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Thesis & Dissertation Acknowledgements | Tips & Examples

Published on May 3, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on July 18, 2023.

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, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the acknowledgements section.

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 defense 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 high 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 process, from figuring out your dissertation topic to your final proofread, 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 organization assisted you, mention the collective name only.
• Remember the ethical considerations around anonymized 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.

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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 anonymize 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

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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.

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 must acknowledge them, if only for a very brief thank you. If you do not include your supervisor, it may be seen as a snub.

The acknowledgements are generally included at the very beginning of your thesis , 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.

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

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Experiences of a London PhD student and beyond

Thesis acknowledgements: Samples and how to write your own thesis or dissertation acknowledgements

Writing a thesis can be tricky. That’s why I’m starting a new series covering each section of the thesis, from thesis acknowledgements all the way to conclusions. I’ll be guiding you through the whole process, from what to include in your thesis to how to write it, along with examples from defended theses to help you to write your own.

We’ll begin by covering thesis acknowledgments. The acknowledgements section appears at the start of the thesis so it is often one of the first parts that everyone tries to tackle. As this will likely be your first taste of your thesis it can often feel quite intimidating to write!

Thankfully it’s also one of the easiest parts of the thesis to complete, which may help to give you a boost for the rest.

In this post we’ll cover everything to do with thesis acknowledgements: samples, what to include and how to write them. At the end I’ll also outline a 60 minute exercise which will get you preparing a first draft of your own! I’ve also got a similar post to craft your thesis title, which you can check out here .

I’m writing this post with a PhD thesis in mind but it could work just as well if you’re looking for help including acknowledgements in your Master’s or undergraduate thesis/ dissertation.

What is the purpose of the acknowledgements section in a thesis?

The acknowledgements section of your thesis is an opportunity to reflect on the people who have supported and shaped your PhD experience.

Don’t worry, although your examiners will be interested to read your acknowledgements section, you won’t really get judged on it in your PhD viva. This section is for you to share as little, or as much, as you want about everyone involved in your PhD journey.

The acknowledgements are a very personal section of your thesis and each PhD student will have different things they want to include. For example, many people wonder: How do I thank my family in a thesis? And the acknowledgements section is the answer!

Note – You can also use a thesis dedication to thank your family. This is a separate section to your thesis acknowledgements and is entirely optional. It’s usually just a single line, just like you might find at the front of some books. Most people don’t include a separate dedication section but you can if you want to go that extra step.

What to include in your thesis acknowledgements

There are usually no formal requirements dictating what to include in your acknowledgements. However, do double check for any potential rules at your specific institution.

In general the acknowledgements are the section of your thesis where you have some creative liberty and are not bound by rigid research protocols or guidelines.

Many students choose to use the acknowledgements section to thank people (or organisations) who:

• Introduced them to the topic
• Helped with their PhD application
• Funded the project
• Supervisors
• Technicians
• Partners, friends or family
• Or anyone else who made an impression along the way!

But remember, you can include whatever you want! For example in my own PhD acknowledgements, which you’ll read further down this post, I thanked the university for providing a green outdoor space for us.

Acknowledge whoever and whatever influenced your own PhD experience.

You may find it helpful to start by writing a list of everyone you wish to thank.

How do you write an acknowledgements section?

Since there are no guidelines to worry about, it is really up to you how you write your own thesis acknowledgements. You have a lot of freedom for what to include and how to write it.

However you may find the following suggested phases helpful as a starting point.

Who you want to thank…

• “First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to…”
• “I must thank…”
• “A special thanks to…”
• “I would like to highlight two truly exceptional people from…”
• “I want to thank…”
• “In addition, I would like to mention”
• “I would also like to extend my thanks to…”
• “I want to give my deepest appreciation to…”
• “Finally, but the most importantly, I would like to thank…”

…then, why you want to thank them

It can be nice to also include why you’re thanking these people, using phrases such as:

• “…for the opportunity to be a part of this project”
• “…for always being there when I needed his support, reviewing my progress constantly, and guiding me through my PhD studies”
• “….for being a great bunch of people in and out of the lab”
• …”for all the guidance, support and outstanding feedback”
• “… who took their time to help teach me…”
• “…for her unlimited support and unconditional guidance during my PhD journey”
• “…were always there for discussions about anything that I was unsure on”
• “…whom has offered invaluable advice that will benefit me throughout my life”
• “…for supporting me since my undergraduate, and for the valuable discussions we had along the road”
• “…for making the past 4 years much more enjoyable and keeping me sane throughout the whole process”

Here is a whole example from an accepted PhD thesis:

Firstly, I want to thank [supervisor’s name(s)] for giving me the opportunity to work on this project, providing valuable guidance and feedback, and challenging me to grow as a scientist.  Excerpt from Dr Wane’s thesis acknowledgements, available via this page or use this direct download link .

Some people will choose to use full names and titles for any professional acknowledgements and first names for any personal ones. Again, this is up to you.

To help illustrate the variety of thesis acknowledgement formats, we’ll shortly be coming on to some examples of acknowledgment sections from successfully defended theses.

Before then I want to cover some of the main questions relating to how to write your own thesis acknowledgements section:

How long should you spend writing your thesis acknowledgements?

My suggestion is to spend only an hour or two making a first draft. I suggest doing this well ahead of your final deadline so that you have time to come back to it. Even so, I’d certainly look to spend far less than one day’s work on it in total.

It is a “nice to have” and means a lot to a lot of people, but remember you’re really only writing this section for yourself. I probably spent about two hours writing mine in total, simply because it wasn’t a priority for me.

What order should you write your acknowledgements in?

A typical way to write your acknowledgements is to go from the most formal/academic relationships to the least.

It is normal to start with any funding bodies, then formal people like your PhD supervisors, then move through labmates, friends and family. But again, there are generally no rules!

How long should the acknowledgements section be?

You can include as much or as little as you want. My own PhD acknowledgements section was just under a page long and it consisted of 386 words or 1892 characters (without spaces).

Here is how it was formatted:

But let’s not just look at my thesis. Using Imperial’s publicly accessible database I went through 25 published PhD theses for you.

The average (mean) length of these 25 theses was 365 words and 1793 characters without spaces. Writing an acknowledgements section of length 350-450 words was the most common:

The shortest acknowledgements sections was 122 words(653 characters) long. The longest one consisted of 1022 words and 5082 characters. Hopefully this illustrates that you’re not really bound by any limits. Write as much or as little as you want for this section.

Sample thesis acknowledgements

My own phd thesis acknowledgement.

My own PhD thesis is available here *, the acknowledgements section is on page 5. Here is the complete version of my acknowledgements section:

I would like to acknowledge both EPSRC and the Class of 1964 Scholarship for their financial support. It has been an honour to be the inaugural recipient of the Class of 1964 Scholarship and I am indebted to the donors in providing me complete academic freedom in this research. An immense thank you to my PhD supervisors: Jonathan Jeffers, Ulrich Hansen and Julian Jones. Support and guidance throughout the project from you all has been invaluable. JJ in particular you’ve been a fantastic primary supervisor. Thank you to all the academics who helped me get to this stage. The late Dr Kajal Mallick and his Biomedical Materials course at the University of Warwick was a huge influence and without which I would have never followed this path. My “pre-doc” supervisors in Dr Helen Lee of University of Cambridge and in particular the remarkable Prof Judith Hall OBE of Cardiff University from whom I learned so much. Thanks to Alison Paul and Michael Lim for being so supportive when I was considering applying for PhDs. It has been an amazing experience working between two research groups across different departments, thanks to everyone from the Biomechanics and JRJ groups I’ve worked with and from whom I’ve learned so much. Thank you of course to the Hybrids team I’ve worked so closely on this project with: Fra, Gloria, Agathe, Maria, Silvia, it’s been great fun working with you all! Gloria in particular thanks for you all your help, support and friendship: your inclusivity is appreciated by many. Saman, I’ve been so pleased to have you working on DVC with me and being able to discuss ideas with you really has been invaluable. I am grateful to everyone I’ve collaborated with externally: Farah, Amin and Brett (Natural History Museum) plus Andy and Behzad (Royal Veterinary College), thank you all for your support and input. Thanks also to everyone I’ve met through the Environmental Society at Imperial in particular Chelcie: your friendship and support have added a lot to my life. Thanks to Imperial for providing space for the ESoc garden, taking a break and enjoy nature in this space has certainly improved my work. Thanks of course to my family for their support. Finally, thank you Jo for always being so supportive and helping me every step of the way. My PhD thesis, available here . Acknowledgements are on page 5.

