acknowledgement for brother in thesis

Acknowledgement for Thesis [Sample and Best Practice]

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What is Acknowledgement in Thesis?

Writing a thesis is a significant milestone in a student’s academic journey. A vital component of a thesis is the acknowledgement section, which is often overlooked but holds immense importance. The acknowledgement section is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and recognition towards the individuals and organizations that have contributed to the completion of the thesis.

What is the purpose of acknowledgment and why it is important for thesis?

The purpose of the acknowledgement section in a thesis is to show appreciation to those who have supported and assisted the student in their research and writing process. This section provides an opportunity for the student to express their gratitude towards their supervisor, committee members, advisors, peers, friends, and family who have played a role in their academic journey. It also allows the student to acknowledge any financial support, resources, or facilities provided by institutions or organizations.

Acknowledgement in a thesis serves as a gesture of respect and gratitude towards those who have contributed to the student’s success. It is a way of recognizing the support and guidance received throughout the research and writing process. By acknowledging the contributions of others, the student acknowledges the collective effort that has gone into the completion of the thesis.

The importance of the acknowledgement section in a thesis cannot be understated. It is a way of paying tribute to the individuals and organizations that have supported and mentored the student, and it also reflects the student’s character and humility.

Additionally, it serves as a record of the student’s network and support system during their academic pursuit, and can also serve as a means of building and maintaining professional relationships in the academic community.

How to write best acknowledgement for thesis?

Here are some tips to write an effective acknowledgement for your thesis:

• Be Genuine and Sincere : Your acknowledgments should reflect genuine gratitude towards those who have contributed to your research journey. Avoid generic or insincere expressions of thanks.
• Personalize Your Thanks : Tailor your acknowledgments to acknowledge each individual’s specific contributions and support. Highlight unique experiences or insights they provided.
• Include Key Contributors : Acknowledge individuals who have directly contributed to your research, such as supervisors, mentors, collaborators, and participants. This could include academic advisors, industry professionals, field experts, or research assistants.
• Specify Contributions : Clearly articulate the contributions of each individual or group you’re acknowledging. Whether it’s providing guidance, sharing expertise, offering logistical support, or participating in discussions, specify how each person has helped you.
• Maintain Professionalism : While acknowledgments can be personal, maintain a professional tone and avoid overly informal language or inside jokes. Remember, this section is part of your academic work.
• Express Gratitude to Institutions : Acknowledge any institutions, organizations, or funding agencies that supported your research, providing grants, scholarships, or access to resources.
• Consider Cultural Sensitivities : Be mindful of cultural norms and sensitivities when expressing gratitude. Tailor your acknowledgments to reflect cultural expectations or customs, as appropriate.
• Proofread Carefully : Ensure your acknowledgments are free of grammatical errors and typos. Take the time to review and edit this section to ensure clarity and coherence.
• Maintain Balance : While it’s important to acknowledge those who have contributed significantly to your research, avoid overwhelming your acknowledgments with a long list of names. Prioritize key contributors and groups while being respectful of space limitations.
• Conclude with a General Expression of Thanks : After acknowledging specific individuals and groups, conclude your acknowledgments with a general expression of gratitude to anyone else who supported you in your academic journey. This could include family, friends, colleagues, or anyone else who provided encouragement or assistance.

Similar Guide: Writing acknowledgement best practice

Best Acknowledgement for Thesis

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Maya Singh, Professor, and Chair of the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology for granting me the opportunity to pursue this research endeavor.

I am indebted to my mentors, Professor Dr. Arjun Sharma from the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, for his unwavering guidance, invaluable advice, and relentless support throughout the course of this study.

Special thanks are due to Dr. Priya Patel, CEO of Environmental Solutions Ltd., for her generous provision of logistical support and invaluable insights, which greatly facilitated the successful execution of my research.

I express my deepest appreciation to Mr. Rajiv Gupta, Environmental Scientist at Environmental Solutions Ltd., Mr. Ankit Joshi, Environmental Engineer at Environmental Solutions Ltd., Ms. Priyanka Sharma, and Mr. Kevin Chen, Research Assistant at Stanford University, for their continuous assistance and support. Without their dedication and cooperation, this study would not have been possible.

