dissertation acknowledgements deceased

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How to acknowledge a contribution of a deceased person?

In the acknowledgement section of my thesis, I want to mention a person who is no longer alive.

What is the correct way of saying that?

I want to thank my aunt who assisted me with financially – too pity she cannot see me graduate. I want to thank my aunt who assisted me with financially – your memory will be eternal. I want to thank my aunt who assisted me with financially – too unfortunate she cannot see me graduate.

Or any other version would be appreciated.

• grammaticality

• x-man, there is no future for this question because it is, as to say, opinion based; but, if any, I prefer "I wish to thank [aunt's name] whose help has been inestimable, even if she cannot see me graduated." or something similar, avoiding the financial argument. –  user19148 Commented Jul 7, 2013 at 23:42

2 Answers 2

There is no 'correct' way, and in those circumstances the wording needs to be personal, yet still semi-formal.

First, on a minor point, the "with" is incorrect, and using "late aunt" would clearly indicate that she is deceased (thus explaining any subsequent sentiments):

I want to thank my late aunt who assisted me financially.

As I indicated, this has to be a personal choice, but my inclination would be something similar to your middle suggestion, such as:

Her memory will be with me always. I will be ever grateful for her assistance.

As regards your other two suggestions, it's not clear from your question whether you have already graduated or whether this thesis is to help you graduate. I don't think it is appropriate to use wording that suggests you have graduated, unless you already have. Also, if you do use this type of wording, the English needs a little correction: the use of "too" is not correct. I would suggest something like:

I am sorry/sad that she cannot ("could not" if it is in the past) see me graduate.

Or even combine the two thoughts:

I will be ever grateful for her assistance, and am sorry that she has not lived to see me graduate.

• I agree with @Pete855217 that you should put "late aunt" and have amended my answer accordingly. –  TrevorD Commented Jul 8, 2013 at 10:33

"I would like to thank my late Aunty for her financial assistance" is brief, and makes the point clearly that she's dead via the word 'late'.

"I want to thank my aunt who assisted me with financially – too unfortunate she cannot see me graduate." That, and the other options sound a bit ridiculous.

You might try: "I want to thank my late aunt who assisted my financially during my studies" with: - and am sad that she will not see me graduate; or - ,sadly she will not see me graduate.

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Thesis Acknowledgements Examples

5 Examples For Your Inspiration

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewers: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | May 2024

The acknowledgements section of your thesis or dissertation is an opportunity to say thanks to all the people who helped you along your research journey. In this post, we’ll share five thesis acknowledgement examples to provide you with some inspiration.

Overview: Acknowledgements Examples

• The acknowledgements 101
• Example:  Formal and professional
• Example:  Warm and personal
• Example:  Challenge-centric
• Example:  Institution-centric
• Example:  Reflective and philosophical
• FREE Acknowledgements template

Acknowledgements 101: The Basics

The acknowledgements section in your thesis or dissertation is where you express gratitude to those who helped bring your project to fruition. This section is typically brief (a page or less) and less formal, but it’s crucial to thank the right individuals in the right order .

As a rule of thumb, you’ll usually begin with academic support : your supervisors, advisors, and faculty members. Next, you’ll acknowledge any funding bodies or sponsors that supported your research. You’ll then follow this with your intellectual contributors , such as colleagues and peers. Lastly, you’ll typically thank your personal support network , including family, friends, and even pets who offered emotional support during your studies.

As you can probably see, this order moves from the most formal acknowledgements to the least . Typically, your supervisor is mentioned first, due to their significant role in guiding and potentially evaluating your work. However, while this structure is recommended, it’s essential to adapt it based on any specific guidelines from your university. So, be sure to always check (and adhere to) any requirements or norms specific to your university.

With that groundwork laid, let’s look at a few dissertation and thesis acknowledgement examples . If you’d like more, check out our collection of dissertation examples here .

Need a helping hand?

Example #1: Formal and Professional

This acknowledgement formally expresses gratitude to academic mentors and peers, emphasising professional support and academic guidance.

I extend my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Professor Jane Smith, for her unwavering support and insightful critiques throughout my research journey. Her deep commitment to academic excellence and meticulous attention to detail have significantly shaped this dissertation. I am equally thankful to the members of my thesis committee, Dr. John Doe and Dr. Emily White, for their constructive feedback and essential suggestions that enhanced the quality of my work.

My appreciation also goes to the faculty and staff in the Department of Biology at University College London, whose resources and assistance have been invaluable. I would also like to acknowledge my peers for their camaraderie and the stimulating discussions that inspired me throughout my academic journey. Their collective wisdom and encouragement have been a cornerstone of my research experience.

Finally, my sincere thanks to the technical staff whose expertise in managing laboratory equipment was crucial for my experiments. Their patience and readiness to assist at all times have left a profound impact on the completion of my project.

Example #2: Warm and Personal

This acknowledgement warmly credits the emotional and personal support received from family, friends and an approachable mentor during the research process.

This thesis is a reflection of the unwavering support and boundless love I received from my family and friends during this challenging academic pursuit. I owe an immense debt of gratitude to my parents, who nurtured my curiosity and supported my educational endeavours from the very beginning.

To my partner, Alex, your endless patience and understanding, especially during the most demanding phases of this research, have been my anchor. A heartfelt thank you to my supervisor, Dr. Mark Brown, whose mentorship extended beyond the academic realm into personal guidance, providing comfort and motivation during tough times.

I am also thankful for my friends, who provided both distractions when needed and encouragement when it seemed impossible to continue. The discussions and unwavering support from my peers at the university have enriched my research experience, making this journey not only possible but also enjoyable. Their presence and insights have been pivotal in navigating the complexities of my research topic.

Example #3: Inclusive of Challenges

This acknowledgement recognises the wide range of support received during unexpected personal and academic challenges, highlighting resilience and communal support.

The path to completing this dissertation has been fraught with both professional challenges and personal adversities. I am profoundly grateful for the enduring support of my supervisor, Dr. Lisa Green, whose steadfast belief in my capabilities and academic potential encouraged me to persevere even during my lowest moments. Her guidance was a beacon of light in times of doubt.

I must also express my deepest appreciation for my family, who stepped in not only with emotional reassurance, but also with critical financial support, when unexpected personal challenges arose. Their unconditional love and sacrifice have been the foundation of my resilience and success.

I am thankful, too, for the support services at the university, including the counselling centre, whose staff provided me with the tools to manage stress and maintain focus on my academic goals. Each of these individuals and institutions played a crucial role in my journey, reminding me that the pursuit of knowledge is not a solo expedition but a communal effort.

Example #4: Institution-Centric

This acknowledgement succinctly appreciates the financial, academic, and operational support provided by the university and its staff.

This dissertation would not have been possible without the generous financial support from the University of Edinburgh Scholarship Programme, which enabled me to focus fully on my research without financial burden. I am profoundly grateful to my advisor, Professor Richard Miles, for his sage advice, rigorous academic guidance, and the confidence he instilled in me. His expertise in the field of microbiology greatly enriched my work.

I would also like to thank the staff at the university library, whose assistance was indispensable. Their patience and willingness to help locate rare and essential resources facilitated a thorough and comprehensive literature review. Additionally, the administrative and technical staff, who often go unmentioned, provided necessary support that greatly enhanced my research experience. Their dedication and hard work create an environment conducive to academic success.

Lastly, my peers’ encouragement and the intellectual environment at the university have been vital in completing my research.

Example #5: Reflective and philosophical

This acknowledgement reflects on the philosophical growth and personal insights gained through the support of mentors, peers, and family, framing the dissertation as a journey of intellectual discovery.

Completing this thesis has been not only an academic challenge but also a profound journey of personal and philosophical growth.

I am immensely grateful to my mentor, Professor Sarah Johnson, for encouraging me to explore complex ideas and to challenge conventional wisdom. Her guidance helped me navigate the philosophical underpinnings of my research and deepened my analytical skills. My fellow students in the Philosophy Department provided a supportive and intellectually stimulating community. Our discussions extended beyond the classroom, offering new insights and perspectives that were crucial to my thesis.

I am also deeply thankful for my family, whose intellectual curiosity and spirited philosophical debates at home sparked my interest in philosophy from a young age. Their continuous support and belief in my academic pursuits have been instrumental in my success.

This dissertation reflects not only my work but also the collective support of everyone who has touched my life academically and personally. The journey has taught me the value of questioning and the importance of diverse perspectives in enriching our understanding of complex philosophical issues.

FREE Acknowledgements Template

To help fast-track your writing process, we’ve created a free, fully editable template . This template covers all the necessary content for a generic thesis or dissertation acknowledgements section. If you’re interested, you can download a copy here .

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How to Write Dissertation Acknowledgements

Published by Owen Ingram at August 13th, 2021 , Revised On August 29, 2023

Acknowledging someone means thanking them. The acknowledgement section in a dissertation is used to express gratitude towards all those who have helped you prepare the dissertation.

Both professional and personal acknowledgements can be included in it. The acknowledgement section comes in between the title page  and the  abstract page . It is best suited to be on one page.

The writer has the liberty to use  personal pronouns (I, we, my, etc) in this section, as this section allows more of an informal way of writing. Here is a quick guide to help you understand how to write acknowledgements for your own dissertation .

Dissertation Acknowledgement Example

Let’s start with an example, so you have an idea of the basics, to begin with.

How to Write Dissertation Acknowledgements?

“I am deeply grateful for the guidance and support of my supervisor, Dr. Smith, whose insights and feedback were invaluable throughout this journey. I also extend my appreciation to my family for their unwavering encouragement and to my friends for their understanding during this endeavor.”

“I am deeply grateful for the guidance and support of my supervisor, Dr. Smith, whose insights and feedback were invaluable throughout this journey. I also extend my appreciation to my family for their unwavering encouragement and to my friends for their understanding during this endeavour.”

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Writing Your Dissertation Acknowledgement: Personal Gratitude

Personal Acknowledgements

Before you even begin writing your dissertation acknowledgement, take time to make a list of people who are linked to your dissertation or thesis in any way. These people may have read or edited your paper or may have encouraged you or listened to your academic woes. In terms of family or friends to include, only list people who were active in your graduate studies. You really don’t have the space to include the cousins you haven’t seen or talked to since Grandma’s funeral ten years ago. However, if there were people who inspired your work, do not forget to include these people on your list of names. For example, you might want to include a grandfather whom you never met but who was the first member of your family to graduate from high school or college, maybe even under less than ideal circumstances. When you mention these people in your acknowledgements, remember to state specifically how they helped you. This will mean a lot to these people, and they will be grateful that you remembered exactly what they did for you along the way.