*For me the thesis was a means to an end. I wanted my PhD and didn’t want to spend too long agonising over each page. Therefore, it is possible there are typos in there, if you read any of it: firstly well done, I haven’t looked at it much since submitting the final copy, secondly, please don’t tell me about any typos you find!

Other PhD thesis acknowledgement examples

Below are the other 24 published and openly accessible STEM PhD theses I found for this article.

For each person’s thesis, either follow the first link to be taken to the landing page or follow the second link to directly download their thesis: I gave you a choice in case you don’t want stuff to start downloading automatically from a random text link!

The list is formatted as follows:

• [Link to thesis page on repository], [which page the acknowledgements appear on], [direct link to download the thesis]
• Dr Shipman’s thesis , for the acknowledgements go to page 3. Direct download here .
• Longest acknowledgements section of the list at 1022 words.
• Dr Li’s thesis , page 11. Direct download here .
• Dr Podgurschi’s thesis , page 5. Direct download here .
• Dr Medjeral-Thomas’ thesis page 3. Direct download here .
• Dr Sztuc’s thesis , page 5. Direct download here .
• Dr Yap’s thesis , page 5. Direct download here .
• Dr Sukkar’s thesis , page 9. Direct download here .
• Dr Lo’s thesis , page 11. Direct download here .
• Dr Sullivan’s thesis , page 5. Direct download here .
• Dr Tawy’s thesis , page 3. Direct download here .
• Dr Wane’s thesis , page 2. Direct download here .
• Dr Addison’s thesis , page 4. Direct download here .
• Dr Wang’s thesis , page 5. Direct download here .
• Dr Sebest’s thesis , page 3. Direct download here .
• Dr Hopkins’ thesis , page 7. Direct download here .
• Dr Bates’s thesis , page 4. Direct download here .
• Dr Somuyiwa’s thesis , page 6. Direct download here .
• Dr Reynolds’ thesis , page 5. Direct download here .
• My labmate’s thesis, who wrote the acknowledgements in a different style to the rest by using bullet points.
• Shortest acknowledgements section of the list at 122 words.
• Dr Manca’s thesis , acknowledgements on page 5. Direct download here .
• Dr Liu’s thesis , page 5. Direct download here .
• Dr Hotinli’s thesis , page 7. Direct download here .

My top tips for writing your own thesis acknowledgements

• Don’t spend too long on them. The acknowledgements section is really not worth spending too much time on. Even worse, since they appear at the start of your thesis, it is tempting to write your acknowledgements first. This can be fine, or, it can be an opportunity for lots of unnecessary procrastination. Which I why I instead suggest that you…
• Write your acknowledgements at the end of your first draft of the thesis. There is no need to write your thesis in the order it is presented. If you write your acknowledgements at the end you’ll be less likely to spend precious time on a section which really doesn’t warrant too much brain power.
• Don’t stress about it. The acknowledgements are merely for yourself and for anyone close to you that you want to thank. There are far more important sections for you to be particular about!
• Remember: You can make changes after you submit the copy for your viva. As with everything in your thesis, you can make changes after you submit the thesis for your viva. The real “final” copy is when you submit your thesis to the university for archiving. Which is even more reason to not spend too much time writing it the first time around.

Draft your own thesis or dissertation acknowledgements in 60 minutes

Hopefully you now feel inspired to start writing your own thesis acknowledgments!

For the exercise below I’d suggest setting a stop-watch on your phone and move on to the next section when the alarm goes, even if you’ve not fully finished. The aim is to have a rough draft at the end which you can polish off at a later point in time.

• Read a few of the example thesis acknowledgements above to get a feel for the structure ( 15 mins )
• List everyone (or everything!) you wish to thank – including any personal and professional acknowledgements in addition to funding bodies if relevant ( 10 mins )
• Decide on a rough order in which to thank them ( 5 mins )
• Craft some sentences using the phrases mentioned above ( 30 mins )

Congratulations you’re now well on your way to having one section of your PhD thesis completed!

I hope this post has been useful for constructing your own thesis or dissertation acknowledgements. It is the first in a series of posts aiming to help your thesis writing by delving into each section in depth. Be sure to let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for other content which you would find useful.

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How to write acknowledgements in a thesis or dissertation – FREE TEMPLATE

Navigating the intricate process of writing a thesis or dissertation can be challenging.

One crucial, yet often overlooked part is the thesis acknowledgement. It is also the only bit of my thesis that anyone really reads.

The acknowledgement section allows you to express gratitude to those who contributed to your academic journey. Tradition dictates that you thank supervisors and professors first then family and friends.

The acknowledgement section provides a platform to thank all who played a part in your work.

Whether you’re unsure about how to begin or looking for the best ways to acknowledge your mentors, this blog will provide valuable insights and practical advice to help you create an impactful thesis acknowledgement.

Who to thank in your acknowledgements for your dissertation – a simple template

In your acknowledgements, you should first thank the members of academia who contributed to your research, including:

• funding bodies,
• Supervisors,
• Grad coaches,
• professors,
• proofreaders,
• and research participants.

Mention them using their full names and titles. It is also nice to add the reason you are thanking them and their specific contributions to your thesis and how they have helped your research over the course of your PhD.

If an authoritative figure in your field provided feedback, their acknowledgement adds weight to your research.

Personal acknowledgements can include friends, family members, or even pets who provided inspiration or support during the writing process. Always refer to your university’s guidelines on acknowledgements.

Creating an acknowledgement can be slightly subjective, as the order and individuals to be thanked can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the work and the author’s preferences.

However, generally, this example follows a common template:

The order can be customized based on the importance of the roles these individuals played in the author’s journey.

Some may prefer to thank family or significant others first, while others might start with professional relationships such as advisors or collaborators.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that the way of expressing gratitude can differ significantly between cultures and individuals.

What is your thesis acknowledgement?

A thesis acknowledgement is a section in your thesis where you express gratitude to those who helped and supported you during your research and writing process. In this section, you may also include acknowledgements for invaluable advice and personal support.

It typically comprises two parts: professional and personal acknowledgements.

• Professional acknowledgements include your supervisor, colleagues, other academics, funding bodies, or institutions that significantly contributed to your work.
• Personal Acknowledgements encompass your family and friends who provided personal support or helped with editing and proofreading.

The acknowledgements section is usually more informal than the rest of your thesis , and it’s acceptable to write in the first person. It’s typically placed at the beginning of your thesis, either before the abstract or the table of contents.

Although the length may vary, it usually doesn’t exceed one page. It’s crucial to plan ahead, listing everyone you wish to thank and consider their specific contribution to your work.

How Long Should My Acknowledgements Be In My Thesis or Dissertation?

The length of an acknowledgement section varies depending on the individual and the nature of the project.

Some people prefer to keep their acknowledgements brief and only thank those individuals who made significant contributions to their work.

Others may choose to include a more extensive list of people, such as mentors, colleagues, and friends, who provided support and encouragement throughout the process.

In general, it is recommended to keep your acknowledgements concise and focused on those who had a direct impact on the project.