I am also grateful to the entire team at Environmental Solutions Ltd. for their cooperation and assistance during the data collection process.

Special thanks go to Dr. Rahul Verma, Associate Professor at Delhi University, and Ms. Neha Kapoor, Environmental Consultant at Green Earth Solutions, for their encouragement and guidance throughout this project.

I would also like to extend my appreciation to my classmates from the Environmental Science program, as well as my friends, Rahul Singh, Ananya Mishra, and Deepak Sharma, for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout this journey.

Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my family, especially my elder brother Rohit, for his unwavering support and encouragement throughout my academic pursuits. His love and encouragement have been my greatest source of strength.

Acknowledgements for Thesis Example

I am profoundly grateful to the generous collaboration of numerous individuals whose collective efforts, wisdom, and warmth have imbued this thesis with depth and significance. Each person has left an indelible mark on this journey, contributing their unique perspectives and unwavering support. With deep gratitude, I extend my heartfelt acknowledgments, hopeful that this thesis may serve the cause of sustainable rural development in Madhya Pradesh.

First and foremost, I extend my sincere appreciation to the resilient farmers of Madhya Pradesh, whose resilience, patience, and hospitality have been the bedrock of this study. Their insights and experiences have been invaluable, shaping the very essence and direction of my research.

I owe a debt of gratitude to Mohan Patel for his pivotal suggestion to connect with Dr. Anjali Deshmukh and pursue an internship at the Madhya Pradesh Rural Development Institute (MPRDI). I am immensely thankful to Dr. Anjali Deshmukh, my mentor, whose guidance and mentorship have illuminated my path in rural development, offering invaluable advice and enlightening discussions.

Special thanks are extended to Rajesh Singh for his friendship, hospitality, and profound conversations, as well as for providing me with the opportunity to present my findings at MPRDI. I also extend my gratitude to Prakash Gupta for his expertise, passion, and invaluable guidance, and to Rani Devi for her companionship in the field and insightful discussions.

I express my heartfelt appreciation to Om Prakash, Mukesh Kumar, Sunita Devi, Ramesh Patel, and Kamla Bai for generously sharing their knowledge, engaging in insightful discussions, and offering invaluable advice. My gratitude also goes to Raju Verma, Rameshwar Singh, Vijay Kumar, Deepak Yadav, and Babita Devi for their kindness, sharing their invaluable field experiences, and the cherished moments we spent together.

Special thanks are due to Rajesh Sharma, Rajni Devi, Nirmala Bai, and Ravi Kumar for their assistance, which significantly enriched my understanding of local practices and challenges. I also extend my gratitude to Shanti Devi and Santosh Kumar for their unwavering support and guidance throughout my fieldwork in MPRDI.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to Vikas, Sunil, and Anil for their companionship during our travels across rural communities, driven by their passion for positive change. I also express my gratitude to Kamlesh Devi for our enriching discussions, camaraderie, and friendship.

Furthermore, I extend my appreciation to all participants of the seminars in Bhopal, whose generosity in allowing me to share my findings and providing invaluable feedback has been invaluable. I am particularly grateful to everyone who facilitated the dialogue between MPRDI and local stakeholders regarding the results presented in this thesis.

Note: All names and institutions mentioned here are fictional and used for sample purposes only.

Related: 

• Acknowledgement for Dissertation
• Acknowledgement in Research Paper

Best Practice

In addition to listing contributions, briefly mention how each person’s support or expertise impacted your research or personal growth. This adds depth to your acknowledgments and shows genuine appreciation for their role in your academic journey. For example, you could mention specific insights gained from discussions, how their guidance shaped your methodology, or how their support bolstered your confidence during challenging times. This not only highlights the significance of their contributions but also reinforces the depth of your gratitude.

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Thesis Acknowledgements Examples

5 Examples For Your Inspiration

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

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

Overview: Acknowledgements Examples

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

Acknowledgements 101: The Basics

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

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

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

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

Need a helping hand?

