Doctoral study program in addiction science is aimed at developing theoretical knowledge in the field of addictology, i.e. knowledge of the origin and nature of substance and non-substance dependence, research procedures and methods, ethics and good scientific practice. During the study course, students acquire publishing and presentation skills, are guided to the right procedures in the preparation, implementation and interpretation of their own research project, and teamwork. For students, the emphasis is put on the ability to active participation on the creation and evaluation of systemic measures and the ability of the international cooperation of transdisciplinary nature. The research activities are designed to prepare graduates for expert and research work in the field of adiction science and related disciplines.

Study obligations:

Individual courses must be completed according to the timetable set by the student in the ISP (obligatory for each student).

Completion of the course may be in written or oral form, or a combination of both. The aim is to demonstrate all-round knowledge and skills relevant to the chosen field of study, while developing theory and implementing knowledge into practice within the course.

In June of a given academic year, evaluations of the student's and Supervising Tutor's activities over the past period are conducted in front of the selected members of the field board. The evaluations are mandatory for both the student and the Supervising Tutor. The main objective is to help the student to complete his/her studies properly and on time. The sub-objectives are: to evaluate the past year, to discuss plans for the next period, to provide feedback also with regard to the ISP, to receive feedback from the student on the DSP, to motivate the student and the Supervising Tutor to perform better.

All the courses listed are compulsory for DSP students to the extent indicated (direct teaching and self-study): (year is recommended for ISP):
• B90219 Introductory training to Addiction Science Studies (1st year)
• B90220 Research Designs and Methods in Addiction Science (1st year)
• B90221 Addiction Theories (2nd year)
• B90222 Research Career and Conduct (2nd year)
• B90223 Advancing Scientific Skills (2nd year)
• B90224 Practical approach to Data Analysis I (3rd year)
• B90225 Practical approach to Data Analysis I (3rd year)
• B90003 English language (2nd year)

Before proceeding to the dissertation defense, the student must have completed:
- Successful completion of all courses listed.
- Successfully completed the creative activity requirements (i.e., 2 IF publications, 4 Jsc publications, 4 Jost publications, active participation in 1 international and 2 domestic conferences, 1 grant application submitted and participation in 1 research study, 1 semester of teaching as a teaching assistant).

Requirements on creative activities:
The specific content of the doctoral program is determined by each student's individual study plan. The framework study obligations are listed in addition to the completion of the compulsory coursework.

Requirements for the entire period of study:
- At least two (2) published or accepted for publication original or review articles, with the exclusive affiliation of the student to the Department of Addictology of the 1st Faculty of Medicine of the Charles University in Prague, in a peer-reviewed professional journal with an impact factor (WoS; Jimp according to RIV rules), of which at least one publication must be the first author. At least one publication must be on the topic of the dissertation.
- At least four (4) published or accepted for publication original or review articles, with the student's exclusive affiliation to the Department of Addictology of the 1st Faculty of Medicine of the Charles University in Prague, in a peer-reviewed scientific periodical in the SCOPUS database (Jsc according to RIV rules), of which at least two must be the first author. At least two publications should be on the topic of the dissertation.
- At least four (4) publications in another peer-reviewed professional journal that is maintained as Jost according to RIV rules.
- Active participation in at least one (1) international professional conference (oral paper) and active participation in at least two (2) domestic professional conferences (at least one oral paper).
- Research activities:
- The student will develop at least one (1) research project proposal related to the dissertation topic and, after approval by the Supervising Tutor, submit a project application to an appropriate grant or subsidy program.
- The student shall participate in at least one research study of the Supervising Tutor or department or partner department.
- The student works as a teaching assistant for at least one semester in at least one undergraduate (bachelor's or master's level) course in the field of addictology (primarily with his/her Supervising Tutor or, with the agreement of the DSP, with another faculty member). The student learns to teach by imitation. He/she is present at the teacher's class, helps in the organization of the class, preparation of materials, administration of tests. On a limited basis (and with the presence of the teacher), he/she may be given the opportunity to lecture on a topic.

For each academic year
- At least one (1) published or accepted for publication original or review article, with the exclusive affiliation of the student to the Department of Addictology of the 1st Faculty of Medicine of Charles University in Prague, in a peer-reviewed professional periodical in the SCOPUS database (Jsc according to RIV rules).
- At least one (1) publication in another scientific journal that does not belong into any of the above groups (Jost according to RIV rules).
- The student is continuously working on the dissertation project and the progress of the student's work will be reported in the ISP performance evaluation.

Requirements on placements taken
It is compulsory to complete at least one foreign work placement or study stay of at least 1 month. It can be replaced by participation in an international grant or other form of direct involvement in cooperation with a foreign country. The selection of a suitable foreign placement or other appropriate form will be made in agreement with the Supervising Tutor, and approval of the appropriate form is subject to the chair of the field board.

Other study obligations:
Attendance at regular meetings of PhD students and supervisors, with a minimum attendance of 75% over the duration of the study period. In addition to actual attendance, the student is required to:
- Active presentation of their own dissertation project in the form of a presentation and subsequent critical discussion (usually during the first year of study).
- Presentation of (at least) partial results of the dissertation project (usually during the third and fourth year of study).
Approval of the appropriate form is subject to the approval of the Chair of the Field Board. The student will provide information on the fulfilment of the obligations in the ISP performance evaluation.

State Doctoral Examination:
In order to join the State Doctoral Examination, the student must have completed:
- Successful completion of all required courses.
The content and requirements for completing the State Doctoral Examination are based on the Code of Study and Examination of Charles University.

Apart from the actual dissertation defence, the State Doctoral Examination consists of a single part, which has the following thematic sub-areas:
1. Addictology: a transdisciplinary approach and institutional infrastructure
2. Addiction theory and theories of behaviour change
3. Research designs and methods, analytical methods and ethics in addiction research