Including a heartfelt thank you to these individuals is a meaningful way to show appreciation for their efforts.

However, it is important not to get carried away and turn the acknowledgement page into a long list of names. Remember that the focus should be on quality rather than quantity, as the acknowledgement section should not overshadow the main content of the project. 

Where Should My Acknowledgements Go In My PhD Thesis?

The placement of your acknowledgements can vary, but it’s typically located in the first part of your thesis.

Mine is right after the abstract and before the introduction of my PhD thesis. 

You can place it right before your dissertation abstract or before the table of contents. However, the exact positioning may depend on the guidelines and requirements provided by your university.

Always ensure to check your university’s formatting requirements to be sure you’ve chosen the correct location for your acknowledgements section. 

Thesis acknowledgement examples

Here is my PhD thesis acknowledgement:

If you are struggling with some ideas, here are some sentence starters that you can use for inspiration in your own acknowledgement section:

1. “This thesis acknowledgement is a tribute to all the people who made my academic journey worthwhile.” 2. “I would like to thank my supervisor, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in the completion of this thesis.” 3. “In this acknowledgement section, I extend my deepest gratitude to all who have walked with me on this challenging but fulfilling journey.” 4. “Firstly, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the academic staff who provided their invaluable expertise and guidance.” 5. “My thesis would not have been possible without the endless help and personal support from my colleagues” 6. “Special thanks go to my family, whose constant encouragement fueled my perseverance during the completion of this dissertation.” 7. “In the professional acknowledgements, I would like to acknowledge the significant contributions made by my research participants, whose invaluable advice was crucial.” 8. “I would also like to thank the funding bodies, whose financial support made this research possible.” 9. “Through this acknowledgment, I express my heartfelt gratitude to my friends who have been my pillars of strength.” 10. “The completion of this thesis or dissertation is the culmination of efforts from various individuals whom I would like to express my sincere appreciation.” 11. “This thesis acknowledgement section is an opportunity to give thanks to those who made this journey less daunting.” 12. “I would like to express my gratitude to my editor, whose meticulous proofreading and invaluable advice greatly improved my thesis.” 13. “Without their dedication, this thesis would not have been possible.” 14. “I express my sincere gratitude to all those whose names appear in this acknowledgement for their invaluable input.” 15. “In this acknowledgement for my thesis, I extend my appreciation to all those who have been part of this journey.”

Top tips to write acknowledgements

• Plan Ahead : Make a list of the people you want to acknowledge and their specific contributions to your work.
• Follow University Guidelines : Check your university’s formatting and content guidelines to ensure your acknowledgements adhere to them.
• Use First Person : Unlike the rest of your thesis, the acknowledgements can be written in the first person.
• Keep it Brief : The acknowledgement section should generally not exceed one page. Be concise and precise in expressing your gratitude.
• Maintain Professional-Personal Order : Start with professional acknowledgements (e.g., supervisors, colleagues, funders) before moving on to personal ones (e.g., friends, family).
• Be Specific : Highlight the specific contributions each person or organization made to your thesis.
• Use Full Names and Titles : When acknowledging academic contributors, use their full names and appropriate titles.
• Use Informal Language : Acknowledgements can be written in a more informal style, but avoid colloquial language.
• Proofread: Ensure your thesis and dissertation acknowledgements are free of spelling and grammar errors.
• Be Genuine and Sincere : The acknowledgements section should sincerely reflect your gratitude to the people who helped you in your academic journey.

Wrapping up – writing your dissertation acknowledgements section

As we reach the conclusion of this informative journey into the art of writing acknowledgements for a thesis or dissertation, it’s clear that this often-overlooked section carries significant emotional and professional weight.

A dissertation acknowledgements page is more than just a list of names; it’s a chance to express genuine gratitude and give due credit to all who have contributed to your academic journey. 

From the tireless members of your thesis committee to the friends and family who offered emotional support, it’s a platform to acknowledge all the people who helped.

From mentors who provided expert guidance, colleagues who offered invaluable insights, to the institutions that funded your research – everyone deserves a heartfelt note of thanks.

Sample acknowledgements in a thesis often include both professional acknowledgements first, followed by personal ones, ensuring that all contributors are recognized appropriately. Always remember to use full names and titles for professional acknowledgements, and express your gratitude sincerely.

The acknowledgement page isn’t a place for long tales, jokes or anecdotes; instead, keep your acknowledgements concise, specific, and heartfelt.

As shown in the thesis acknowledgement examples, you should reflect on the people and organizations that significantly contributed to your research or writing, whether in a substantial technical manner or through support and guidance throughout the process. 

Studentship that allowed you to pursue your research, faculty who guided your studies, even friends who provided distractions when they were most needed – all these contributors deserve your thanks. Remember, it’s okay to use their first names for those who’ve been part of your personal journey, but for professional acknowledgments, full names and titles are recommended. 

As a PhD student, your acknowledgements should reflect your journey – the struggles, the triumphs, and most importantly, the people who have helped you along the way. Whether you include a list of names in alphabetical order, or you decide to group people or organizations, remember to be genuine, concise, and respectful. 

Whether it’s a thesis dedication to a mentor, expressing gratitude to your parents, thanking your friends for their love and encouragement, or even including certain political aspects that influenced your research, the acknowledgments section is yours to personalize. 

Writing a thesis or dissertation is a monumental task, and the people who support you through it are worth acknowledging. Keep this guide in mind when you write your thesis acknowledgements, and don’t forget to thank those who’ve been there for you – for in the journey of research and writing, no one truly walks alone. 

The last sentence may be a heartfelt statement, “I would like to express my gratitude to all those who walked with me throughout my research journey – your support was my strength, and this achievement is as much yours as it is mine.”

Acknowledgement Section for Your Thesis – FAQ

1. what is the purpose of the acknowledgement section in a thesis.

The acknowledgement section in a thesis serves the purpose of expressing gratitude to individuals and organizations who have assisted and supported you during the research and writing process.

How should I structure the acknowledgement section of my thesis?

The acknowledgement section usually comes after the main body of your research project and before the references . It typically includes a list of people who helped you along with a brief note of appreciation.

3. Can I use a free template for writing acknowledgements in my thesis?

While you can find free templates online to help structure your thesis acknowledgement , it is important to personalize your acknowledgements to truly express your gratitude.

4. Who should I thank in the acknowledgement section of my thesis?

In the acknowledgements section for your thesis , it is customary to thank your supervisor , committee members, family, friends, and any individuals or organizations who provided support and guidance during your research.

5. Are there any examples of thesis acknowledgements that I can refer to?

You can find thesis acknowledgement examples online to get an idea of how others have expressed their gratitude. However, make sure to write your acknowledgements in your own words.

6. How can I express my gratitude effectively in the acknowledgement section?

To express gratitude effectively in the acknowledgements section of your thesis , be specific about the contributions of each individual or group and highlight how their support was invaluable to your research.

7. Is it necessary to include personal acknowledgements in the thesis acknowledgement section?

While personal acknowledgements are not obligatory, it is common to include a note of appreciation to those who have supported you emotionally or personally throughout your academic journey.

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Dissertation acknowledgments [with examples]

What are dissertation acknowledgements?

What to consider when writing your dissertation acknowledgments, who to thank in your dissertation acknowledgments, what (and what not) to write in your dissertation acknowledgments, good examples of dissertation acknowledgments, a final word on writing dissertation acknowledgments: have fun, frequently asked questions about dissertation acknowledgments, related articles.

While you may be the sole author of your dissertation, there are lots of people who help you through the process—from your formal dissertation advisors to the friends who may have cooked meals so that you could finish your last chapter . Dissertation acknowledgments are a chance to thank everyone who had a hand in the completion of your project.