Example #1: Formal and Professional

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

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

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

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

Example #2: Warm and Personal

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

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

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

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

Example #3: Inclusive of Challenges

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

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

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

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

Example #4: Institution-Centric

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

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

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

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

Example #5: Reflective and philosophical

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

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

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

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

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

FREE Acknowledgements Template

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

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• Thesis & Dissertation Acknowledgements | Tips & Examples

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

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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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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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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How to write a unique thesis acknowledgement (+ FAQs)

Crafting a thesis acknowledgement is typically one of the final steps in completing a thesis. This post aims to assist you in gaining insights and guidance by addressing common questions related to thesis acknowledgements. By doing so, it enables you to create a distinct and meaningful acknowledgment section that reflects your gratitude and appreciation.

What is a thesis acknowledgement?

Do i need a thesis acknowledgement.

While a thesis acknowledgement is typically not a mandatory requirement, omitting it might not be seen positively. Writing a thesis almost always involves some form of assistance or support, whether from a supervisor, family, or friends.

Who should I thank in my thesis acknowledgment?

The thesis acknowledgement offers flexibility, but thanking your thesis supervisor/s is an absolute must—non-negotiable. It would be highly unusual to omit their appreciation.

Apart from these essentials, you have the freedom to thank anyone you desire. Common mentions include parents, partners, friends, peers, and colleagues. Some may even extend gratitude to pets or coffee! Injecting humor is acceptable, but maintaining a certain level of formality is advised, as explained in the subsequent section.

How to deal with a thesis supervisor with whom I had a challenging relationship in my thesis acknowledgement?

How can i make my thesis acknowledgement uniquely personal.

Once you have decided whom to thank in your thesis acknowledgement, consider going beyond generic expressions of gratitude. Making your acknowledgements more personal and specific can make them truly special. Instead of simply thanking someone for their guidance and support, include examples that highlight the unique contributions of those individuals.

By providing concrete examples, your acknowledgements become more heartfelt and memorable, showing the genuine impact of each person you thank.

How formal should a thesis acknowledgement be?

Remember that your thesis is an academic work, and the acknowledgement should not detract from its academic merit. Focus on expressing gratitude to those who contributed to your academic journey in a professional and appropriate manner.

To what extent should I express personal sentiments in my thesis acknowledgement?

And of course make sure that the information you reveal about the people you thank, they are also comfortable with it. You should not, for instance, describe your messy breakup with a person and even worse naming the person by name. Instead, you can write something more neutral in a way that people who know you well still know what you mean. For instance, you could thank your friends for always being there for you during challenging times, which you are grateful for.

How should I structure my thesis acknowledgement?

The second approach involves structuring the acknowledgement based on the nature of relationships, ranging from formal to personal. Here, you begin by expressing thanks to your formal supervisors and professors who played a significant role in shaping your research, then move on to more informal yet professional mentors. Subsequently, you extend your gratitude to friends, family, and, if applicable, your partner or spouse.

How long should a thesis acknowledgement be?

For bachelor or master theses, the average length typically ranges from 100 to 250 words, equivalent to about half a page.

PhD thesis acknowledgements, on the other hand, tend to be longer, given the extended duration of PhD research. The average length for a PhD thesis acknowledgement ranges from 250 to 1000 words, or approximately half a page to 2 pages.

Where is the thesis acknowledgement located?

When formatting your document, it’s advisable to insert blank pages to maintain a proper layout in the printed version, especially when double-paged printing is used. To achieve this layout, page 1 is reserved for the title page, page 2 is often left empty, and page 3 contains the thesis acknowledgement. Additionally, page four is frequently left blank as well. This arrangement enhances the reading experience of the printed version and provides a more polished appearance to the document.

Where can I find examples of thesis acknowledgements?

Master academia, get new content delivered directly to your inbox, how to thrive in academia as an extrovert, how to end a professional email in a university setting, related articles, sample emails to your thesis supervisor, dealing with conflicting feedback from different supervisors, how to write a fantastic thesis introduction (+15 examples), 5 inspiring phd thesis acknowledgement examples.

How to Write an Acknowledgment for a Thesis

You’re almost there. You’ve finished your research, you’ve written your thesis, you’ve formatted your work and bibliography , and now you can see yourself in a cap and gown, the newly minted holder of a master’s degree or PhD.

You put in the work—but you didn’t get there alone. Like every protagonist in a literary journey, a cast of characters helped you along the way. The place to recognize them is in the acknowledgment section of your thesis. Read on to learn how to write an acknowledgment for a thesis.

