In May 2007, researchers from over twenty came together for a four-days meeting in the picturesque old town of Münster, Germany to discuss and review their ongoing PhD theses. For over six years now, the PhD Dissertation Network on the Third Sector and Civil Society has held annual meetings to introduce PhD Students to interdisciplinary approaches and help them to get in touch with the international scientific community.

More than 50 PhD-students from a broad spectrum of academic disciplines enjoyed the opportunity to present and discuss topics, challenges and potentials of their ongoing dissertations. Further guidance and expertise was provided by 15 renowned scholars of the field of third sector / civil society research. The PhD projects were discussed in "working groups" chaired by senior researchers and young scholars, who had just finished their PhDs. This approach is of mutual benefit. While PhD students had the possibility to address all practical issues they encountered with their dissertation, the facilitators – senior and young researchers – enjoyed the opportunity of getting to know "hot" topics of research in progress.

In addition to the mentoring approach in small groups, the participants were offered high quality lectures, addressing current scientific topics such as the governance of non-profits, social capital and volunteering. Besides the hosts of the conference, Annette Zimmer and Matthias Freise (University of Münster), lectures were given by Helmut Anheier (University of California) and Stijn Smismans (University of Trento).

Proved by the enthusiastic judgments of the participants there is no doubt: The meeting in Münster was a great success. Many participants are already looking forward to the next two meetings that will take place in Kaunas, Lithuania (2008) and Leuven, Belgium (2009). For further details, please visit the Student Corner website at www.civilsociety.se.