Professional Acknowledgements

Take a look back at your list of contributors, and be sure to mention the members of academia who helped you complete your dissertation or thesis. Again, you only have room for major contributors, not your freshman biology professor. Professionals to include could be advisors, upper-level professors, lab assistants, librarians, colleagues, or classmates. Anyone who assisted you in researching, conducting experiments and surveys, or writing could be a candidate for you to include in your dissertation acknowledgement. For academic contributors whom you choose to mention in your acknowledgements, you should use their full names and titles. However, if you are mentioning friends, you might consider only using first names to protect their identities. If several people within a large group assisted you, you only need to state the group name.

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Dissertation Acknowledgements: A Comprehensive Guide

(Last updated: 5 April 2024)

Since 2006, Oxbridge Essays has been the UK’s leading paid essay-writing and dissertation service

We have helped 10,000s of undergraduate, Masters and PhD students to maximise their grades in essays, dissertations, model-exam answers, applications and other materials. If you would like a free chat about your project with one of our UK staff, then please just reach out on one of the methods below.

The journey of completing a dissertation is a monumental achievement that often involves a web of support and guidance. Acknowledging the contributions of those who have been instrumental in your academic endeavour is a meaningful way to express gratitude. In this guide, we will explore all aspects of dissertation acknowledgements you should know.

Where Do Acknowledgements Go in a Dissertation?

Dissertation acknowledgements typically appear after the abstract and before the table of contents. Placed in the preliminary pages, this section offers a heartfelt nod to the individuals and institutions that have played a role in the successful completion of your research.

Who to Thank in Your Acknowledgements

Supervisors and Advisors

Express gratitude to your dissertation supervisor and any other academic advisors who have provided guidance, mentorship, and constructive feedback throughout the research process.

Academic Peers and Colleagues

Acknowledge fellow researchers, classmates, or colleagues who may have contributed insights, collaborated on projects, or offered support during challenging times.

Family and Friends

Recognise the unwavering support of family and friends who stood by you during the highs and lows of your academic journey. Their encouragement and understanding deserve acknowledgement.

Institutions and Funding Bodies

Thank any institutions, universities, or funding bodies that provided financial support, resources, or facilities crucial to the successful completion of your dissertation.

Participants and Contributors

If your research involved participants, interviewees, or contributors, acknowledge their willingness to be part of your study. Respect their privacy and express gratitude for their valuable contributions.

Tips on How to Write Dissertation Acknowledgements

Write from the heart, expressing genuine gratitude for the support you've received. Avoid generic or overly formal language; instead, let your personality shine through.

Provide specific details about each person or group you're thanking. Highlight their contributions or the particular ways in which they supported you.

While acknowledgements allow for a personal touch, maintain a level of professionalism. Avoid overly casual language and ensure your expressions of gratitude align with the academic tone of the dissertation.

The tone of your acknowledgements can vary based on your relationship with the individuals mentioned. Strike a balance between formality and familiarity, ensuring your tone is appropriate for the context.

Dissertation Acknowledgements Examples

I extend my deepest appreciation to my dissertation supervisor, Dr. Smith, for their invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and constructive feedback throughout every stage of this research journey.

Special thanks to my family, whose encouragement and understanding provided the foundation for my academic pursuits. Your belief in me fueled the perseverance needed to complete this dissertation.

I would like to express my gratitude to the participants of this study, whose willingness to share their experiences added depth and richness to my research. Your contributions are truly appreciated.

Acknowledgements Best Practices

• Start Early : Begin drafting your acknowledgements early in the dissertation process. This allows you to update and refine them as your research progresses.
• Balance Inclusivity : Ensure a balanced and inclusive acknowledgement of all relevant contributors. Take the time to reflect on everyone who played a part in your academic journey.
• Maintain Clarity : Keep your acknowledgements concise and focused. Avoid excessive details that may distract from the primary purpose of expressing gratitude.
• Consider Professional Relationships : Acknowledge individuals based on their professional contributions rather than personal relationships. If someone significantly influenced your work, regardless of personal feelings, recognition is appropriate.
• Review and Revise : Seek feedback on your acknowledgements from mentors, peers, or advisors. This external perspective can help ensure that your expressions of gratitude are clear, appropriate, and impactful.

Unveil Your Gratitude With Your Dissertation Acknowledgements

Dissertation acknowledgements provide an opportunity to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the collaborative efforts that have contributed to your academic achievement. By following best practices and crafting sincere acknowledgements, you not only pay homage to those who supported you but also contribute to the overall tone and ethos of your dissertation.

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Writing a dissertation  is a hard task, but it is too early to relax after completing it. Before defending your scientific thesis, you must write dissertation acknowledgements.

Dissertation acknowledgements allow the author to express appreciation to those who provided support during the research and writing process. This section provides an opportunity to recognize the contributions of other individuals and institutions who helped with your study.

Although this section is not taken into account when your dissertation defense is evaluated, it can impress readers and the academic community. Still, this page is not easy to handle, since you should follow certain rules. Read on this guide and find out how to write a thesis or dissertation acknowledgements without effort. Don’t forget to check out examples that will surely come in handy.  

What Is Acknowledgement: Dissertation

Acknowledgement in dissertation is an optional section. It is a common courtesy rule in any academic community. Acknowledgements are placed immediately after the front page. This section contains personal thanking to all people who have helped and supported you with dissertation writing. This is not only a formal  acknowledgement . It can also be a recognition of these people’s contribution to a full-fledged research. After all, you’ve probably got advice from professors or asked to find the necessary literature. Chances are that you also enjoyed the support of your beloved ones.  

Who Should You Thank in Dissertation Acknowledgements

A list of people you can thank may vary greatly. But we recommend including these people in dissertation acknowledgements :

• funding bodies
• supervisors (both current and former ones, if there have been a few of them)
• laboratory assistants
• research participants.

It is not required to dedicate a separate paragraph to each of them. This can take the text beyond 1-page limits. You can unite them into groups or not mention them if their contribution was not significant enough. A separate part should be dedicated to your dissertation defense committee chairman . Do not highlight any of them, try paying the same attention to each member of your list. After a formal list of dissertation participants, you can thank an informal group of people. These may be parents and other family members, spouses, children, friends. Even pets or shop assistants will do – in short, everyone who has influenced your work.  

No one limits you when choosing your acknowledgment section volume. Still, we recommend writing down your appreciation in 1 page. As a rule, no one exceeds this length and for good reason. It’s not too long and complicated, but long enough to mention all important members of your research process. Nevertheless, figure out your alma mater’s requirements. Sometimes, the limitations are set by educational institutions.

For formatting PhD dissertation acknowledgements, you should follow certain criterias:

• Place a page at the very beginning of your thesis — right after your title page and before the  dissertation abstract .
• Align all margins on both sides.
• Place the ‘Acknowledgements’ title at the top of your page and center-align it.
• Leave 4 space lines after the title.

How to Write Acknowledgements for Dissertation

Before you start writing Ph.D. dissertation acknowledgements , you should make a list of those who have made an important contribution to creating your study. You should distinguish personal support from professional help. Still, your writing style may be slightly informal. But you should not lean toward common speech. It is better to follow a semi-formal style. Remember that it’s not a dissertation itself – there is no need to use complex terms. Having gathered your wits and thinking of all those who supported you in writing your scientific work, proceed to our writing tips:  

• Work on a professional style. Make all merits in acknowledgement concise but succinct. Mention the provided help without going into unnecessary details.
• Stick to all recommendations. Some educational institutions set requirements for how an acknowledgement page should look like. Some schools even provide a sample. But most universities still guarantee creative freedom.
• Put the most important people first. Sort those who will receive acknowledgement by the importance of their contribution made. An alphabetical list  is not recommended.
• Don’t exclude your advisor from a list. Even if your supervisor’s support wasn’t that significant, they still have contributed to your research. Besides, some people may perceive this as disrespect for advisor’s achievements.

Now, let’s see how to mention professional and personal contributions in a dissertation.

Professional Acknowledgements

It is recommended dedicating the beginning of your appreciation section to professional acknowledgement. This section implies gratitude to:

• Academic community
• Research supervisor

Think of those people who provided you with support and helped with collecting and handling all information. Here are some examples of professional acknowledgement:

These are examples of formal acknowledgement to all scientists who have helped with your research. It is a great opportunity to highlight some merits of the scientific team. But it is equally important to mention the names of sponsors if they supported you financially.

Personal Acknowledgements

Keep your final part for personal acknowledgement to those who were the most meaningful. These can be family members, partners and friends who have inspired you. Here, a less formal style is appropriate, you can add quotes, poems, even put a touch of humor to your text – this is not prohibited. Take a personal approach into account and include personal facts. Provided this approach, your acknowledgement will be as complete as possible. Specify not only the first and second names of people involved, but their positions and titles if there are any. Thus, we suggest the following personal dissertation acknowledgements sample:  

Do not make it too personal. Keep in mind that you are still writing a part of your scientific thesis, even if it does not affect the evaluation. If you doubt your skills, contact our academic writing service. Whether it’s a dissertation or a research paper, we will compose a work in line with all requirements.

Dissertation Acknowledgements Examples

Below, please find a short sample of what dissertation acknowledgements may look like in general. As you can see, a writer has mentioned important people from both professional and personal circles. All paragraphs should be well-organized and of equal size.

Contact our  academic writers  who can add professional touches to this section, as in the example above.  

Acknowledgement Template Dissertation

Follow our recommendations and you will be able to write a dissertation acknowledgement yourself. Feel free to use this dissertation acknowledgements template to express gratitude you have accumulated over the years of scientific work. If you ever need proper hands-on  dissertation proposal writing services , feel free to ask StudyCrumb.

Bottom Line

The best dissertation acknowledgements are a reflection on an opportunity that you got. It is an informal part of the scientific work that won’t be considered during the evaluation process. However, common courtesy generally requires you to work on this section. To write a good acknowledgement part, you should mention those whom you really appreciate. You can thank them in prose. Besides, you can also allow a little restrained humor if allowed by the person’s status. If you are in need of expert backing – contact StudyCrumb dissertation writing service . We’ve got a dedicated team of professional writers who have extensive experience in the scientific field. They are ready to handle any part of your dissertation and deliver it in time.  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. where do the acknowledgements go in a thesis or dissertation.

Usually, dissertation acknowledgements are placed after the title page and before your abstract page. This is a section where you thank everyone who has helped, inspired, and supported you when writing your scientific thesis. Place an acknowledgement page before the main text. This will help readers understand who has contributed to your work.

2. How long should the acknowledgements be?

There are no specific requirements for how long dissertation acknowledgements should be. We recommend including your recognition in 1 page with standard layout. Start your acknowledgement with the most important people. Work on sincere but brief recognition. You can expand this list a bit later, but usually there is no such need. By keeping to 1-page text volume, you will be able to highlight the most valuable assistants who have really ensured the success of your scientific work.