Dissertation acknowledgments are a brief statement of your gratitude to advisors, professors, peers, family, and friends for their help and expertise.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• the most important things to consider when you’re writing your dissertation acknowledgments
• who to thank in your dissertation acknowledgments
• what (and what not) to write in your dissertation acknowledgments
• short examples of dissertation acknowledgments

Once you’re at the stage where you’re writing your dissertation acknowledgments, you may be tempted to kick back and relax. After all, the hard part of writing the dissertation itself is over and a list of thanks should be simple to churn out.

However, the acknowledgments are an important part of your overall work and are something that most people who read your dissertation, including prospective employers, will look at.

Tip: The best dissertation acknowledgements are concise, sincere, and memorable.

Approach this part of the process, brief as it may be compared to the long haul of writing the dissertation, with the same high level of care and attention to detail. It’s an explicit and permanent statement of who made a real impact on your work and contributed to your academic success.

Plus, the people you thank are often deeply moved by being included—some even go so far as to frame the acknowledgments. Aim to make yours sincere, memorable and something that people will be touched by.

First things first: who should you include in your dissertation acknowledgments? If you’re not sure who to thank, try the brainstorming technique to generate some ideas. Consider these two approaches:

• Make a list of everyone, both professional and personal, who was involved at any point during your work on your dissertation, and then thin down the list from there.
• Make a list of the pivotal aspects of your process and think about who was involved and how they helped.

As you select the people and groups to include in your dissertation acknowledgments, keep in mind that it’s essential to acknowledge your supervisor and anyone else with a visible connection to your work.

It’s an unfortunate reality that not every supervisor goes above and beyond to provide feedback and guidance to the students they are supposed to supervise. However, leaving them out, even if you personally felt disappointed by their involvement or lack thereof, could be seen as a snub.

You should end up with a fairly short list of people to thank. While being mindful of professional etiquette and personal feelings, be choosy about who makes the final cut since your acknowledgments should be limited to no more than a page.

Now that you have your list of people and groups to thank, it’s time to start writing. Before your first pen or keystroke, however, check your university’s guidelines as your institution may have specific rules around what can and cannot be included.

The standard practice is to begin with the formal and then progress to the informal, so the first people to mention would be:

• supervisors
• committee members
• other professional contacts

Use their full names and titles and go into brief detail about how they contributed to your work.

Once those are done, you can move on to the personal thanks, which can include friends, family, even pets. If you are so inclined, it is also considered appropriate to thank God or make mention of spiritual support.

You may also choose to inject a little humor at this point, but don’t get carried away and definitely don’t include sarcasm or critical comments of any kind, including self-critical ones. Remember that the acknowledgments precede your dissertation, so you want to be taken seriously.

A couple more basics that are essential when creating your acknowledgments:

• Position: Acknowledgments should be placed after the title page and before the abstract.
• Perspective: Write from the first-person perspective and speak in your own voice.

A really good way to get a sense of how to write your own dissertation acknowledgments is to read ones written by others. Notice which ones you respond particularly well to and use them as a model upon which to base your own.

Here are some good examples to help you get started:

I couldn’t have reached this goal without the help of many people in my life. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support.

First, my sincere thanks to my dissertation committee. The value of their guidance cannot be overstated. Dr. Elaine Gooding and Dr. Matthew Hunter provided much wisdom that helped me chart my course. I couldn’t have asked for a better supervisor than Dr. Fiona Moore, whose knowledge and experience guided me every step of the way.

Next, I’d like to thank my partner, Elliott. Your votes of confidence kept me going when my spirits dipped. I couldn’t have done this without you.

Last but not least, I’d like to acknowledge the emotional support provided by my family and friends. We made it to the top of the mountain! I look forward to celebrating with all of you.

This example is shorter, but still contains the key components:

Several people played a decisive role in my success and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them.

My chair, Dr. Ronald Saulk, provided invaluable support and infinite patience and I am truly grateful for all of his wisdom and guidance. I also owe the entire staff of the Wilhelm Library a debt of gratitude. From tracking down books and arranging for interlibrary loans to keeping the coffee maker in the lobby well-stocked and in good working order, they offered the practical help and kind gestures that made all the difference.

I’d also like to thank my family and God, for always being there for me.

One final piece of advice: enjoy this process. Writing a dissertation doesn’t happen every day, and the opportunity to acknowledge the important people in your life in a published format is as rare as it is wonderful.

What’s more, this part of your dissertation is unlike any other. It’s unbounded by the conventions that apply to the formal work. It’s a chance to really flex some creative muscle and let your personality shine through. So make the most of it and have fun!

In your dissertation acknowledgments, you thank everyone who has contributed to your work or supported you along the way. Who you want to thank is a very personal choice, but you should include your supervisors and anyone else with a visible connection to your work. You may also thank friends, family, and partners.

First, you need to come up with a list of people you want to thank in your dissertation acknowledgments. As a next step, begin with the formal and then progress to the informal, so the first people to mention would be supervisors, mentors, committees, and other professional contacts. Then, you can move on to the personal thanks, which can include friends, family, even pets.

Who you acknowledge in your dissertation is ultimately up to you. You should, however, thank your supervisor and anyone else with a visible connection to your work. Leaving them out, even if you personally felt disappointed by their involvement or lack thereof, could be seen as a snub. In addition, you can thank friends, partners or family.

There are many ways so you can acknowledge your dissertation supervisor. Some examples can be found in this article above. If you need more examples, you can find them here .

While acknowledgments are usually more present in academic theses, they can also be a part of research papers. In academic theses, acknowledgments are usually found at the beginning, somewhere between abstract and introduction. In research papers, acknowledgments are usually found at the end of the paper.

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Acknowledgements Template

The fastest (and smartest) way to craft an acknowledgements section for your dissertation, thesis or research project.

Available in Google Doc, Word & PDF format 4.9 star rating, 5000 + downloads

Step-by-step instructions

Tried & tested academic format

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What It Covers

This template provides a tried and tested structure for the acknowledgements section of a typical dissertation, thesis or research project.

In line with academic best practice , the acknowledgements are structured from most formal (supervisor, committee, etc.) to least formal (family and friends). Each section has easy to use placeholders that allow you to create your acknowledgements section in just a few minutes. 

The acknowledgements template can be copied to your Google Drive 0r downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), adaptable to LaTeX.

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FAQs: Acknowledgements Template

Dissertation & thesis conclusion faq, what format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).

The acknowledgements section template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

Is this template for an undergrad, Master or PhD-level thesis?

This template can be used for a dissertation, thesis or research project at any level of study. As always, be sure to check your university’s requirements and norms in terms of document structure.

What types of dissertations/theses can this be used for?

The acknowledgements section template template follows the standard format for academic research projects, which means it will be suitable for the majority of dissertations, theses and research projects (especially those within the sciences).

Keep in mind that the exact requirements for the conclusion chapter/section will vary between universities and degree programs. So, be sure to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalize your structure.

How long should the acknowledgement section be?

Typically, the acknowledgements section comprises a few paragraphs at most. Keep it short and sweet.

Do you have any examples of real acknowledgements sections?

Yes, we have a few examples here .

Can I share this template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template in its original format (no editing allowed). If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, please reference this page as your source.

Do you have templates for the other chapters?

Yes, we do. We are constantly developing our collection of free resources to help students complete their dissertations and theses. You can view all of our template resources here .

Additional Resources

If you’re working on a dissertation or thesis, you’ll also want to check these out…

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The Grad Coach Podcast

• Acknowledgements for PhD Thesis and Dissertations – Explained
• Doing a PhD

The Purpose of Acknowledgements

The acknowledgement section of a thesis or dissertation is where you recognise and thank those who supported you during your PhD. This can be but is not limited to individuals, institutions or organisations.

Although your acknowledgements will not be used to evaluate your work, it is still an important section of your thesis. This is because it can have a positive (or negative for that matter) influence the perception of your reader before they even reach the main body of your work.

Who Should I Acknowledge?