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What is an acknowledgment for a thesis?

An acknowledgment for a thesis is a short section within the thesis that recognizes the people who supported its author through their work. This includes the author’s colleagues as well as family members and friends.

Although an acknowledgment section is not a required part of a thesis or dissertation , writing one is generally considered to be good etiquette, for a few reasons:

• Although you did the bulk of the work on your thesis, others provided support that made it easier—and in some cases, made it possible—for you to conduct your research and complete your thesis.
• In many cases, the people who supported you are the people you will seek out for collaboration on future projects. Acknowledging their role in supporting you through your thesis is a way to build goodwill and avoid offending anybody by making them feel snubbed.

When should you include an acknowledgment in your thesis

Include an acknowledgment in your thesis if anybody helped you conduct your research. Think holistically about this—while you might have conducted the research completely on your own, it’s likely that a lot of people in your life made the process easier for you in some way. For example, your parents might have contributed to your rent each month so you could focus on your work, or your best friend might have met up with you for late-night vent and movie sessions to bring you back up for air after intense study and writing periods.

The reason why most graduates include an acknowledgment in their thesis is to show their gratitude for the people who helped them through the long, academically challenging process of completing their work. For many, it’s also an investment in the future. The people who helped you on the way to this point will often become your colleagues or collaborators, and remembering them now can earn their goodwill later.

Who should be acknowledged?

Anybody who worked on your thesis with you or otherwise made your life easier during that period should be acknowledged. One easy way to make sure you don’t leave anybody out is to write a list of everybody who played a role in you completing your work, no matter how small their contribution.

Once you’ve got your list, divide it into two categories: professional and personal acknowledgments.

Professional acknowledgments

Professional acknowledgments should include everybody who supported you in a professional capacity, like your adviser, colleagues, lab assistants, research participants, and any individuals or groups who funded your work. For this last category, note how much each funding body contributed and any additional relevant details, like the specific aspects of your work made possible by their contributions. When you write your thesis acknowledgment, this section goes first.

Personal acknowledgements

Personal acknowledgements includes everybody who supported you in a non-professional capacity. Their support is no less important than the first group’s support, but it is quite different. In this section, acknowledge your partner, family, and friends for their motivation and support. This is also the section where you can recognize anybody who inspired you to pursue your research or influenced you.

3 tips for writing an acknowledgment for a thesis

An acknowledgment is generally about a page long, though it can be longer or shorter. There’s no strict length limit for acknowledgments; take as much space as necessary to thank everybody whose help and support made your thesis possible. However, this part of your thesis should not go on ad nauseam: Keeping it to one page or less is preferable.

A thesis acknowledgment typically comes after the work’s abstract and before its table of contents. However, this isn’t always the case—check to see if your university has specific guidelines for thesis formatting.

Use an appreciative , professional tone. For each professional acknowledgment, include the individual’s full name and title. For personal acknowledgments, avoid nicknames and any sappy or overly sentimental language.

Thesis acknowledgment example

I am deeply indebted to my kind, motivated supervisor, Dr. Andres Gutierrez. From the moment I proposed this project to my thesis defense, he has provided valuable feedback that pushed me to take my work further than I thought it could go.

Many thanks to my colleagues, Andrea Sycho, MA, and Elizabeth Zain. They were the best sounding boards and providers of constructive feedback I could ask for. I truly appreciate every conversation we had and every piece of moral support I received.

Finally, I’d like to thank my family. Mom and Dad, you’ve known this has been my goal since childhood, and you’ve supported me every step of the way. Thank you for always being there for me.

Thesis acknowledgment FAQs

What is it.

A thesis acknowledgment is a brief section within a thesis that recognizes the people who supported the thesis’s author, professionally and personally, as they completed the work.

Acknowledge everybody who played a role in the completion of your research, no matter how directly or indirectly involved they were. This includes your supervisors, colleagues, assistants, and funding bodies as well as family and friends who provided moral and material support.

What are some tips for acknowledgments in your thesis?

In a thesis acknowledgment, maintain a professional tone. It doesn’t need to be stuffy or stilted, but it also should not be overly conversational.

List professional acknowledgments before personal acknowledgments. When listing professional collaborators, influences, supervisors, and helpers, list each individual’s full name and title.