3. How do you express gratitude in Acknowledgement?

We recommend not going deeply into listing all merits of your assistants. After all, an acknowledgement in dissertation is a text that will allow you to remember all those to whom you are grateful. Use the sample phrases “I am grateful...”, “I express gratitude to...”, “I am deeply grateful...” and others. They will help you express your attitude to all important people, while not setting this page apart from the main style of your dissertation.

4. How do you thank your boss in Acknowledgement?

You can omit highlighting your boss in the acknowledgement of your dissertation. Especially if he has put a minimum of effort into your work. But if this is not a case and their support was sufficient, work out your gratitude deeply. Specify his academic degree and given assistance. Remember all important moments of cooperation. This will show that you appreciate this specialist.

Joe Eckel is an expert on Dissertations writing. He makes sure that each student gets precious insights on composing A-grade academic writing.

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Academia Bees

Best Acknowledgement for Dissertation (10 Samples and Guide)

January 15, 2024

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By Mohsin Khurshid

Embark on a journey through the art of crafting heartfelt acknowledgments for your dissertation. Explore examples and a comprehensive guide on acknowledging those who made your project possible. Uncover the best practices in expressing gratitude, from family to mentors.

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Acknowledgement for Dissertation
• 1.2 Dissertation Acknowledgement Sample
• 1.3 Acknowledgement for Dissertation Paper
• 1.4 Acknowledgement Sample for Dissertation
• 1.5 Acknowledgement in Dissertation to Family
• 1.6 Acknowledgement for Masters Dissertation
• 1.7 Undergraduate Dissertation Acknowledgements
• 1.8 Dissertation Acknowledgements Funny
• 1.9 Example of Dissertation Acknowledgement to God
• 1.10 Sample Acknowledgement for Dissertation File
• 2 How to Write Acknowledgement for Dissertation:
• 3 Conclusion

Ten Best Samples of Acknowledgement for Dissertation Project

Discover diverse examples showcasing gratitude in dissertation acknowledgments. Explore samples ranging from traditional expressions to unique acknowledgments for family, masters, and even humorous takes. Find inspiration for your own heartfelt acknowledgment.

Acknowledgement for Dissertation

I express my deep appreciation to my advisor for their unwavering guidance in shaping this dissertation. Their expertise and encouragement were vital throughout the research journey. Gratitude extends to my family, whose unwavering support made this academic endeavor possible.

I also acknowledge the contributions of colleagues and friends, creating a collaborative atmosphere that enriched my work. This acknowledgment is a heartfelt tribute to those who played a pivotal role in the success of this dissertation.

Dissertation Acknowledgement Sample

My sincere gratitude goes to all who contributed to this dissertation. Special thanks to my advisor, whose mentorship was invaluable. The support from family, friends, and colleagues created an uplifting environment. This acknowledgment is a token of appreciation to those who stood by me.

Each contributor, whether big or small, has left an indelible mark on this academic journey, and for that, I am truly thankful.

Acknowledgement for Dissertation Paper

In expressing gratitude for this dissertation, my heartfelt thanks go to my advisor for their continuous support and guidance. The collaborative efforts of colleagues and friends added depth to the research. Special acknowledgment is due to family, whose unwavering support sustained me.

This dissertation acknowledgment is a tribute to the combined efforts that made this academic endeavor possible.

Acknowledgement Sample for Dissertation

This acknowledgment is a sincere expression of gratitude to my advisor, mentors, and peers who contributed significantly to the completion of this dissertation. Their unwavering support, valuable insights, and encouragement have been pivotal in shaping the project.

I extend special thanks to [Advisor’s Name] for their guidance and patience, which made this journey a rewarding experience. This acknowledgment is a token of appreciation for the collaborative effort that made this dissertation possible.

Acknowledgement in Dissertation to Family

In the completion of this dissertation, my family has been a pillar of support and encouragement. Their unwavering belief in my capabilities and understanding during challenging times were instrumental. This acknowledgment extends heartfelt thanks to [Family Members’ Names] for their constant encouragement and unwavering support. Their role in this academic endeavor goes beyond words, and I am deeply grateful for their presence throughout this journey.

Acknowledgement for Masters Dissertation

Completing this master’s dissertation wouldn’t have been possible without the support and guidance of [Advisor’s Name]. Their mentorship and expertise played a crucial role in shaping this academic work.

I also extend my thanks to [Mention Other Contributors] for their contributions. This acknowledgment is a reflection of the collaborative effort that went into the successful completion of this master’s dissertation.

Undergraduate Dissertation Acknowledgements

Completing my undergraduate dissertation was a journey marked by invaluable support from various corners. I express my deep gratitude to my advisor for their guidance and patience throughout the process. Thanks are also due to [Mention Other Contributors], whose insights enriched my research.

The support from friends and family played a crucial role in navigating the challenges. This acknowledgment is a tribute to the collective effort that made my undergraduate dissertation a reality.

Dissertation Acknowledgements Funny

Embarking on the serious task of dissertation writing, a touch of humor lightens the load. Special thanks to my caffeine companion, coffee, for being a constant ally during those late-night writing sessions. Gratitude to my computer for not crashing during critical moments.

Humorous acknowledgment goes to [Include Something Funny], who brought laughter to the stressful times. This funny dissertation acknowledgment is a lighthearted nod to the quirks and challenges that made the academic journey memorable.

Example of Dissertation Acknowledgement to God

In completing this dissertation, I humbly acknowledge the divine guidance of God. My gratitude extends to the Almighty for providing strength, wisdom, and inspiration throughout this academic journey.

The acknowledgment to God is a heartfelt expression of faith, recognizing the unseen hand that guided me in moments of doubt and challenge. This dissertation stands as a testament to the divine support that made the impossible possible.

Sample Acknowledgement for Dissertation File

As I present this dissertation file, I express my sincere appreciation to all who contributed to its creation. Special thanks to my advisor and mentors for their guidance. This acknowledgment extends to family, friends, and colleagues whose support shaped this document. The acknowledgment for the dissertation file is a recognition of the collaborative effort that turned ideas into written words.

It’s a token of gratitude to those who played a role, big or small, in bringing this document to completion.

How to Write Acknowledgement for Dissertation:

Crafting an effective dissertation acknowledgment involves thoughtful consideration of those who contributed to your academic journey. Begin with a genuine expression of gratitude to those who played significant roles:

1. Primary Advisor:

Start with your primary advisor. Acknowledge their guidance, support, and mentorship.

2. Thesis Committee:

Extend gratitude to other committee members . Recognize their valuable insights and contributions.

3. Academic Mentors:

Acknowledge mentors, professors, or colleagues who provided guidance and support.

4. Fellow Students:

Include fellow students for their camaraderie and shared academic experiences.

5. Family and Friends:

Express appreciation for the unwavering support of family and friends. Acknowledge their understanding and encouragement.

6. Institutions or Funding Sources:

If applicable, acknowledge any institutions, organizations, or funding sources that supported your research.

7. Colleagues or Collaborators:

Recognize any collaborators or colleagues who contributed to the project.

8. Professional Contacts:

If relevant, include professionals in the field who provided assistance or insights.

When structuring your acknowledgment, consider starting with the most influential contributors, such as your primary advisor and committee members. Progress to those who played supporting roles, ensuring that each acknowledgment is sincere and specific. Use warm and appreciative language, keeping the acknowledgment concise and focused on those directly related to the dissertation.

In crafting your dissertation acknowledgments, draw inspiration from these examples. Express gratitude thoughtfully to create a meaningful acknowledgment section that reflects the collaborative spirit of your academic journey.

Acknowledgement for PhD Thesis (5 Samples and Guide)

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Thesis & Dissertation Acknowledgements

Acknowledging those who support your graduate work is an important, yet often overlooked, component of a thesis or dissertation. While the focus is rightly placed on the research and writing itself, taking time to recognize those who helped make it possible is a meaningful gesture of gratitude. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to crafting effective and thoughtful acknowledgments.

We’ll first define what acknowledgments are and explain their purpose within a graduate paper. Next, we’ll offer tips for including the right people and expressing your appreciation in a sincere yet polished way. Examples will illustrate how to structure and format your acknowledgments properly. We’ll also discuss common dos and don’ts to help you avoid any missteps. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your ability to acknowledge all those who supported you throughout your graduate journey.

What Are Dissertation Acknowledgments?

Dissertation acknowledgments provide an opportunity to thank the key individuals who supported and guided the completion of doctoral research. This formal yet personal section allows the author to recognize those who offered invaluable expertise, feedback, encouragement, and more throughout the dissertation journey.

According to recent research studies on dissertation acknowledgments:

• They help to recognize the extensive support network that was invaluable in helping the student complete their research project. This network is often overlooked despite playing a big role.
• Including acknowledgments helps to personalize the dissertation and shows the human/personal side of the work, rather than just seeing it as an academic document. This can help examiners engage with the thesis.
• It creates positive feelings and goodwill towards the student from those acknowledged. Supervisors especially appreciate public recognition of their efforts and guidance.
• Expressing appreciation has well-documented mental health benefits for students during the stressful thesis writing process. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the support received.
• For professional master’s students, acknowledgments can strengthen industry connections and partnerships that may benefit future career opportunities.

How To Write Dissertation Acknowledgments

Here are the basic steps on how to write dissertation acknowledgements:

• Thank your committee members. Be sure to thank your advisor, committee chair, and other committee members for their guidance and support throughout your dissertation journey.
• Acknowledge any funding sources. If you received financial support through grants, scholarships, or a teaching/research assistantship, thank the organization or department that provided these resources.
• Appreciate friends and family. Express gratitude to loved ones for their encouragement, understanding, and patience as you dedicated long hours to your research and writing.
• Cite any additional mentors. If other faculty, colleagues, or professionals provided valuable advice or expertise, acknowledge their contributions here as well.
• Proofread carefully. Have someone you trust review your acknowledgments to catch any errors before final submission. Make sure information is formatted and presented professionally.

Dos And Don’ts Of Dissertation Acknowledgments

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Express deep gratitude and appreciation for your supervisors’ guidance and support throughout your PhD journey. A heartfelt thank you goes a long way.
• Acknowledge any funding sources that enabled your research. This is important for them to see the impact of their investment.
• Thank friends and family for their encouragement, patience, and for believing in you. Their support was invaluable.
• Keep it concise yet meaningful. One well-written paragraph is sufficient to acknowledge all contributors.
• Proofread your acknowledgments to ensure the correct spelling of names and appropriate language. This shows respect for those thanked.

