Self-reliance is a cornerstone of the graduate school concept. KCDS Fellows independently organize the summer school, the retreat and events like the KCDS Talk series, hackathons/datathons, workshops or networking meetings, e.g. with industry.

The doctoral researchers elect Doctoral Researcher Representatives (DRR) annually, who communicate closely with the steering committee. This way, the wishes and ideas of the doctoral researchers in the further development of the school are taken into account.

KCDS Fellows can join the organizational teams or the DRR and use this opportunity to further develop their organizational and leadership skills.