Acknowledgements for a PhD thesis will typically fall into one of two categories – professional or personal.

Within these categories, who you thank will ultimately be your decision. However, it’s imperative that you pay special attention to the ‘professional’ group. This is because not thanking someone who has played an important role in your studies, whether it be intentional or accidental, will more often than not be seen as a dismissal of their efforts. Not only would this be unfair if they genuinely helped you, but from a certain political aspect, it could also jeopardise any opportunities for future collaborations .

Professional Acknowledgements

This may include, but is not limited to:

• Funding bodies/sponsorship providers
• Supervisors
• Research group and lab assistants
• Research participants
• Proofreaders

Personal Acknowledgements

• Key family members and friends
• Individuals who inspired you or directly influenced your academic journey
• Anyone else who has provided personal support that you would like to mention

It should be noted that certain universities have policies which state only those who have directly supported your work, such as supervisors and professors, should be included in your acknowledgements. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you read your university guidelines before writing this section of your thesis.

How to Write Acknowledgements for PhD Thesis

When producing this section, your writing style can be more informal compared to the rest of your thesis. This includes writing in first person and using more emotive language. Although in most cases you will have complete freedom in how you write this section of your thesis, it is still highly advisable to keep it professional. As mentioned earlier, this is largely because it will be one of the first things your assessors will read, and so it will help set the tone for the rest of your work.

In terms of its structure, acknowledgements are expected to be ordered in a manner that first recognises the most formal support before moving onto the less formal support. In most cases, this follows the same order that we have outlined in the ‘Who Should I Thank’ section.

When thanking professionals, always write out their full name and provide their title. This is because although you may be on a first-name basis with them, those who read your thesis will not. By providing full names and titles, not only do you help ensure clarity, but it could also indirectly contribute to the credibility of your thesis should the individual you’re thanking be well known within your field.

If you intend to include a list of people from one institution or organisation, it is best to list their names in alphabetical order. The exception to this is when a particular individual has been of significant assistance; here, it would be advisable to list them.

How Long Should My Acknowledgements Be?

Acknowledgements vary considerably in length. Some are a single paragraph whilst some continue for up to three pages. The length of your acknowledgement page will mostly depend on the number of individuals you want to recognise.

As a general rule, try to keep your acknowledgements section to a single page. Although there are no word limits, creating a lengthy acknowledgements section dilutes the gratitude you’re trying to express, especially to those who have supported you the most.

Where Should My Acknowledgements Go?

In the vast majority of cases, your acknowledgements should appear directly after your abstract and before your table of contents.

However, we highly advise you to check your university guidelines as a few universities set out their own specific order which they will expect you to follow.

Phrases to Help You Get Started

We appreciate how difficult it can be to truly show how grateful you are to those who have supported you over the years, especially in words.

To help you get started, we’ve provided you with a few examples of sentences that you can complete or draw ideas from.

• I am deeply grateful to XXX…
• I would like to express my sincere gratitude to XXX…
• I would like to offer my special thanks to XXX…
• I would like to extend my sincere thanks to XXX…
• …for their assistance at every stage of the research project.
• …for their insightful comments and suggestions.
• …for their contribution to XXX.
• …for their unwavering support and belief in me.

Thesis Acknowledgement Examples

Below are three PhD thesis acknowledgment samples from which you can draw inspiration. It should be noted that the following have been extracted from theses which are freely available in the public domain. Irrespective of this, references to any individual, department or university have been removed for the sake of privacy.

First and foremost I am extremely grateful to my supervisors, Prof. XXX and Dr. XXX for their invaluable advice, continuous support, and patience during my PhD study. Their immense knowledge and plentiful experience have encouraged me in all the time of my academic research and daily life. I would also like to thank Dr. XXX and Dr. XXX for their technical support on my study. I would like to thank all the members in the XXX. It is their kind help and support that have made my study and life in the UK a wonderful time. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to my parents, my wife and my children. Without their tremendous understanding and encouragement in the past few years, it would be impossible for me to complete my study.

I would like to thank my supervisors Dr. XXX and Dr. XXX for all their help and advice with this PhD. I would also like to thank my sisters, whom without this would have not been possible. I also appreciate all the support I received from the rest of my family. Lastly, I would like to thank the XXX for the studentship that allowed me to conduct this thesis.

I would like to thank my esteemed supervisor – Dr. XXX for his invaluable supervision, support and tutelage during the course of my PhD degree. My gratitude extends to the Faculty of XXX for the funding opportunity to undertake my studies at the Department of XXX, University of XXX. Additionally, I would like to express gratitude to Dr. XXX for her treasured support which was really influential in shaping my experiment methods and critiquing my results. I also thank Dr. XXX, Dr. XXX, Dr. XXX for their mentorship. I would like to thank my friends, lab mates, colleagues and research team – XXX, XXX, XXX, XXX for a cherished time spent together in the lab, and in social settings. My appreciation also goes out to my family and friends for their encouragement and support all through my studies.

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15+ Samples of Acknowledgement for Thesis and Dissertation

Here, in this blog post, you can find some of the samples of acknoweldgement for thesis written by students all over the world on different topics. These acknowledgement examples are to inspire you and to show how the thesis is written.

Acknowledgement Examples for School/College Projects

Most popular Acknowledgement For School/College Projects [7 Examples] Acknowledgement for English Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Project Class 11 and 12 Acknowledgement for Project of Class 8, 9 and 10 By subjects Acknowledgement for Accounting Project [3 Examples] Acknowledgement for Business Studies Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Chemistry Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Computer Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Economics Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for English Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Geography Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for History Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Maths Project for Students [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Physics Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Social Science Project [5 Examples] Others Acknowledgement for Group Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Graduation Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Disaster Management Project [3 Examples] Acknowledgement for Yoga Project [3 Samples]

For Acknowledgement for your school/college project you can check out out other posts.

All of these samples of acknowledgement is taken from publicly available documents. Some of these samples are from award winning thesis writings. Here are some beautiful thesis acknowledgement from different writers.

Saying thank you with style

How to write an acknowledgement: the complete guide for students, thesis acknowledgement – sample 1.

This sample of acknowledgement is presented by University of Illinois Graduate College. You can check the full thesis sample here.

Acknowledgement For Thesis – Sample 2

This short acknowledgement is written by Christopher Sipola from University of Edinburgh for his thesis. You can check the full thesis sample here.

University: University of Edinburgh Author: Christopher Sipola Full Thesis Sample: https://project-archive.inf.ed.ac.uk/msc/20172438/msc_proj.pdf

Example of Acknowledgement For Thesis – Sample 3

University:   University of Ottawa Author: Matthew Brillinger Full Thesis Sample: https://ruor.uottawa.ca/bitstream/10393/35312/1/Brillinger_Matthew_2016_Thesis.pdf

Acknowledgement Sample For Thesis – Sample 4

University:   Columbia University Author: Julien Saint Reiman Full Thesis Sample: https://history.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2016/06/Reiman-Julien-Thesis.pdf

Acknowledgement Example For Thesis – Sample 5

Thesis acknowledgement example – sample 6.

University: University of Ottawa Author: Guillaume Thekkadath Full Thesis Sample: https://ruor.uottawa.ca/bitstream/10393/36669/3/Thekkadath_Guillaume_2017_thesis.pdf

Thesis Acknowledgement – Sample 7

Example of thesis acknowledgement – sample 8.

University: Sample Thesis Author: Full Thesis Sample: https://www.cs.siu.edu/files/thesis.pdf

Acknowledgement for Thesis – Sample 9

Sample acknowledgement for thesis – sample 10.

University: The University of Toledo Author: Sample Thesis Full Thesis Sample: https://etd.ohiolink.edu/apexprod/rws_etd/send_file/send?accession=toledo1333741245&disposition=attachment

Sample Acknowledgement for Thesis – Sample 11

University: IOWA STATE University Author: Varsha Ravichandra Mouli Full Thesis Sample: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cs_etd/

Acknowledgement for Thesis – Sample 12

Acknowledgement samples for thesis – sample 13, acknowledgement for thesis – sample 14.