DON’Ts:

• Forget to acknowledge anyone who significantly helped your research and writing. Leave no stone unturned to show appreciation.
• Use overly casual language or be too brief that it comes across as insincere. Strike the right tone of gratitude.
• Exceed one paragraph length which may distract readers from your actual dissertation work.
• Include any negative comments no matter how you felt at times during your PhD journey. Keep it positive!

Examples Of Effective Dissertation Acknowledgments

Here are some examples of dissertation and thesis acknowledgements. They demonstrate gratitude to people who provided thesis help or had any impact on your dissertation:

“I would like to thank my supervisor, Dr. Mitra, for his invaluable guidance and feedback throughout this research project. His expertise in the field of cognitive psychology helped shape the direction of my study. I am also grateful to my committee members, Dr. Jones and Dr. Williams, whose insightful comments and questions about my proposal and defense helped strengthen my work. Finally, I wish to acknowledge the financial support of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.”

“I am deeply grateful to my family for their unwavering love and encouragement during my graduate studies. To my parents, Jane and John, thank you for your emotional support and for believing in me. To my partner Sam, thank you for your patience, for keeping me fed on late nights of writing, and for always reminding me to take breaks. I could not have done this without all of you in my corner.”

“I wish to thank my advisor Professor Johnson for her guidance and feedback throughout this research. I am also grateful to my committee members Dr. Smith and Dr. Williams for their insightful comments. Finally, I want to acknowledge the support of my friends and family who encouraged me every step of the way.”

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my advisor Professor Jennifer Smith for her invaluable guidance, feedback, and support throughout this research. I am also thankful for the insightful contributions of my committee members, Dr. Michael Jones and Dr. Samantha Williams, who provided thoughtful comments and challenges that helped strengthen my work. Finally, I wish to acknowledge the unwavering encouragement of my friends and family, who motivated me throughout this lengthy process. I could not have completed this endeavor without the assistance of these important people.”

Difference Between A Thesis And Dissertation Acknowledgement

Here are the key differences between a dissertation acknowledgement and a thesis acknowledgement:

• Purpose: A dissertation acknowledgement thanks those who helped with a doctoral degree, while a thesis acknowledgement recognizes support for a master’s degree. The dissertation generally requires more extensive research.
• Tone: A dissertation acknowledgement is more formal since a Ph.D. is a higher academic achievement. Thesis acknowledgements can be slightly less formal.
• Length: Dissertation acknowledgments tend to be longer since doctoral research often spans several years. Thesis acknowledgements are typically 1-2 paragraphs.
• People thanked: Dissertation acknowledgements often recognize a wider network of supporters over many years, including committee members, program directors, funding bodies, colleagues, friends, and family. The thesis acknowledgements focus more on academic advisors, committee members, and peers who directly contributed to the research project.
• Placement: Both usually come after the abstract or preface/foreword and before the table of contents. Dissertation acknowledgements may also appear after the dedication page. Thesis acknowledgements are usually placed earlier in the document.
• Language: Dissertation acknowledgements use more sophisticated vocabulary to reflect the advanced academic level. The thesis acknowledgements have simpler language.
• Detail: Dissertation acknowledgements may provide brief details about how different individuals specifically supported the research journey. The thesis acknowledgements focus more on general thanks.

Get Dissertation Assistance

We hope this comprehensive guide has equipped you with the knowledge and examples for how to write acknowledgement for dissertation. Remember that acknowledgments serve as an opportunity to express gratitude to those who supported your academic journey.

With the tips provided, you can be sure to properly recognize all those who helped make your research possible. It is also important to recognize that the support of others extends beyond the immediate needs of your research. Mentors, advisors, friends, and family provide invaluable emotional support during the challenges of graduate study. Their encouragement helped sustain your efforts and motivated you to persevere, even during frustrating periods.

This support network is truly worthy of recognition for helping you achieve this important academic milestone. We encourage you to draw upon the eloquence of your writing to sincerely convey how grateful you are for the contributions, both tangible and intangible, of all those who played a role in helping you reach this significant point in your career.

To take your work to the next level, consider engaging the skills of professional dissertation writers. Our team of experts has assisted countless graduate students in completing their theses and dissertations through superior research, writing, and dissertation editing help . Whether you need assistance with specific sections or would like us to handle your entire project, our dissertation writers can help you produce outstanding work efficiently and effectively.

Rely on the leaders in the industry to help you cross the finish line with a dissertation that truly reflects your highest abilities. Contact us today to discuss how we can support the final steps of your academic journey.

Who should I acknowledge in my thesis or dissertation?

You’ll want to acknowledge anyone who provided meaningful support during your graduate studies and research. This typically includes your advisor(s), committee members, lab mates, friends, and family who supported you emotionally, and funding sources. Be sure to obtain permission from individuals before acknowledging them.

How do I properly word my acknowledgements?

Acknowledgements should be heartfelt but formal in tone. Address individuals by their full names and titles or roles (e.g. “Dr. John Smith, my academic advisor”). Express your sincere gratitude for their contributions while maintaining a professional tone. Avoid fluff and hyperbole.

Is there a standard format for acknowledgements?

While formats vary, acknowledgements commonly have an introduction thanking all contributors, followed by paragraphs organized by relationship (advisor, committee, friends/family). Consider a brief introduction thanking all who supported your work, then address advisors together thanking them for their guidance, then the committee thanking them for their time and feedback, then any funding sources or departments, and finally friends and family.

How long should acknowledgements be?

Acknowledgements pages are typically one paragraph or one short page. Keep it concise while still recognizing all meaningful contributors. Edit out redundant or less important acknowledgements if it exceeds one page. Your thank you to each individual or group should be one to three sentences max.

What if I accidentally leave someone out?

Mistakes happen, so don’t stress if you realize a minor omission after submission. For important contributors, contact your advisor to discuss options like submitting an addendum page. In the future, have others review your acknowledgements to catch any other oversights before the final submission. A thoughtful acknowledgement shows gratitude, even if not perfectly comprehensive.

Richard Ginger is a dissertation writer and freelance columnist with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the writing industry. He handles every project he works on with precision while keeping attention to details and ensuring that every work he does is unique.

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Including a deceased person in a dedication

What is the convention when you want to dedicate a work to someone who is dead? It is necessary to be explicit about that?

For example, I am writing my thesis and would like to dedicate it to my parents. However my father passed away while I was studying. I would like to dedicate it to both him and my mother, any suggestions?

Is it ok to say "to my loving parents" even though one of them is actually not with us anymore?

• academic-writing
• word-choice

• 1 Hi, and welcome to Writers. Requests to rephrase single sentences are not on-topic for us (as they are unlikely to help others in the future), but they are on-topic at English SE. I will ask the mods to migrate. –  Lauren-Clear-Monica-Ipsum Commented Feb 27, 2015 at 13:08
• 2 I think a question about the proper format and content of a dedication is perfectly on topic and of interest to many writers. Please do not move. –  user5645 Commented Feb 27, 2015 at 15:05
• or you could say: to my loving Mom and Dad (who is sadly no more) –  ottodidakt Commented Feb 27, 2015 at 15:42
• Hi Lauren.. Thank you.. but it is fine.. I think I got my answer.. But it would be nice if the mods automatically migrated any off-topic questions to the correct place without really putting them on hold.. And this could really help anyone in the future if they need to make a dedication to someone who is not alive anymore :) –  Aqs Commented Feb 28, 2015 at 2:28
• Why did you close this question? It does not ask what to write or to rephrase but for the conventions in dedications. This qzestion is exactly similar to all the questions asking how to cite or how to headline. Please reopen. –  user5645 Commented Feb 28, 2015 at 7:35

2 Answers 2

The phrase "to [name]" is perfectly applicable to persons past, present and future, as it does not contain a finite verb form or any other time reference.

Also, there is no reason why a book could not be dedicated to someone who is no longer alive. Many books that I own are dedicated to persons that were part of the authors life but are no longer with us.

Some authors expand the dedication, explaining the relationship ("to my son Paul"), the reason for the dedication ("for their help with..."), when they lived ("1907-1983") or whatever else the author wants to mention. Some dedications are quite mysterious though ("to D."), and only comprehensible for the person in question.

• This is what I wanted to know... If "to (name)" can be applied to someone in the past... Thanks :) –  Aqs Commented Feb 28, 2015 at 2:21
• @Aqs You are welcome. You can accept my answer if it answers your question. –  user5645 Commented Feb 28, 2015 at 7:30

I'm sorry to learn of your father's death. To answer your question, I would ask a few questions of my own.

Did your father ever stop loving you before he died?

If he were alive today, would he continue to love you?

Did your father's love for you help you to achieve your educational ambitions?

Has he love for you helped to shape who you are today?

I already know from your question what the answers will be. I think, therefore, that your father has every right to the dedication you want to make to him. He has loved you, sponsored you, worried about you and encouraged you to this point and the only reason he cannot physically show his love for you now is because, sadly, he is no longer alive.

I don't know how old you are but your Dad put x years of love and work into you - and it is your thesis and your way of recognising what both your mother and your father have contributed to make you the scholar you are today.

As for the rest of the world, it is an unfortunate fact of life that no-one else will actually care about the wording of your dedication. However, your thesis is the culmination of your studies, is something intensely personal to you and - I imagine - you will keep a copy of it for many, many years to come.

If you do dedicate your thesis to your loving parents, no-one but you and your mother will care - but it will mean something important for a long time to come.

If you only dedicate your thesis to your living mother, she will be hurt (assuming she loved your father).

If you do not dedicate your thesis to your father and mother together, no-one else will ever care ... but you will and you will live to regret your decision for many years.

Be proud of who you are. Be proud of how your parents have helped you. Dedicate your thesis to your loving parents and you will have something to treasure.

P.S. And write the very best thesis you possibly can! Good luck.

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• Writing, Presenting and Publishing

Acknowledging my deceased grandpas in my dissertation

By Hope.for.the.best November 29, 2017 in Writing, Presenting and Publishing

Recommended Posts

• Hope.for.the.best

Finally, after an eventual year, I am about to submit my PhD dissertation. I have been writing the acknowledgement back and forth. I adequately acknowledged my advisors and colleagues. However, I only have a few sentences dedicated to my family, which I feel that is not enough. Would that be okay to acknowledge my deceased grandpas there?

My maternal grandpa passed away 8 years ago, to the disease that my dissertation is about. When he was alive, he always asked me to persist in spite of difficulties, so I feel it is relevant to acknowledge that. 

My paternal grandpa passed away last year to another disease, but he had always been very supportive to me. 

Is that okay to write something like, "I wish you could have been here with me. I hope I have made you proud"?

My school does not have any specific requirements for acknowledgement. 

Thank you. 

