The Royal Decree 99/2011 of 28th January, which rules official doctoral studies, establishes that the special mention “Industrial PhD” will be given when the following conditions are met:
a. The existence of a labour or trade contract with the doctoral student. The contract can be issued by a public or private company, as well as the Public Administration.
b. The doctoral student will work in an industrial research or experimental development project in the company or public administration that is in charge of the service. However, the service cannot be in charge of a university. The industrial research or experimental development project in which the doctoral student is involved must be directly related to his PhD thesis. This direct relationship will be proved with a report that will be endorsed by the university.
If the industrial research or experimental development project was the result of collaboration between the Universitat and the company or public administration in charge of the service in which the doctoral student is involved, a collaboration agreement will be signed by all parties. The responsibilities of the Universitat and the company or public administration will be stated in the agreement, as well as the selection procedure of the doctoral candidates.
