. We advise students to first discuss their contract with their supervisor before signing.

Penalty clause (a fine)

The Faculty and Utrecht University strongly discourage signing an contract provided by an external organisation with a penalty clause (a fine).

Please be aware: We will not co-sign any contract which contains a penalty clause (fine).

Going abroad? You need to take these extra steps:

If your project is outside of the Netherlands, you also have to do a Stay Abroad request in Osiris after receiving approval by the Board of Examiners. Information about this can be found on the webpage Internship abroad.
Please read the whole page carefully. If you have questions, please contact the International Office. Be aware that arranging a project abroad takes time.
You might find this checklist useful during the organisation of your traineeship abroad.
It is important to check the travel advice for your destination given by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Please type in your destination on the website (in Dutch). If your country has orange or red areas your Stay Abroad request cannot be validated.

Students with a project from 1 September 2024:

This is what you need to do if you foresee a delay of your Research Project or extension/addition to the project is necessary.

The protocol*

The student and examiners need to finish the Research Project before the in Osiris Zaak specified end date. The end date is the last date by which the final grade is determined. The end date is based on full-time study.
If the end date cannot be met, the student, first and second examiner agree on a new end date. This new end date will be passed on to the Board of Examiners by the student via Osiris Student > ‘My Cases’> ‘Start Case’ > ‘Request to the Board of Examiners’ > ‘request type ‘New end date thesis project’. A document showing the agreed new date (in the format of an email communication among all parties or a letter signed by both supervisors) has to be uploaded to the Osiris. This needs to happen before the initial end date is reached. Valid reasons for agreeing on a new end date can be both personal circumstances and research-related circumstances.
The student and examiners can impose an examination on the agreed end date. In the case the other party does not agree with this, they can turn to the programme leader. A student who due to circumstances beyond their control cannot be present during examination can request the Board of Examiners for a special testing provision.

The student and/or examiners can turn to the Board of Examiners in cases of disagreement on the implementation of this protocol or other conflicts not covered by this protocol. In these cases, the Board of Examiners decides in line with the spirit of this protocol.

*This protocol is translated from the Dutch version in the EER/OER and no rights can be derived from any errors in translation.

Students with a Research Project from before 1 September 2024 can choose to follow the new protocol or the protocol from before 2024, which is described below:

This is what you need to do if you, due to circumstances beyond your control, foresee a delay of your Research Project in Part 1 or Part 2.

The procedure:

Discuss this first with your supervisor(s). If all agree a new realistic end date will be set for the Research Project.
After that, contact the Study Advisor and the programme coordinator and ask for consent to determine a new end date for your thesis.
Apply for an extension of the research project deadline for Part 1 or Part 2 to the Board of Examiners via Osiris Student > ‘My Cases’> ‘Start Case’ > ‘Request to the Board of Examiners’ > ‘request type 7 'Delay of research or thesis project'.

What information is needed for the application form:

A statement from the Study Advisor
A copy of an email in which the supervisors support the request for a deadline extension
A proposed new deadline
Short statement to support your request

Follow these steps (click the pictures/titles below):

Getting started This process is executed before the official start of your Research Project and is excluded from the duration of the Research Project.
Part 1 of Research Project A proposal outlining your project. Counts in the project duration. The process described on this page must be completed after the step 'Getting started'.
Part 2 of Research Project The process described on this page follows after the process in the step 'Part 1 of Research Project'.
Final assessment and wrap-up The process described on this page follows after the process in the step 'Part 2 of Research Project'.