University: Nottingham University Author: Jean D. M. Underwood. Full Thesis Sample: http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/11711/1/325961.pdf

Acknowledgement Samples – Sample 15

University: The University of Western Ontario Author: Katie Hart Full Thesis Sample: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=9356&context=etd

Acknowledgement Samples for Thesis – Sample 16

University: Author: Sristi Karmacharya Full Thesis Sample: https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/bitstream/2438/15029/1/FulltextThesis.pdf%20

Thesis Acknowledgement Samples – Sample 17

University: Brunel Business School Brunel University Author: Kinana Ahmad Jammoul Full Thesis Sample: http://107.170.122.150:8080/xmlui/bitstream/handle/123456789/95/Shristi%20Karmacharya%20Thesis%209881.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

You can take inspiration from these acknowledgement samples to write your own acknowledgement for your project. All these acknowledgement samples are taken from publicly available documents and you can use these as a sample to take inspiration for your project acknowledgement.

More on thesis statements

Jump into these quick guides to write a strong thesis statement in no time. We have included tons of good (and bad) examples to show you how to do it right. A simple formula is included in each article to help you create your strong thesis statement with suggested wordings.

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6 thoughts on “15+ Samples of Acknowledgement for Thesis and Dissertation”

A profpund geatitude for your sample research acknowledfement! It is of great help in the success of my thesis study. God bless!

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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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5 inspiring PhD thesis acknowledgement examples

Crafting a PhD thesis acknowledgement can be a challenging task, but it can also be an enjoyable one. There are no strict rules or guidelines to follow, allowing for creative freedom. However, seeking inspiration from sample acknowledgements can greatly assist in initiating your own writing process. Here are five PhD thesis acknowledgement examples!

PhD thesis acknowledgement example 1

First and foremost, I would like to thank my PhD supervisors, Prof. Xiu Ling and Prof. Frederic Semoas. Their constant support, guidance, and encouragement have been invaluable throughout the entire process. From the initial stages of refining my research proposal to the final submission of my thesis, their unwavering presence and wealth of wisdom have been instrumental in shaping my academic growth. I highly valued the biweekly meetings we held, which not only served as crucial checkpoints to keep me on track academically, but also provided me with plenty of encouragement. I am profoundly grateful for the immeasurable contributions they made to my development.

Among the most memorable highlights of my PhD journey was the opportunity to participate in the Applied Chemistry Summer School in Belfast. This enriching experience would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of Dr. Simone and Dr. Erek. I am deeply grateful for the knowledge, connections, and friendships that were forged during that time.

PhD thesis acknowledgement example 2

It takes a village to raise a child” is a well-known proverb, and I strongly believe that completing a PhD also requires the support of a village. Therefore, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the people who played significant roles in my PhD journey.

Furthermore, I want to thank all the interviewees who generously shared their thoughts and life stories for my research. Without your willingness to participate, my thesis would not have been possible.

PhD thesis acknowledgement example 3

When I embarked on my PhD journey five years ago, little did I know the profound experiences that lay ahead. Fulfilling my long-held dream of pursuing a PhD, time seemed to pass swiftly as I immersed myself in the world of academia. Transitioning from several years in professional practice back to the university environment was both daunting and exhilarating.

During my third and fourth years, I had the privilege of working as a teaching assistant for Prof. Susan Meyers. This role introduced me to the immensely fulfilling world of teaching, from which I gained invaluable knowledge and insights. Prof. Meyers provided exceptional guidance and unwavering support throughout my teaching endeavors.

My greatest aspiration is that my research proves beneficial and contributes to a better understanding of earthquakes. The drive to advance knowledge in this field continues to fuel my motivation and determination. I am deeply grateful to all the individuals mentioned, as none of this would have been possible without their guidance and encouragement. I am excited to see what the future holds.

PhD thesis acknowledgement example 4

Throughout my PhD journey, I have been fortunate to explore various places and experiences. Moving to Chicago, I had the privilege of joining an exceptional literature department, surrounded by individuals who share a deep passion for reading. Relocating to a new city on my own was challenging, but fate led me to forge a wonderful friendship with my flat mate, Loreen. Loreen, I am grateful for your companionship and support from the very beginning of my PhD.

Participating in a three-minute research pitch competition not only pushed me beyond my comfort zone but also introduced me to an incredible partner, Joshua. It is remarkable how life leads us to unexpected places and introduces us to remarkable people when we least expect it.

Grandma and Grandpa, you made immense sacrifices and worked tirelessly to provide a better life for your children and grandchildren. Look how far we have come! Your dedication and resilience continue to inspire me as I reflect on my achievements.

PhD thesis acknowledgement example 5

To Katie, Felicitas, Aron, Xime, and Andy – you are the best PhD crew in the entire department. Together, we have navigated the challenges and celebrated the triumphs, and I am grateful to have had you by my side.

Lastly, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to coffee and my dog Ben. Coffee has fueled countless late nights and early mornings, providing the necessary jolt to keep me going. And Ben, my loyal companion, you have been my faithful reminder to take breaks, dragging me away from my computer and insisting on regular outdoor excursions.

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Dissertation Acknowledgement Examples - 8+ Examples

Thomas Babb

If you’re getting ready to write your dissertation acknowledgement, first of all, congratulations! Writing any thesis is an arduous process, one which you’re nearing the end of. Dissertation acknowledgement examples vary in length and style, mainly due to the fact that you can personalise them to whatever extent you want.

Your dissertation acknowledgement will likely be one of the very last things you write during your dissertation . After you’ve done the brunt of the hard work on actually getting everything down on paper, you now have the challenge of thanking people. Especially for us Brits, this can be a fairly awkward affair, as you don’t want to come off as too ridiculous.

If you’re looking for a helping hand, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll walk you through the main questions to ask yourself when writing your thesis acknowledgements. We’re going to touch upon what the acknowledgement is, different types you could write, who you should include, and even a few perfect dissertation acknowledgement examples to get you started.

You’ll be signing off on your dissertation in no time!

What is a Dissertation Acknowledgement?

An acknowledgement section of your thesis will include a personal thank you to anyone who has helped you along your writing process. This could include personal relations, like a partner or a friend. More commonly, a dissertation acknowledgement will focus on academic help that you’ve had along the way. From professors to lab technicians, this is your moment to give thanks for the hard work everyone has put in.

No one writes a dissertation completely by themselves. While you might have done the heavy academic lifting in coming up with an idea and carrying it through to the end, that doesn’t mean that you’ve been in isolation for the whole process. Normally, there’s someone - or many people - that you want to thank. Some famous dissertation acknowledgement examples even focus on someone’s dog or cat.

Remember, this is your dissertation, you can really thank whoever you want. Just a small warning before you begin writing, be sure to double-check your institution’s guidance. Some universities have specific guidelines for writing acknowledgements. Be sure to look out for anything you can’t include, as well as general guidance for word counts.

But, at the end of the day, this is your piece of writing. While we always suggest you follow recommended guidelines, you can do what you want with your dissertation. Just remember that you can’t change this once submitted, so it's good to be sure you’ve included everyone you want to be mentioned the first time around.

Professional and Academic Acknowledgements in a Dissertation

No dissertation is completed in isolation. From people who read through your work to academic supervisors who guided you through the project, there are plenty of people to thank. Use your dissertation acknowledgements to give thanks to these people. When naming, be sure to stick to full names and titles.

After a lengthy writing process, it’s likely that you’re on a first-name basis with your supervisor. However, it’s good practice to use their title and full name to credit them.