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Adelaide9216

I don't know which field you're in, but I believe this is okay. I've even had a social work prof make an acknowledgment to her mother who passed away from cancer in a journal article that was specifically about terminal illness. 

PS : I'm sorry for your losses.

fuzzylogician

Perfectly fine. My dedication reads 

“To my grandparents and their families, who history has forgotten.”

and frankly I don’t care what anybody thinks about that. 

• Bschaefer , Mopar18 , TakeruK and 2 others

This is definitely okay! Usually the "dedication" is something short and either whimsical or serious/formal (i.e. just one or two lines like fuzzy's example) and the "acknowledgments" are longer. Most schools do not place any requirements on the acknowledgements you want, and it's one of the few places where you have almost absolute freedom to write whatever you want. Even the most formal scholar would likely write something personal here, I think.

In my acknowledgements, I dedicated one paragraph for my advisors, current and past, one for my friends and two for family. I always find the acknowledgments the most fun part of the thesis to read. And, as you might have seen quoted (but never backed up with stats), the acknowledgement is often the first and only thing that people read. Anecdotally, I know that I have purposefully looked up dissertations only to read their acknowledgments. Personally, I feel that in the sciences, we do too much "depersonalization" of science and I think there is no need to overly distance ourselves from our work. So, I purposely seek out dissertation acknowledgments to get a peek at someone's personal / more human side.

If you check your dissertation requirements, you might find even more opportunities to personalize your dissertation, if that's what you want to do. For example, although the thesis template provided by the school didn't have a placeholder for a front matter quotation, I found that in the policies, this is an optional section that's allowed. So I added a quote that has inspired me most of my adult life and really kept me going through grad school (I just have a page with the quote there, with no explanation of it). One of my committee members had a picture of his cat on his dedication page (the thesis was also dedicated to his cat). 

Finally, while not recommended for everyone, many people I know have snuck little inside jokes or references into the actual text of their dissertation. Sometimes they are subtle but sometimes they are not! I've read one where after a long paragraph on math, the text reads something like, "If you're one of my committee members and you are still reading along, let me know and I'll buy you a drink." (the person later told me that only one of their committee members said they saw that line). I think this is pretty funny and it's great that people feel like doing this. Personally, I enjoy seeing this type of humour but I don't enjoy producing it myself, so I kept the main body strictly scientific. But that's just me. Given your other posts here with your worries about the text, you probably don't want to do something like that yourself, but just letting you know what I've seen out there.

• St Andrews Lynx and Hope.for.the.best

15 minutes ago, TakeruK said: If you check your dissertation requirements, you might find even more opportunities to personalize your dissertation, if that's what you want to do. For example, although the thesis template provided by the school didn't have a placeholder for a front matter quotation, I found that in the policies, this is an optional section that's allowed. So I added a quote that has inspired me most of my adult life and really kept me going through grad school (I just have a page with the quote there, with no explanation of it). One of my committee members had a picture of his cat on his dedication page (the thesis was also dedicated to his cat).  Finally, while not recommended for everyone, many people I know have snuck little inside jokes or references into the actual text of their dissertation. Sometimes they are subtle but sometimes they are not! I've read one where after a long paragraph on math, the text reads something like, "If you're one of my committee members and you are still reading along, let me know and I'll buy you a drink." (the person later told me that only one of their committee members said they saw that line). I think this is pretty funny and it's great that people feel like doing this. Personally, I enjoy seeing this type of humour but I don't enjoy producing it myself, so I kept the main body strictly scientific. But that's just me. Given your other posts here with your worries about the text, you probably don't want to do something like that yourself, but just letting you know what I've seen out there.

I will definitely keep things professional rather than casual. That's why I asked how I can acknowledge my deceased grandpas without being too personal. They are indeed very important to me and I really wished they could see me complete PhD.

At my school, what you wrote in your acknowledgement was entirely up to you, as was any dedication. Personally, I had around 2 pages, and used the time to really think about the people that had gotten me to where I was in both large and small ways, including a deceased grandfather who was a professor and my deceased father. 

I also definitely mentioned pets.

31 minutes ago, Hope.for.the.best said: I don't wish anyone (especially examiners) who reads my acknowledgement has prejudice against me for that reason. Of course, I am going to buy her some good treats and thank the joy she gave me  

That's fair! I know all of my examiners very well since I've worked with them for the past five years so I knew what was good and what wasn't. I also knew that my advisor fully supports me so that if one person wanted to be a jerk about something I wrote in my acknowledgements or dedication then my advisor would have shut them down.

However, I forgot to also mention: the version of the dissertation I submitted to my committee did not contain my acknowledgements! Partly because they were not written yet and partly because I wanted to say very nice things about them but didn't want to include it and have them see it before they made their final decision. It is my university's policies that the committee does not need to see the final version (unless they request it). Since no one requested to read my dissertation after the exam, the acknowledgements were entered without anyone else ever reading it. Some of my colleagues added a whole chapter after their defense because they got more work done (you have a month after your defense date to submit your final thesis). I imagine in these cases their supervisor at least read that new chapter.

1 hour ago, TakeruK said: That's fair! I know all of my examiners very well since I've worked with them for the past five years so I knew what was good and what wasn't. I also knew that my advisor fully supports me so that if one person wanted to be a jerk about something I wrote in my acknowledgements or dedication then my advisor would have shut them down. However, I forgot to also mention: the version of the dissertation I submitted to my committee did not contain my acknowledgements! Partly because they were not written yet and partly because I wanted to say very nice things about them but didn't want to include it and have them see it before they made their final decision. It is my university's policies that the committee does not need to see the final version (unless they request it). Since no one requested to read my dissertation after the exam, the acknowledgements were entered without anyone else ever reading it. Some of my colleagues added a whole chapter after their defense because they got more work done (you have a month after your defense date to submit your final thesis). I imagine in these cases their supervisor at least read that new chapter.

I really wished I were in your school! My school is very strict with examiners. Anyone who has worked with a student cannot examine his/her dissertation. I just know my examiners by names and publications. I know one of them is a leading expert who has changed the dogma of my field. He is well-known internationally, and it is my pleasure to have him as an examiner. However, I am worried at the same time because he knows so much. My other examiners have basic knowledge of my field, but don't know that much as him. I am going to send out a manuscript of my PhD work. It's highly likely that he will be the reviewer of my manuscript too. If he is not happy with my dissertation, he will not be happy with my manuscript. Let's hope that he appreciates my dissertations rather than examining it in a critical way.

My school requires dissertation to be complete at submission, i.e. including acknowledgement. That's why I need to be careful, as I don't know my examiners. 

8 hours ago, Hope.for.the.best said: I really wished I were in your school! My school is very strict with examiners. Anyone who has worked with a student cannot examine his/her dissertation. I just know my examiners by names and publications. I know one of them is a leading expert who has changed the dogma of my field. He is well-known internationally, and it is my pleasure to have him as an examiner. However, I am worried at the same time because he knows so much. My other examiners have basic knowledge of my field, but don't know that much as him. I am going to send out a manuscript of my PhD work. It's highly likely that he will be the reviewer of my manuscript too. If he is not happy with my dissertation, he will not be happy with my manuscript. Let's hope that he appreciates my dissertations rather than examining it in a critical way. My school requires dissertation to be complete at submission, i.e. including acknowledgement. That's why I need to be careful, as I don't know my examiners. 

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How to acknowledge a deceased advisor’s contributions to a paper?

One of my advisors suddenly passed away while I was in graduate school. We had some discussions and ideas about future publications, but he passed away before any of the work was completed. When the work was finally completed and published, I and my co-authors were therefore presented with an ethical dilemma about how best to acknowledge his contributions to the ideas behind the paper. Should we list him as a co-author? Put him in the acknowledgements? Listing him as an author would give credit for the original idea, however, we would have no way of knowing if he actually approved of—and would want his name attached to—our methods and writing.

In the end my co-authors and I decided to list him as a co-author with a footnote stating that he passed away before publication.

I’m interested to hear from others who have been in similar situations and/or suggestions on what constitutes “co-authorship” when one of one’s collaborators passes away before the publication or work is complete.

• publications

• 1 Actually, while ethics are an issue, I imagine that this is something which your university has a policy on. –  eykanal Commented Mar 16, 2012 at 22:28
• 7 I can't find any policy about posthumous co-authorship at my university (and we have LOTS of ethics policies). –  JeffE Commented Mar 16, 2012 at 23:44
• 5 My master's thesis adviser passed away suddenly after I had obtained my master's degree and after we had written a paper about it, but before the paper had been accepted for publication. I included him as co-author as we had previously planned, but I added the word "(deceased)" after his name. –  JRN Commented Mar 17, 2012 at 0:28
• 7 Two words: Paul Erdos :) –  Suresh Commented Mar 17, 2012 at 2:55
• 4 Caroline Series, a mathematician, published a celebrated paper co-authored with Rufus Bowen, which died before the completion of the article; it is available here , you can have a look at the end of the introduction to see a way to proceed. –  Benoît Kloeckner Commented May 27, 2012 at 17:53

2 Answers 2

I had a similar situation. In this case, we did exactly what you did: we indicated that the participant (not a team leader, but a team member in this case) was a co-author, but that he was deceased. I think this is the only fair way to recognize substantial contributions.

Of course, the difficult comes if there is a challenge to the work of the deceased. In our case, however, we had a very substantial paper trail which was audited and reviewed, so the individual work could have been sorted out and dealt with appropriately.

So, I think the best defense is generally to keep good working notes and use version control.

aeismail's answer is definitely good advice, but I'll add two more bits:

Check the journal policy and author guidelines. There may be something in there that can guide your choice, like the Journal of the American Chemical Society has:

Deceased persons who meet the criteria for inclusion as coauthors should be so included, with an Author Information note indicating the date of death.

Check with the editor , if in doubt. They have the final say in the matter, and these things are probably best run by them if no official policy is established.

In terms of papers with deceased authors, I think the record holder is probably this one :

Can you spot it? One author died in 1919, and one had her PhD in 1911: while no date of death is provided for her, I don't think she's still around. (Also, it was probably quite an achievement for a woman to get a PhD at the time.)

As we say: old chemists don't die, they just reach equilibrium!

• 2 Any idea what Werner's contribution was? Not knowing if scanavy-Grigorieff is alive or dead suggests to me she did not make a contribution. –  StrongBad Commented Sep 25, 2013 at 23:16
• 8 The compound whose chemical structure is reported in the paper was synthesized by Werner and Scanavy-Grigorieff, but it had not been identified at the time. The MIT team identified and solved the structure of that compound, from Werner's collection (Werner was a famous guy, so his collection was kept as historical artifact) –  F'x Commented Sep 26, 2013 at 0:22
• I have not been able to find much information about Marie Scanavy-Grigorieff online besides the year of birth, which is 1881 according to her thesis bio and university records . –  Anyon Commented Jun 19, 2023 at 19:53

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Dedicating my master thesis to a deceased friend

I am currently finalizing my master thesis and in my acknowledgement section I would like to dedicate it to my friend who passed away during the semester. I have a hard time writing this dedication because of the formal style. I want to write about how smart she was and how her level of determination and excellence will always inspire me.

