Who picks your research topic for a PhD?

[TomServo]

For example, if your advisor specializes in gravity, but has a subfield specialty (like Horava-Lifschitz gravity) and most of their papers for the last several years are about that subspecialty, does that mean your thesis research will be about that, or could it be about any gravitational thing?

 

[jedishrfu]

Depends on what your advisor is willing to sponsor. He needs to put together a dissertation committee at some point and would need to select others qualified to review your work. Selection of topic is done between student and teacher based on the background of both people so don't be afraid to suggest a topic of interest. Also students sometimes select too big of a topic and your advisors experience can help you focus it down to something more manageable.

One thing to be aware of is that some advisors may lose interst in your work and you need to be vigilant there and not fall into the trap of not getting the support you may need otherwise you might not graduate.

 

[TomServo]

Thanks.

 

[jtbell]

[Your advisor] needs to put together a dissertation committee at some point and would need to select others qualified to review your work.

This may vary at different universities. When I was preparing for Ph.D. candidacy 35+ years ago (while finishing my initial Ph.D. coursework and after having chosen my research field and advisor), I had to round up faculty for my committee myself, after discussing my choices with my advisor. I had to take into account my department's rules for composition of the committee. As I recall, I had to have at least one theorist and one experimentalist, and one person from outside the department.

 

[Matrix0]

As a scientist pursuing a PhD, the choice of research topic is ultimately up to the individual student. While an advisor may offer guidance and suggestions based on their own expertise and current research interests, it is ultimately the responsibility of the student to select a research topic that aligns with their own interests and goals.

While an advisor's specialization in a particular subfield may influence the types of research projects they are currently working on, this does not necessarily mean that a student's thesis research must also focus on the same subfield. In fact, pursuing a different aspect or application of gravity can provide a unique and valuable contribution to the field.

Ultimately, the most important factor in selecting a research topic for a PhD is to choose something that you are passionate about and will motivate you throughout the course of your studies. This will not only lead to a more fulfilling and enjoyable experience, but also result in a stronger and more impactful thesis.