Paranimf

PhD student in the Netherlands with paran vaccines

Paranimfen are (in the Netherlands) the companions of a doctoral candidate during the defense of his doctoral thesis .

The doctoral student is usually accompanied by two Paranimfen (Greek: witnesses). Above all, they have a ceremonial task, even though they were originally there to defend the doctoral thesis if the doctoral student would not be able to do so himself (for example due to illness or an accident), or if the doctoral candidate consults to answer a question want to hold. In today's academic practice, the paranimf is often a family member, friend or fellow student of the doctoral candidate and does not necessarily need to know about the subject of the doctoral thesis. It is therefore an honorable task, as is the case with groomsmen . It is expected that the Paranimfen dress as formally as the PhD candidate.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Henk Strikkers: UvA Secret –What is he een paranimf bij promoties? In: Folia. April 1, 2019, accessed June 10, 2020 (Dutch). 
2. ↑ De promotieceremonie. Wha moet ever rekening mee houden? In: Gildeprint. Retrieved June 10, 2020 (Dutch). 
3. ↑ Practical zaken rondom de promotieplechtigheid. In: Universiteit Leiden. Retrieved June 10, 2020 (Dutch).