Since acknowledgement are supposed to be for people who helped you with your thesis I don’t know if it is appropriate. Thoughts?

ETA: Thank you for all your answers, it is very helpful and definitely eased any worries that I had :)

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• Thesis & Dissertation Acknowledgements | Tips & Examples

Thesis & Dissertation Acknowledgements | Tips & Examples

Published on 4 May 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on 4 November 2022.

The acknowledgements section is your opportunity to thank those who have helped and supported you personally and professionally during your thesis or dissertation process.

Thesis or dissertation acknowledgements appear between your title page and abstract  and should be no longer than one page.

In your acknowledgements, it’s okay to use a more informal style than is usually permitted in academic writing , as well as first-person pronouns . Acknowledgements are not considered part of the academic work itself, but rather your chance to write something more personal.

To get started, download our step-by-step template in the format of your choice below. We’ve also included sample sentence starters to help you construct your acknowledgments section from scratch.

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Table of contents

Who to thank in your acknowledgements, how to write acknowledgements, acknowledgements section example, acknowledgements dos and don’ts, frequently asked questions.

Generally, there are two main categories of acknowledgements: professional and personal .

A good first step is to check your university’s guidelines, as they may have rules or preferences about the order, phrasing, or layout of acknowledgements. Some institutions prefer that you keep your acknowledgements strictly professional.

Regardless, it’s usually a good idea to place professional acknowledgements first, followed by any personal ones. You can then proceed by ranking who you’d like to thank from most formal to least.

• Chairs, supervisors, or defence committees
• Funding bodies
• Other academics (e.g., colleagues or cohort members)
• Editors or proofreaders
• Librarians, research/laboratory assistants, or study participants
• Family, friends, or pets

Typically, it’s only necessary to mention people who directly supported you during your thesis or dissertation. However, if you feel that someone like a secondary school physics teacher was a great inspiration on the path to your current research, feel free to include them as well.

Professional acknowledgements

It is crucial to avoid overlooking anyone who helped you professionally as you completed your thesis or dissertation. As a rule of thumb, anyone who directly contributed to your research should be mentioned.

A few things to keep in mind include:

• Even if you feel your chair didn’t help you very much, you should still thank them first to avoid looking like you’re snubbing them.
• Be sure to follow academic conventions, using full names with titles where appropriate.
• If several members of a group or organisation assisted you, mention the collective name only.
• Remember the ethical considerations around anonymised data. If you wish to protect someone’s privacy, use only their first name or a generic identifier (such as ‘the interviewees’).

Personal acknowledgements

There is no need to mention every member of your family or friend group. However, if someone was particularly inspiring or supportive, you may wish to mention them specifically. Many people choose to thank parents, partners, children, friends, and even pets, but you can mention anyone who offered moral support or encouragement, or helped you in a tangible or intangible way.

Some students may wish to dedicate their dissertation to a deceased influential person in their personal life. In this case, it’s okay to mention them first, before any professional acknowledgements.

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

After you’ve compiled a list of who you’d like to thank, you can then sort your list into rank order. Separate everyone you listed into ‘major thanks’, ‘big thanks’, and ‘minor thanks’ categories.

• ‘Major thanks’ are given to people who your project would be impossible without. These are often predominantly professional acknowledgements, such as your advisor , chair, and committee, as well as any funders.
• ‘Big thanks’ are an in-between, for those who helped you along the way or helped you grow intellectually, such as classmates, peers, or librarians.
• ‘Minor thanks’ can be a catch-all for everyone else, especially those who offered moral support or encouragement. This can include personal acknowledgements, such as parents, partners, children, friends, or even pets.

How to phrase your acknowledgements

To avoid acknowledgements that sound repetitive or dull, consider changing up your phrasing. Here are some examples of common sentence starters you can use for each category.

Note that you do not need to write any sort of conclusion or summary at the end. You can simply end the acknowledgements with your last thank-you.

Here’s an example of how you can combine the different sentences to write your acknowledgements.

A simple construction consists of a sentence starter (in purple highlight ), followed by the person or entity mentioned (in green highlight ), followed by what you’re thanking them for (in yellow highlight .)

Acknowledgements

Words cannot express my gratitude to my professor and chair of my committee for her invaluable patience and feedback. I also could not have undertaken this journey without my defense committee, who generously provided knowledge and expertise. Additionally, this endeavor would not have been possible without the generous support from the MacArthur Foundation, who financed my research .

I am also grateful to my classmates and cohort members, especially my office mates, for their editing help, late-night feedback sessions, and moral support. Thanks should also go to the librarians, research assistants, and study participants from the university, who impacted and inspired me.

Lastly, I would be remiss in not mentioning my family, especially my parents, spouse, and children. Their belief in me has kept my spirits and motivation high during this process. I would also like to thank my cat for all the entertainment and emotional support.

• Write in first-person, professional language
• Thank your professional contacts first
• Include full names, titles, and roles of professional acknowledgements
• Include personal or intangible supporters, like friends, family, or even pets
• Mention funding bodies and what they funded
• Appropriately anonymise or group research participants or non-individual acknowledgments

Don’t:

• Use informal language or slang
• Go over one page in length
• Mention people who had only a peripheral or minor impact on your work

You may acknowledge God in your thesis or dissertation acknowledgements , but be sure to follow academic convention by also thanking the relevant members of academia, as well as family, colleagues, and friends who helped you.

Yes, it’s important to thank your supervisor(s) in the acknowledgements section of your thesis or dissertation .

Even if you feel your supervisor did not contribute greatly to the final product, you still should acknowledge them, if only for a very brief thank you. If you do not include your supervisor, it may be seen as a snub.

In the acknowledgements of your thesis or dissertation, you should first thank those who helped you academically or professionally, such as your supervisor, funders, and other academics.

Then you can include personal thanks to friends, family members, or anyone else who supported you during the process.

The acknowledgements are generally included at the very beginning of your thesis or dissertation, directly after the title page and before the abstract .

In a thesis or dissertation, the acknowledgements should usually be no longer than one page. There is no minimum length.

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If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

George, T. (2022, November 04). Thesis & Dissertation Acknowledgements | Tips & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 16 July 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/acknowledgements/

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14 Dissertation Acknowledgements Examples

Dissertation acknowledgements examples.

Here are 14 dissertation acknowledgements examples to inspire you. They cover a range of academic subjects and are all from UK students. Note how they vary in length, style and substance. 

Note – all samples have been taken from documents available in the public realm. 

Remember to always keep your acknowledgements to a maximum of a page .

So let’s dive right in!

Thank you to my supervisor, Dr Andrew R., for providing guidance and feedback throughout this project. Thanks also to my wife Anna, for putting up with me being sat in the office for hours on end, and for providing guidance and a sounding board when required.

I would like to thank the following people for helping with this research project: Representatives from Historic England, Historic Scotland, the Society for the Protection of Scottish Buildings and the Sustainable Buildings Alliance for their willingness to impart their knowledge. All the conservation officers and heritage team members who took the time to complete my questionnaire and who contributed so thoroughly through their further comments and emails. I would particularly like to thank those conservation officers who agreed to be interviewed. Brenda P., my tutor, who guided me so positively and who always made me feel confident in my abilities after coming off the phone to her. Jan W. for his help with statistics. My husband and children for their patience and encouragement.

I would like to thank the following people, without whom I would not have been able to complete this research, and without whom I would not have made it through my masters degree! The XYZ team at Johnson University, especially to my supervisor Dr Paul C., whose insight and knowledge into the subject matter steered me through this research. And special thanks to Linda T., whose support as part of her PhD allowed my studies to go the extra mile (sorry for all the extra work Linda!). The residents of Dundee, who took the time to return surveys and allowed me into your homes for follow up surveys, and without whom I would have no content for my thesis. My colleagues at the Old Building Trust and Old Building Foundation, who have supported me and had to put up with my stresses and moans for the past three years of study! And my biggest thanks to my family for all the support you have shown me through this research, the culmination of three years of distance learning. For my kids, sorry for being even grumpier than normal whilst I wrote this thesis! And for my wife Jenny, thanks for all your support, without which I would have stopped these studies a long time ago,. You have been amazing, and I will now clear all the papers off the kitchen table as I promised!

I would like to thank the following people who have helped me undertake this research: My supervisor Dr. Peter B., for his enthusiasm for the project, for his support, encouragement and patience; The Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development, Johnson University, for input throughout this MSc programme. For their contributions to data collection: David K at Tech David K, VS Limited Steven M Conal M., Engineer, County Council The good people of Brighton who were so generous with their time in completing the questionnaire surveys. My partner Billy – I simply couldn’t have done this without you, special thanks. Dear friends and family and Hattie. And to my parents, who set me off on the road to this MSc a long time ago.

I would like to thank Mr. Joe Smith for guiding me to his important publications and for the stimulating questions on artificial intelligence and automation. The meetings and conversations were vital in inspiring me to think outside the box, from multiple perspectives to form a comprehensive and objective critique.

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Beauville Scholarships, the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations, for letting me be part of this incredible leaders’ network. Further, I would like to thank my supervisor Alejandro for the thoughtful comments and recommendations on this dissertation. I am also thankful to the School of Engineering and all its member’s staff for all the considerate guidance. To conclude, I cannot forget to thank my family and friends for all the unconditional support in this very intense academic year.

I would like to thank my supervisor Prof. Mark W. and Liam H. for their consistent support and guidance during the running of this project. Furthermore I would like to thank the rest of the undergraduate research team for their collaborative effort during data collection. I would also like to acknowledge the school in Bradford for their participation and engagement in the study.

I would like to thank my supervisor Gina K. for her dedicated support and guidance. Gina continuously provided encouragement and was always willing and enthusiastic to assist in any way she could throughout the research project. I would also like to thank Andrew P. for providing advice regarding analysis.Finally, many thanks to all participants that took part in the study and enabled this research to be possible.

With many thanks to my supervisor Dr Martyn G. for his guidance during this research. To Jennie R., the dissertation module leader, for her support and encouragement throughout the process. Furthermore, to my mentor, Josh B. for providing access and introductions to women leaders, without this, the research would not have been possible. Finally, to all of the women who sacrificed their time, and the support of these well-known companies for their participation.

I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for Barbara S. whose guidance, support and encouragement has been invaluable throughout this study. I also wish to thank the team an CIL who have been a great source of support.

