Hello there

I am just hoping to get your experiences / advice on changing supervisors 2.5 years into a PhD.

I have had ongoing issues with my primary supervisor, and subsequently my supervisory panel (3 academics) for about 1.5 years. My primary supervisor was the only supervisor who had 'expertise' in the area. All went well, until data analysis, when I felt I wasn't receiving the expert guidance, nor the support that I needed to analyse the data. The work relationship hit the fan, my primary supervisor was saying nasty things about me to my face, and to other academics. Long story short, in order to continue my PhD I had to seek the services of a lawyer. I won, and thankfully, the University has recommended that I change my whole supervisory panel.

I suppose, I just need some moral support at the minute. I'm wondering if there are others who have been in a similar situation, and have had a good outcome (e.g. passed their PhD).

Also, I'm in the process of finding new supervisors. Wondering people's experiences, and how you approached potential supervisors, following a 'situation' like this?

Thanks very much

Now is the time to look for solutions rather than dwell on the past. Potential supervisors aren't necessarily going to think the previous situation was all your fault - people fall out all the time in academia. It's common knowledge that some supervisory relationships go toxic, or just fall to bits for whatever reason e.g. the supervisor or student goes off the rails due to unavoidable personal problems. So my advice is to focus on what you need in order to finish your PhD. My impression is that you want now a supervisor who is good at data analysis (rather than an expert in the field which you needed at the start of your studies) and someone who has a 'can-do' attitude. If you look around you might find someone just right for your circumstances e.g. someone who is keen to get some experience as a supervisor and who will be happy to give you some guidance on stats and generally get you back on the road.

Hope it all goes well for you.

Many thanks metabanalysis, for your words of encouragement. You seem like you know the politics of academia reasonably well..

Yes you are right about needing to find someone with a 'can do' attitude. I met with my masters supervisor who was very helpful and recommended a couple of people to talk to. One of the recommended academics was very helpful, 'transparent' and offered to supervise. I have spoken with a number of people now, at least 7, however this academic seems like someone i could get along well with. Fingers crossed it goes exceptionally well.

Just need to move forward now and finish and pass my phd. Many thanks again :-)