In order to gain "comprehensive information on doctoral conditions and successes, career intentions, general living conditions and, above all, the career paths of doctoral candidates and doctoral graduates", the longitudinal study National Academics Panel Study (nacaps) has been systematically collecting data on the career paths of highly qualified individuals (doctoral candidates and doctoral graduates) in Germany since 2019. Information on the study and the results can be found on their website.

In order to better assess the interests and current situation of doctoral candidates during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, the Doctoral Candidates' Representation of the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg conducted the survey "Doctoral candidates and COVID-19". This report presents the results of the survey and derives measures from it.