Firstly, I’d like to express my thanks to my patient and supportive supervisor, Tao J., who has supported me throughout this research project. I am extremely grateful for our friendly chats at the end of our meetings and your personal support in my academic and business endeavours. I’d also like to thank my participants and customers who took the time to reflect on their consumption choices. Thank you for expressing your thoughts so eloquently and your feminism so unapologetically.

I would like to say a special thank you to my supervisor, Jennie R. Her support, guidance and overall insights in this field have made this an inspiring experience for me. I would also like to thank all of the women who participated in the study’s interviews. Finally, I would like to thank my family for supporting me during the compilation of this dissertation.

I would like to thank Rik B. for his continued support throughout this project. Guy R., through Dyesol and Philip L. for their SIM images of porous stone. I would also like to thank Dr. Steven M. for his advice throughout the project. Finally I would like to thank Maureen H. at the University of Freetown for allowing me to visit her and her explanation of various techniques.

From the bottom of my heart I would like to say big thank you for all the bioelectronics research group members for their energy, understanding and help throughout my project, especially to Mr D. N. for the guidance throughout the gel extraction, Mr Andrew L. for the help with AFM imaging and Mr Samuel D. H. for advice on the DNA analysis process. It truly has been very, very good time in this lab. I also would like to say special thank you to Professor P. W.and Dr R. S., without your help and wise guidance this project would have not been the same!

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Daily briefing: The poetry hidden in PhD thesis acknowledgements

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Thanks for everything

Science writer Tabitha Carvan is enchanted by the found poetry hidden in the acknowledgement sections of PhD theses . “They feel like they’ve been drafted a hundred times in the head of the author, but then put down on the page in a hurry,” writes Carvan. “Like they’re trying to tell you the most important thing they’ve ever said — at the very moment the ship is pulling away from the dock.” In this delightfully interactive feature, Caravan takes us on a tour of some of her favourites.

Australian National University College of Science | Leisurely scroll

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ANU College of Science

The unexpected poetry of phd acknowledgements.

Not many people will read your PhD thesis, but if you completed your doctoral research at the Australian National University College of Science, then Tabitha Carvan has probably read one small part of it.

What she found is a kind of poetry in the science.

This multimedia essay was produced by the ANU College of Science Communications Team:

• Written by Tabitha Carvan
• Editorial assistance: Olivia Congdon
• Illustrations and design: Amanda Cox
• Multimedia: Nic Vevers
• Digital production: Ilario Priori

Embarking on a PhD is a treacherous task for even the most bold and brave of this world, and yet here I sit, writing my way through the final hoops of this life-changing experience.

James Beattie

The statistics of magnetised interstellar turbulence (2024)

For a reason I can no longer remember, I started picking science theses at random from the Australian National University library catalogue and reading only the acknowledgements.

The acknowledgements are my favourite part of all my thesis.

Growth and characterisation of GaAs/AlGaAs core-shell nanowires for optoelectronic device applications (2016)

This part of the thesis is the one that I was most looking forward to write.

Jorin Diemer

A mathematical model of ion homeostasis in the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum (2022)

Once I started, it was very hard to stop.

Sometimes I found myself reading them at home, on my own time, always thinking, 'Just one more.'

If you, the reader, are a PhD candidate, you should know that not everyone’s doctoral experience is the same, but I found mine quite challenging.

An analytic approach to the structure and composition of general learning problems (2021)

I don’t think it’s overstating events to say that at the end of my PhD I find myself a rather different person than when I began (and not only because of the ravages of time).

Elizabeth Krebs

Breeding biology and parental care of the crimson rosella (1999)

All the acknowledgements followed the same basic structure; they're formulaic. But as with many formulaic things, there's a story behind each one.

I read hundreds and hundreds of acknowledgements.

The production of a dissertation is a formidable, arduous and demoralising task.

Mahyar Bokaeeyan

Analytical and approximate methods in rogue wave theory (2020)

I came to see that the acknowledgements of a PhD thesis are their own kind of thing.

The rest of the thesis contains careful, reasoned findings and figures, but on this one page, the author-scientist can release all the pent-up emotion they couldn’t express elsewhere.

They’re like an explosion in a lab.

When looking at the acknowledgements of others, I have found it is common practice for scholars to reserve their purplest prose and most overblown sentiment for their acknowledgements. If I had the skills, I would do so myself.

Martin Worthy

A history of fire and sediment transport in the Cotter River catchment, southeastern Australia (2013)

I have to laugh as I recall certain fatigue-driven moments of internal melodrama, usually after long and unbroken spells of intense laboratory work, wondering how on earth I was going to singlehandedly manage this project to completion.

Jenna Roberts

A multi-disciplinary assessment of endocrine disrupting chemicals, pharmaceuticals and personal care products in Australia's largest inland sewage treatment plant and the Molonglo/Murrumbidgee effluent-receiving environment (2015)

This thesis is of you, and it belongs to you, as do I.

Superfluid dissipation and feedback cooling in ultracold atomic gases (2024)

Acknowledgements have a quality which is hard to describe.

They feel like they’ve been drafted a hundred times in the head of the author, but then put down on the page in a hurry, the clock ticking on their deadline.

Like, they’re trying to tell you the most important thing they’ve ever said - at the very moment the ship is pulling away from the dock.

Tibor and Jena, Elisa and James, how can I express how much all your love and support has meant to me?

Allie Mokany

Resilience and resistance of ephemeral aquatic ecosystems to environmental change (2006)

Finally I thank you Kat, for being the only thing that really matters.

Jevon Longdell

Quantum information processing in rare Earth ion doped insulators (2003)

The urgency of the task, combined with its enormity, makes it seem almost impossible to complete.

Truly, I could never find the words to thank you for your support. There are so many of them and they catch in my throat even just thinking of them, and make it ache.

Inez Harker-Schuch

Using 3D serious gaming interventions to promote climate science literacy in the 12-13-year age group (2021)

At this point, to describe the thankfulness I want to express only seems to make it seem smaller than it really is, because words can only do so much.

Matthew Crabb

Nonlinear wave patterns in the complex KdV and nonlinear Schrodinger equations (2022)

Many people find themselves lost for words at this critical moment.

It’s frustrating for scientists to not be able to accurately represent their data.

For all that Tim has done to shape me into the person and the scientist that I am today, ‘thank you’ seems so embarrassingly simple and utterly inadequate to convey the depth of my gratitude to him. I truly hope I have done him proud.

Ponlawat Tayati

Molecular wet adhesion (2015)

I cannot begin to describe their level of kindness and generosity for which they – being the good souls they are – have expected nothing in return.

Synthesis and coordination chemistry of the arsacyclopentadiene ligand (2023)

In some ways, this section of my thesis is the hardest to write, and also the most important.

Sandra Ann Binning

The effects of biotic and abiotic factors on fish swimming performance (2014)

But even an English literature student would surely struggle with this writing project.

Within this generic format, you need to deliver an outpouring of love and gratitude on the scale of a wedding vow.

And then throw in the inside jokes of a 21st birthday speech, the teary-eyed reflections of a eulogy, and the celebration of a birth announcement.

It takes a village to raise a child and this PhD is as close to bearing a child as I’ll likely ever come.

Rachael Gross

At a crossroads: African elephant conservation, climate change and community-based management (2023)

He has had to live with me and the emotions that go with a PhD and has stood steadfastly by me encouraging me to the bitter end, though I’m sure he would like to know just when the demonic banshee moved in and I checked out.

Trudi Wharton

Biology and ecology of Essigella californica (Essig) on Pinus radiata D.Don. in Australia (2005)

There are many people who come in and out of your life and who make a difference. There are deaths and births; there is despair and joy.

Jennifer Metcalfe

Rethinking science communication models in practice (2019)

Thanks also to Moira, Zoë and Brad for tolerating my existence.

Michael Duglosch

Cross-coupling chemistry as a tool for the synthesis of diverse heterocyclic systems and natural products (2019)

Tom, few supervisors can say that their students have nearly killed them and mean it literally. Thanks for everything.

Iain McConnell

Substrate interactions in the Photosystem II water oxidising complex (2008)

• First quote
• Second quote
• Third quote
• Fourth quote
• Fifth quote

But in this, the most unscientific part of a PhD submission, you also see how the science is done.

No matter how impenetrable the thesis title, the project’s success always seems to come down to the same simple thing: other people.

Thank you to those individuals who donated their own teeth to my study, and to the late great Professor Colin Groves, who eagerly donated a dugong tooth for a laser ablation Sr standard, and then eagerly donated a second one when the first one went missing.

Hannah James

Adventures in archaeological science: an exploration of oxygen and strontium isotopic variability on a micro- to macro-scale (2021)

To Banak Gamui, I thank him for purchasing a roll of fishing line and a pair of gloves for the parrot project, and for which I never paid his money back.

The conservation of large rainforest parrots: a study of the breeding biology of palm cockatoos, eclectus parrots and vulturina parrots (2002)

These are advanced research projects, using high-tech equipment and sophisticated analysis, and yet the thing which is acknowledged, again and again, as if it’s of equal, if not greater, importance is conversation.

Just, you know, talking.

I would like to thank Dick Henley for his unrelenting enthusiasm for volcanoes and magmatic gases.

Dominique Tanner

In situ mineral geochemistry as a guide to ore-forming processes (2014)

I am thankful for Jim’s patience (especially with my typos), his discussions, his time, and his open-mindedness to my sometimes unusual ideas.

Larissa Huston

The high pressure phase transformations of silicon and germanium at the nanoscale (2019)

Laurence was very supportive about my interest in thrips even before I had a thrips project, and I will never forget some of the conversations we had in his office.

Brian Garms

Native insects as a framework for understanding potential impacts of exotic species (2014)

Thanks for letting me barge into your office whenever I came across problems with the micro-PL system and simply answering ‘I’ll be right there.’

Growth and characterisation of GaAs/AlGaAs core-shell nanowires for optoelectronic device dpplications (2016)

Thank you for patiently listening to my long conversations on Sonogashira reactions and sharing my frustrations when I couldn’t grow crystals.

Chriso Maria Thomas

Construction of porous supramolecular frameworks assembled from covalent cage compounds (2021)

Sometimes just having someone to listen to me when my research was at a stumbling block was all that was needed to find a solution, and I thank David for his patience and time in this regard.

Janet Pritchard

Linking fish growth and climate across modern space and through evolutionary time: otolith chronologies of the Australian freshwater fish, golden perch (Macquaria, ambigua, Percichthyidae) (2004)

Thank you to the friends who simply knew not to ask.

Sarah Tynan

Interpreting environmental change using bivalve shell geochemistry (2017)

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• Seventh quote

After a while, I stopped dipping into the theses from before the 1980s.

