The unexpected poetry of PhD acknowledgements

🌈 Abstract

This multimedia essay explores the acknowledgements section of PhD theses from the Australian National University, highlighting how these sections provide a glimpse into the personal experiences and emotions of the authors beyond the formal research content.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Acknowledgements in PhD Theses

1. What insights can be gained from reading the acknowledgements sections of PhD theses?

• The acknowledgements sections reveal the personal experiences and emotions of the PhD authors, which are often not expressed in the formal research content.
• These sections provide a more human and relatable side to the otherwise rigorous and technical thesis, showing the support network, challenges, and personal journeys of the authors.
• The acknowledgements follow a formulaic structure, but within this format, the authors are able to express a wide range of sentiments, from gratitude and love to humor and tragedy.
• Reading the acknowledgements can give insight into the realities of completing a PhD, which is often a difficult and isolating experience, but one made possible through the support of family, friends, and colleagues.

2. How do the acknowledgements sections evolve over time?

• In earlier theses (pre-1980s), the acknowledgements were more formal, simply thanking supervisors, collaborators, and typists.
• Over time, the acknowledgements have become more personal and expressive, with authors using this section to convey a wide range of emotions and experiences beyond the research.
• The acknowledgements have become a space for the authors to truly express themselves, often in ways that are not possible in the rest of the formal thesis.

3. What are some common themes and elements found in the acknowledgements sections?

• Gratitude and appreciation for supervisors, family, friends, and colleagues who provided support, guidance, and encouragement throughout the PhD journey.
• Acknowledgement of the personal sacrifices and challenges faced during the PhD, such as time away from family, financial struggles, and emotional turmoil.
• Expressions of love, joy, and hope, as well as references to significant life events that occurred during the PhD, such as births, deaths, and personal milestones.
• Humor, inside jokes, and acknowledgements of unexpected contributors, such as pets, baristas, and even inanimate objects like desserts left in the fridge.
• A sense of accomplishment and relief at finally completing the arduous PhD process.

[02] The Significance of Acknowledgements

1. Why are the acknowledgements sections important in the context of PhD theses?

• The acknowledgements sections provide a more personal and human perspective on the otherwise formal and technical research presented in the thesis.
• They reveal the support networks, challenges, and personal journeys of the authors, which are essential to the successful completion of a PhD.
• The acknowledgements sections highlight the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of academic research, where the contributions of many individuals, both within and outside the academic sphere, are crucial to the success of a project.
• These sections offer a glimpse into the emotional and psychological aspects of the PhD experience, which are often overlooked in the final research output.

2. What do the acknowledgements sections suggest about the nature of academic research and the PhD process?

• The acknowledgements sections suggest that academic research, even in highly technical and specialized fields, is fundamentally a collaborative and interpersonal endeavor.
• The PhD process is not just about conducting research and producing a thesis, but also about navigating personal and professional relationships, overcoming challenges, and finding support and inspiration from a wide range of individuals.
• The acknowledgements sections highlight the human element of academic work, which is often overshadowed by the focus on rigorous methodology and objective findings.
• They suggest that the success of a PhD project is not just a reflection of the author's intellectual and technical abilities, but also their ability to build and maintain a supportive network of colleagues, friends, and family.