There is no hard or fast rule in this section, but be sure to give thanks to those people that really helped you out. Consider mentioning:

• Dissertation supervisors - These are the people that have guided you through the whole process. Without them and their help, you might not have ended up with such a strong final piece of work. Out of absolutely everyone, these people are the ones that are most commonly thanked in dissertation acknowledgement examples.
• Academic staff who directly contributed to the project, perhaps lab technicians or your research group - Don’t forget about people who were there for you. Not everyone has to be a fundamental piece of the puzzle, but the fact that they helped you should metric a line or two in your thesis acknowledgements.
• Colleagues that helped you in your research or proofread your project - Friends often help you in more ways than one during your academic research. From actively helping in your project by providing guidance or proofreading to maybe just being there when you needed it, friends go a long way. Be sure to name-drop those that were there for you.

One important factor to take into account is that if you have received any funding, you should credit them as well. Even if it’s only one sentence, it’s important to pay thanks to the benefactors of your project.

Consider concluding with, “I give additional thanks to X Foundation, which granted me the opportunity to undertake this study”. This also applies to the university that you’re working under, it’s always a good idea to give thanks to your own institution.

These are slightly more formal requirements, but will almost always appear in professional dissertation acknowledgement examples for this reason.

Personal Acknowledgements in a Dissertation

Your thesis also provides an opportunity to acknowledge your close circle, giving thanks to the important people in your life who got you through it. Although writing a master’s thesis, PhD thesis, or dissertation thesis is an academic process, the mental side also requires support.

Take this as an opportunity to thank the people who made the process any easier for you. Once again, it’s unlikely that you did the whole process in complete isolation. Even if these people didn’t actively help with your work, it’s important to note that they could have helped on the mental side.

From taking a break to go for a drink with your friends to talking through the emotional weight of completing your dissertation project with your partner, being around people can help in more ways than one. If you benefitted from their help, be sure to thank:

• Your partner
• Close friends that supported you through the process
• Your family

Across these categories, you should devote a paragraph or two to giving out some praise. Remember, these people were there for you. The least you can do is mention them by name in the final draft of your thesis!

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How to Write a Dissertation Acknowledgement

Now you know who you’re going to mention, it’s time to get writing! There are some key things to remember. First of all, the style of writing should be more informal than the actual dissertation. Make sure to use the first person (I) and employ emotive language where you can. You want to make sure you show your gratitude!

When mentioning names, there are two styles you can follow. The first of these is to move through alphabetical order. This keeps everything in an easy-to-read fashion, while also avoiding any semblance of bias.

However, you could also opt for giving thanks in order of importance. Of course, some people are more essential in your project than others. Your acknowledgements could reflect this by starting with the person who has helped you most. Your supervisor would be a good place to begin.

Although there is no hard and fast rule when discussing acknowledgement length, it’s a good idea to keep it under one page. This will be the first thing your examiners read when working through your thesis. Due to this, it’s best to get straight to the point, thank who you need, and move onto the project!

Once again, we want to make sure you know that you can structure or handle your dissertation acknowledgements in any way you would like. If you’re ready to show the love, make it a five-page letter. If you want to keep it short and sweet, a few sentences will do. It's always good to consult an English tutor to ensure your acknowledgements are clear, grammatically correct and well-written.

As we’ll show you now, dissertation acknowledgement examples come in all shapes and sizes.

Dissertation Acknowledgement Examples

Once you’ve worked out who you need to thank and the style you’re going to use, it’s time to get writing. If you’re still a little stuck, here are some examples from our senior Oxbridge tutors to get you going!

Dissertation Acknowledge Example One – Strictly Academic

I would like to give thanks to my supervisors, Dr. X and Prof. Y, for their enduring support and much-appreciated advice throughout my dissertation. Without their invaluable guidance, this project would not have been possible. The University of X Y Department also receives my deepest gratitude, with continual support, guidance and academic advice from the whole faculty, forming a treasured part of this dissertation. Finally, this project would not have taken place without the support of the X Foundation. I give my thanks to all involved.

Dissertation Acknowledge Example Two – Mixed Personal and Academic

First of all, I’d like to express my deepest gratuities to the X scholarship funded by the X for their ongoing support. I would also like to extend my thanks to Prof. X, who kept me on the right track while also ensuring the project was enjoyable and productive. I could not have done this without them. I have to also mention my family, without their constant love and support, I would not be in the position I am today.

If you need any help with crafting your acknowledgements section, be sure to reach out to one of our expert online tutors .

Dissertation Acknowledge Example Three

Thank you to Dr. X from the University of Y for their generosity during my project. I’m boundlessly thankful for their help and guidance throughout the toughest stages of this dissertation.

Big thanks to my partner Z, who often brought me coffee and snacks while I was sitting in my chair for what seemed like hours. There’s no better soundboard than you, and I’m eternally grateful for all your support throughout this project.

Dissertation Acknowledge Example Four

We are grateful for the prolonged support of Dr X, professor in Y at the University of Z. Without their help, guidance, useful comments, and suggestions, we would not have ended up with a well-versed piece of writing. To Mrs X, who helped to edit and critique our work, we extend a big thank you.

To all of the many colleagues that persuaded us to follow this line of inquiry and provided us with a continual course of constructive criticism. It would be difficult to name them all, but we extend our thanks to everyone that was involved in our project.

Of course, we cannot end our acknowledgements without thanking our partners. Their insight and guidance were the shining light that beckoned us through our research project.

Finally, we turn to the department of X at the university of Y for their countless hours of support across our extended education.

Dissertation Acknowledge Example Five - Itemised List of Contributors.

I am very grateful to the entire network of members that participated in this project:

Professor X (University of Y), Professor X (University of Y), Professor X (University of Y), Name Last Name (University of Y), Professor X (University of Y), Name Last Name (University of Y), and of course, Professor X (University of Y).

A special thanks goes out to Professor X (University of Y), who was the lead supervisor on my thesis and to whom I owe a great deal of gratitude for their shining advice and constant compassion.

Dissertation Acknowledge Example Six

I am grateful to the entire Collective of Departments and the X team for giving me access to the Y resources that made this project possible. A big thanks goes out to Name Last name and Name Last name in particular, for the opportunity to work together on such an exciting project, one that has been near to my heart for quite some time.

Thanks to the X department for facilitating access to the collections and granting me permission to use images 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, and 42 across this research project. The showcase of artefacts and documents from the Y collections were also vital in this study, with my thanks going out to the team for allowing me to spend hours in their facilities.

A very special thanks to Professor X for helping to meticulously check my work, pointing out new directions for research and guiding me to a stronger final conclusion. Finally, I turn to my partner Y, without who I would never have been able to finish this dissertation.

To all those mentioned and those that have slipped my mind, I thank you.

Dissertation Acknowledge Seven - Short and Sweet

I would like to thank all contributors that added to this project, especially Prof. X, who was my main supervisor.

Dissertation Acknowledge Example Eight

The research behind this project was funded by the XYZ Institution. My first thanks goes to them for giving me the opportunity to conduct such a detailed investigation of this topic. Equally, I acknowledge the support given to me by the University of X, including the head of the department of Y, Dr. X Y. Their guidance and ongoing support for the last three years have turned a turbulent period in my life into one that I treasure.

I’m eternally grateful to those that contributed to this project. To my close friends, Name Name and Name Name, both of which I turned to when I was struggling getting pen to paper, I extend my thanks.

Of course, I could not have finished this dissertation without emotional support from my partner, Name Name, who got me through the many ups and downs of the process.

Final Thoughts

No matter which dissertation acknowledgement example you end up using as your guide, the most important thing to remember is that you should fill the section with genuine gratitude. Whether you go all out or just write one or two lines, make sure to get in the people that really matter to you.

While finishing a dissertation is a time to rejoice and feel proud of yourself, you should also make sure you thank those that got you there. We also recommend that you check out our guide on how to write an acknowledgement for a dissertation , which includes some of the very best tips that you can turn to.