Back then, acknowledgements were a business-like thank you to supervisors, collaborators, funding bodies, and typists.

Still, I’m sure there are stories in there too.

I wish to thank Professor J .C. Eccles for acting as supervisor of this research.

Rosamond Eccles

Physiological and pharmacological investigations on synaptic transmission in sympathetic ganglia (1955)

Finally, I thank Mrs Barbara Geary, both for her excellent typing and also for her willingness to accept, and ability to decipher, the manuscript drafts of the thesis.

John Groves

Varieties of soluble groups (1971)

Mrs Barbara Geary for her work in typing this thesis.

Yu Kiang Leong

The CREAM Conjecture and certain abelian-by-nilpotent varieties (1972)

For her excellent typing I thank Barbara Geary.

Langdon Harris

Varieties and section closed classes of groups (1973)

I particularly want to thank Mrs Barbara Geary for her excellent typing of this thesis. She has endured many awkward changes and revisions without complaint, and has transformed my messy drafts and redrafts into a beautifully typed manuscript.

Abul Kasem Muhammad Masood-ul-Alam

The topology of asymptotically Euclidean static perfect fluid space-time (1985)

Now, there are no limits to who, or what, you can thank.

Finally I wish to acknowledge the work of Dave Grohl who provided a fine soundtrack for much of this PhD study.

Andrew Sullivan

Competitive thermokinetics and non-linear bushfire behaviour (2007)

I would also like to thank the various astronomers who forgot to collect their desserts from the fridge over the years (they were not wasted).

Roberto Soria

Accretion processes in black-hole binaries (1999)

Thanks to my dog Tonks for the joy and cuddles.

Catherine Ross

Bringing back the bettong: reintroducing ecosystem engineers for restoration in Box-Gum grassy woodland (2020)

Shout out to my friends on and off Stromlo, for their patrician taste in hot pot and KFC.

Galactic Archaeology: the Milky Way in the context of large scale surveys (2022)

One of the most-repeated phrases in the acknowledgements is:

“I could not have done it without you”.

Every time I read it, I believed it to be 100 percent true.

Finally, thank you so much to my amazing family for their love, especially my wife, Maansi Joshi. You are my shining light, my daily inspiration and I could not have done this without you.

Geoffrey Kay

Scaling the benefits of agri-environment schemes for biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes (2016)

Finally, to Mum, your courage is inspiring. You may think I am the rock in the family, but I could not have finished my PhD without you.

Samuel Drew

Explorations in polyene chemistry (2015)

And finally to my beautiful wife, Jing, I could not have done this without you and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you.

Roger Coulston

Cyclodextrin nanomachines at work (2009)

A PhD takes at least three years, and often many more, during which life necessarily goes on around you, or without you.

The cost is very real.

If you are in the lab, then you are not at home with your family. If you have relocated for your studies, you won’t be having home-cooked meals.

Six years is a long time.

Philip Palma

Laser-induced fluorescence imaging in free-piston shock tunnels (1999)

As their only child, my parents never stopped me from pursuing my dream. They unconditionally supported me to continue my study in Australia. Even if it means that I have to be thousands of miles away from them.

III-V compound semiconductor nanowire terahertz detectors (2016)

And thank you for picking up the slack with house chores whenever I was bogged down with lab work – I know I was the reason you bought that Roomba.

Lauren Harrison

Sex and conflict: How competition shapes reproduction, behaviour and life-histories in various animals (2022)

And sometimes, life will simply come at you, whether you want it to or not.

First, I want to acknowledge that the last year of my PhD, 2020, has been exceptionally hard for everyone. I am incredibly grateful for being safe and healthy.

Raktima Dey

Understanding historical and future changes in mean and extreme rainfall in Australia (2020)

I am grateful to all the persons who have helped me recover from the fire that devastated the observatory and destroyed my house at Mount Stromlo (at a very delicate moment of my thesis too...). I will remember everyone who shared those days with me, so full of tragedy but also of hope and all the best human feelings.

Maria Salvo

How good are type Ia supernovae as distance indicators? (2020)

Finally, to our baby, ‘Bubbles’, whose gentle kicks have reminded me I haven't been alone in the final months of this thesis. But, Bubbles, if you can just sit tight for a few more weeks so that Mum and Dad can have a rest we'd be very grateful.

Kelli Gowland

Investigations into the phorophyte and fungal relationships of three epiphytic Aeridinae orchid species in southeastern Australia (2008)

I’m sure there are detractors behind many a thesis, but in the acknowledgements, they only exist by omission.

And if the whole experience was an ordeal? Thankfully that’s now in the past.

Here, on this page, it’s a perfect world.

There’s no-one to blame and everyone to thank – including baristas.

Mum, you once told me I could do whatever I set my mind to, I told you that was a cliché, and you said, ‘Yeah but for you it’s actually true.’ Well here you go, look at the trouble that attitude has led to.

Thomas Loan

Cell lysate as a platform technology for biocatalytic synthesis and nucleic acid amplification (2020)

And of course to my parents, Andrew and Margaret; my foundation, my teachers, my wings.

David Blair

Comparisons of vegetation recovery post-fire, logging and salvage logging in the Victorian Central Highlands (2019)

Finally, to my parents: this may have all started when we visited the Sydney Observatory one birthday and saw the marks of Shoemaker-Levy 9 just spinning into view on the disk of Jupiter, but it was your love and support all these years since that made it possible.

Michele Bannister

Bright trans-Neptunian objects in the southern sky (2014)

This thesis happened because my family and good friends believe in me.

Jo Leen Lim

Protein engineering of Escherichia coli β-glucuronidase (2017)

Doing this thesis required considerable amounts of coffee. I want to recognise Luke, our Barista in the Little Pickle Café, for the excellent coffee and the funny attempts to learn Spanish.

Claudia Munera Roldan

Narratives of adaptation for future-oriented conservation (2017)

I thank my mother, Dr K. Lalitha for being the person I aspire to be. I wish I could be half person you were. Words can’t express how much I miss you…

Mayuri Sathyanarayana Rao

On the detection of spectral distortions in the CMB: recombination to reionisation (2017)

Why wouldn’t you want to read ‘just one more’?

You are all precious like stardust.

Dominik Koll

A 10-million year time profile of interstellar influx to Earth mapped through supernova Fe-60 and r-process Pu-244 (2023)

Who wouldn’t want to extend their time in such a world just a little bit longer?

This small family, including our cats, Molly and Jesse, is my true treasure.

Light-matter interaction models: symmetry and non-hermiticity (2023)

And to Louise, thank you for everything. I don't know how you do it.

James Hennessy

Modifying enzyme catalytic pathways (2009)

I wondered how many of these acknowledged loves endured, not to mention how many scientific or academic careers.

But for now, on that page, the author knows nothing of what the future will hold.

So long and thanks for all the coffee!

Samantha Burgess

Geochemical ecology of temperate corals (2007)

They are frozen in this moment in time between an ending and a beginning.

YES!! After a looooooong journey, I've finally done it! YES!!

Yi-chi (Candace) Tsai

Oxidative behaviour of O-methyltyrosine and p-methoxyphenylglycine derivatives (2007)

It is the best moment.

It seemed as though the day that I would type these acknowledgements would never come.

Amy Constable

The emergence, formalisation and evolution of biodiversity offset use in Australia (2022)

But at this point, looking back over the mountains you climbed and the valleys you crossed, you realise your motivation came from the people around you. That is why we have an acknowledgements section.

Liam D Bailey

Between the devil and the deep blue sea: consequences of extreme climatic events in the Eurasian oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) (2016)

It’s the moment when it’s done.

I am overwhelmed. I have finally completed this milestone, three and a half years of my life culminating in this body of work.

Andrew Shafik

5-methylcytidine has a complex, context-dependent role in RNA (2017)

It will take me the rest of my life to repay you for your patience, support, encouragement, dedication, and sacrifice.

Richard Turner

Avian life histories in a changing world: combining remote sensing with long-term monitoring of the superb fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus in Australia (2023)

Thank you, again and again.

Yi-Yang Chen

The nature and significance of 'macroalgae-epifauna-invertivorous fish' trophic links within a macroalgal-dominated reef ecosystem (2022)

John Dawson

Satellite radar interferometry with application to the observation of surface deformation in Australia (2008)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

During the PhD program you will work with increased independence, under the direction of a supervisory panel of experts in the field. Your research will make an original and important contribution to human knowledge, research and development.

Scientists react to their PhD acknowledgements

We asked scientists to revisit their PhD acknowledgements. Watch the video as they reflect on that momentous time in their lives.

The best words in the best order: why do our astronomy students burn their PhD thesis?

The tradition of burning their PhD thesis has been handed down from student to student at Mount Stromlo ever since the 2003 bushfires.

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Dalton Transactions

Effect of substituents on the ability of nickel schiff base complexes with four pendant groups to bind to g-quadruplexes †.

* Corresponding authors

a Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong 2522, Australia E-mail: [email protected]

The synthesis of eleven new nickel Schiff base complexes each bearing four pendant groups is reported. The structures of the complexes differ in the identity of the pendant groups and/or diamine moiety. All complexes were characterised by microanalysis, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS), while the solid-state structures of two of the molecules were also determined using X-ray crystallographic methods. The DNA binding properties of the nickel complexes with double stranded DNA and a range of G-quadruplex DNA structures was explored using different spectroscopic methods as well as computational techniques. Results from ESI-MS experiments and Fluorescent Indicator Displacement (FID) assays were consistent with each other and indicated that varying the diamine moiety had less influence on DNA affinity than changing the pendant groups. These conclusions were also generally supported by results obtained from UV melting experiments and Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) assays. The cytotoxicity of selected examples of the new complexes, and close analogues reported recently, towards V79 Chinese hamster lung cancer cells and THP-1 human leukemia cells was measured. All were found to display modest cytotoxicity, with flow cytometry experiments suggesting an apoptotic pathway was the most likely mechanism of cell death.

Supplementary files

• Supplementary information TXT (1K)
• Supplementary information PDB (89K)
• Supplementary information PDB (96K)
• Supplementary information PDB (120K)
• Supplementary information PDB (87K)
• Supplementary information PDB (90K)
• Supplementary information PDB (98K)
• Supplementary information PDB (106K)
• Supplementary information PDF (6966K)
• Crystal structure data CIF (135K)

Article information

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Effect of substituents on the ability of nickel Schiff base complexes with four pendant groups to bind to G-quadruplexes

N. Assadawi, M. Ferderer, N. Kusi-Appauh, H. Yu, C. T. Dillon, R. Sluyter, C. Richardson and S. F. Ralph, Dalton Trans. , 2024, Advance Article , DOI: 10.1039/D4DT00448E

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