The Presidency of Sorbonne Université delegates to the doctoral school management the appointment of rapporteurs, the composition of the jury and the authorization of the defense.

Appointment of rapporteurs

At least two rapporteurs, qualified to direct research or belonging to one of the categories mentioned in article 16 of the decree of May 25, 2016, are appointed after consultation with the thesis supervisor. In the case of work involving people from the socio-economic world who do not belong to academia, a third rapporteur, recognized for his or her expertise in the field, may be appointed.

• Rapporteurs must be from outside the doctoral school and the doctoral student's enrolment institution.
• They must not be involved in the doctoral student's work.
• They may belong to foreign higher education or research establishments or other foreign organizations.
• In the event of disagreement between the two rapporteurs, the Presidency appoints a third rapporteur.

At least 28 days before the date set for the defense, the rapporteurs issue a written report setting out their opinion. These reports also assess the formal quality of the manuscript, the originality and innovative nature of the doctoral research project, the context of the project in relation to the state of the art, the scientific maturity and the doctoral student's capacity for analysis and interpretation. The degree to which the research project has been commercialized (article(s) already published; submitted, in progress) is also assessed. They may or may not formally authorize the defense. On the basis of these reports, the doctoral school management authorizes or does not authorize the defense, on behalf of the university presidency. These reports are posted online in the doctoral student's personal space on the Adum platform, once the doctoral school management has validated the defense authorization.

Designation of the thesis jury

 In accordance with the Doctoral Order of August 26, 2022:

• The number of jury members is between 4 and 8, including rapporteurs and management. Guests may also be invited.

• At least half the members of the jury must be French or foreign personalities from outside the doctoral school and the candidate's enrolling institution, chosen for their scientific competence.

• It must include at least one professor from the candidate's institution.

• In the case of a co-tutored thesis, specific provisions may be laid down in the agreement signed between the two institutions.

• At least half of the jury must be made up of professors or equivalent staff from outside the Ministry of Higher Education.

• The composition of the jury must ensure a balanced representation of men and women.

• The thesis supervisor is a member of the jury, but does not take part in drafting the defense report.

• The jury appoints its president from among its members before the defense. The president must be an active professor or equivalent.