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Written by: Thomas Babb

Thomas is a PhD candidate at Oxford University. He served as an interviewer and the lead admissions test marker at Oxford, and teaches undergraduate students at Mansfield College and St Hilda’s College. He has ten years’ experience tutoring A-Level and GCSE students across a range of subjects.

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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.

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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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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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Academia Bees

Acknowledgement Sample for University Project (5 Samples)

July 21, 2023

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By Mohsin Khurshid

Welcome to our comprehensive collection of acknowledgement samples for university projects. Writing acknowledgements can be a meaningful way to express gratitude to those who have supported and contributed to your academic endeavors. In this article, we present five thoughtfully crafted samples that can serve as inspiration for your own acknowledgements.

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Sample 1: Acknowledgement for University Project (General)
• 1.2 Sample 2: Acknowledgement for Individual University Project
• 1.3 Sample 3: Acknowledgement for Group University Project
• 1.4 Sample 4: Short University Project Acknowledgement
• 1.5 Sample 5: Long University Project Acknowledgement
• 3 Conclusion

5 Best Samples of Acknowledgement for University Project

Here are the top 5 acknowledgements that you can use in your university projects.

Sample 1: Acknowledgement for University Project (General)

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have contributed to the successful completion of this university project. First and foremost, I would like to express my deep appreciation to my esteemed professors and mentors for their invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and encouragement throughout this journey. Their expertise and insights have been instrumental in shaping the direction of this project and expanding my knowledge in the subject matter.

I am also immensely thankful to my fellow classmates and friends who provided valuable feedback and constructive criticism, which greatly improved the quality of my work. Their discussions and brainstorming sessions have been incredibly beneficial, inspiring new ideas and approaches.

Furthermore, I would like to acknowledge the support and understanding of my family and loved ones. Their encouragement and belief in me have been a constant source of motivation, propelling me forward during challenging times.

Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to the university administration and all the resources available on campus, which have facilitated the smooth execution of this project.

I am honored to have had such incredible individuals and resources to rely on, and I am deeply thankful for their contributions to this project.

Sample 2: Acknowledgement for Individual University Project

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported and guided me throughout this individual university project.

First and foremost, I extend my thanks to my esteemed professor [Professor’s Name], whose expertise and encouragement have been invaluable. Their mentorship has not only enriched my understanding of the subject matter but also inspired me to push the boundaries of my capabilities.

I would also like to acknowledge the support and cooperation of my fellow classmates, who have been instrumental in providing constructive feedback and engaging in stimulating discussions. Their insights and perspectives have played a significant role in shaping the final outcome of this project.

I am also deeply thankful to my family and friends for their unwavering belief in my abilities and for being a constant source of motivation. Their encouragement has given me the strength to overcome challenges and pursue excellence in my work.

Lastly, I express my gratitude to the university for providing me with access to a wealth of resources, including the library, research facilities, and various academic support services, which have been instrumental in the successful completion of this project.

In conclusion, I am grateful to everyone who has played a role in making this project possible. Their unwavering support and belief in me have been invaluable, and I am truly fortunate to have such incredible individuals in my life.

Sample 3: Acknowledgement for Group University Project

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to all the individuals and organizations who have contributed to the successful completion of this group university project.

First and foremost, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to our esteemed professors and mentors for their unwavering support, valuable guidance, and insightful feedback throughout the duration of this project. Their expertise and encouragement have been pivotal in shaping the direction of our work and have inspired us to deliver our best.

We would also like to acknowledge the collaborative efforts and contributions of each member of our group. Working together as a team has not only enriched our project with diverse perspectives but has also fostered a spirit of camaraderie and mutual support. Each member’s unique skills and dedication have played a crucial role in achieving our shared goals.

Furthermore, we are grateful to our friends and family for their understanding, encouragement, and encouragement throughout this endeavor. Their constant support has been a source of motivation during challenging times.

Lastly, we would like to thank the university administration for providing us with access to essential resources and facilities, which have been instrumental in the successful execution of our project.

Check out Acknowledgement Samples for Graduation Project .

Sample 4: Short University Project Acknowledgement

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have contributed to the successful completion of this university project. Your support and guidance have been invaluable, and we are thankful for your contributions to our work.

Special thanks to our esteemed professor for their valuable insights and feedback, which have significantly enriched our project. We also want to acknowledge the support of our classmates and friends, whose encouragement and assistance have been greatly appreciated.

Lastly, we express our gratitude to our families for their understanding and belief in our abilities. Your unwavering support has been a constant source of motivation throughout this journey.

Sample 5: Long University Project Acknowledgement

We would like to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude and appreciation to all the individuals and institutions who have played a significant role in the successful completion of this university project. This project would not have been possible without the collective effort and support of numerous people, and we would like to acknowledge their contributions with the utmost sincerity.

First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our esteemed professors and mentors for their continuous guidance, unwavering support, and valuable insights. Their profound knowledge and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the direction of this project and have challenged us to think critically and creatively.

We also want to acknowledge the efforts and dedication of our fellow students and colleagues who have been part of this journey. The collaboration and exchange of ideas among our peers have been enriching, and we are grateful for the spirit of camaraderie that has driven us forward.

Furthermore, we express our appreciation to the university administration for providing us with the necessary resources, facilities, and research opportunities. Their constant support has facilitated the smooth execution of our project and enabled us to delve deeper into our area of study.

Additionally, we want to extend our thanks to the individuals who participated in interviews, surveys, or data collection, without whom our research would not have been possible. Your valuable contributions have added depth and credibility to our findings.

Moreover, we are indebted to our friends and family for their unwavering encouragement and belief in our abilities. Their emotional support has been a pillar of strength, especially during challenging times.

Lastly, we are grateful to the authors and researchers whose work has served as a foundation for our study. Their groundbreaking research and scholarly contributions have inspired us and provided the framework for our analysis.

In conclusion, we humbly acknowledge and express our heartfelt thanks to each and every person who has contributed to this project. Your support and encouragement have been invaluable, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to undertake this endeavor.

You may also like to know how to write acknowledgement for research papers .

To write an acknowledgement for your university project, start by expressing gratitude to the individuals and institutions that have supported you throughout the project. Be sincere and specific in acknowledging their contributions and support.

While the core content of the acknowledgement can remain the same, it is essential to tailor it according to the nature of the project. For an individual project, use “I” in the acknowledgement, whereas for a group project, use “we” to acknowledge the collective effort.

It is not necessary to include the names of all your classmates individually. You can use a more general statement to acknowledge the collective effort of your group members.

The length of the acknowledgement can vary depending on your preference and the nature of your project. It can be a few paragraphs or a page-long expression of gratitude.

Yes, you can certainly include your family members in the acknowledgement to express appreciation for their support and encouragement throughout your academic journey.

While it is essential to acknowledge significant contributors, you do not need to mention every person who has provided minor assistance. Focus on acknowledging those whose support has been critical to the success of your project.

There is no strict formatting or structure required for the acknowledgement. However, ensure that it is well-organized, sincere, and clearly expresses your appreciation.

Yes, you can incorporate quotes or phrases from famous authors that resonate with the theme of your project. Just be sure to properly attribute the quotes and give credit to the original authors.

The acknowledgement is usually not included in the formal grading of the project. However, it is an essential part of academic integrity and reflects your professionalism and gratitude.

While it is essential to maintain a respectful tone, you can use language that reflects your personality and sincerity. Strike a balance between formality and authenticity in your acknowledgement.

Crafting a sincere and well-written acknowledgement is an essential aspect of any university project. It allows you to show appreciation and recognize the contributions of those who have made your academic journey possible. The samples provided in this article can serve as a foundation for your acknowledgements, but feel free to personalize them to make them truly reflective of your journey and the support you’ve received.

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