Keep the acknowledgment concise. It should not exceed one page.

Reference management. Clean and simple.

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.

• How it works

How to Write Dissertation Acknowledgements

Published by Owen Ingram at August 13th, 2021 , Revised On July 29, 2024

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

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

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

Dissertation Acknowledgement Example

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

You can use the following examples of common sentences in acknowledgements to get you started:

• I want to thank my supervisor, ABC (their name here) for his/her guidance through each stage of the process.
• I want to acknowledge Professor S. Jobs for inspiring my interest in the development of innovative technologies.
• My research partner, Dr Jane Goodall, was instrumental in defining the path of my research. For this, I am extremely grateful.

If you are really stuck and still unsure about writing dissertation acknowledgements, begin each sentence with “I would like to thank…”, and elaborate on how each person or group contributed.

Similarly, it would help to go through some other small as well as big acknowledgement samples to help get you started with this brief, stress-free section of your dissertation

ResearchProspect is a UK registered firm providing academic support and assistance to undergraduate, Masters and PhD students.

Whether you need help with your dissertation writing service , essay writing service, assignment writing service , poster , or just the research process, our expert writers can do the hard work for you so you can sit back and relax. To place your order, please head to our online order or contact us via email – [email protected] or telecom – +44 141 628 7786 to discuss your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of a dissertation acknowledgement.

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

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How to Write Acknowledgements for a Thesis

Last Updated: January 19, 2023

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 20,537 times.

The acknowledgements section of your thesis provides you with an opportunity to thank anyone who supported you during the research and writing process. Before writing your acknowledgements, it's helpful to first choose who exactly you want to include. Then, you can construct your acknowledgements using the right tone and language to properly thank those who contributed to and supported your work in both academic and personal ways.

Choosing Who to Thank

• If you choose not to include funders or advisors in your acknowledgements, you could risk insulting them. This could prevent them from working with you in the future, and could even lead them to refuse to write you any letters of recommendation.
• In many cases, you'll have 1 academic advisor who is the chair of your thesis review committee, and then 2 or 3 additional faculty members who serve as secondary co-advisors. If this is the case, make sure that you include your secondary co-advisors in addition to your chair.

• This could be other faculty members, fellow students, research assistants, archivists, librarians, or other institutional personnel who assisted in the research and writing process in any way.
• Professional contributors could include people who read and reviewed your work, helped facilitate research, or talked through challenging concepts and ideas with you throughout the thesis-writing process.

• For example, while you may be close with and enjoy seeing a particular cousin or childhood friend, if they weren't actively supporting you during this time, you likely won't have space to include them in your acknowledgements.

• If a well-known academic in your field was particularly inspirational but did not read your work, you can also mention them in your acknowledgements if you have space to do so.

• If your faith is particularly important to you, you could also consider dedicating your thesis to the higher power you believe in. This could be done within the acknowledgments, or on a separate dedication page depending on your institution's formatting preferences.

• If someone was a great influence in your life but didn't contribute to your thesis directly, you could consider writing them a personal letter or email instead of including them in your acknowledgements.

Constructing Your Acknowledgements

• While there's no set rule about acknowledgement order, in general, funders are thanked first for their financial support, then academic supervisors, followed by other academics and professionals, as well as colleagues and classmates.

• If you're afraid that your personal supporters might be offended by being acknowledged last, you could explain to them that this is a professional courtesy.

• Since your academic advisor was likely a big part of your research and writing process, you'll likely want to expand on how they helped you. For example, you could write, “I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Timothy Kelly, for his guidance and prompt feedback throughout this process.”

• In contrast, you can include only first names for your personal acknowledgements if you choose.

Using the Right Tone and Language

• If you focus on your own accomplishments too much, you could risk coming off as a bit smug. Instead, let the quality of your work speak for itself and use the acknowledgements to focus on others.

• This is particularly important to keep in mind when you thank your academic peers or faculty members that you've developed a personal relationship with, as it can be tempting to write too casually in these instances. [16] X Research source
• For example, to thank your advisor, you could write, “I could not have completed this work without the unwavering support of my chair, Dr. Sherre McWhorter. Dr. McWhorter, your patience and guidance made this work possible.”

• If your parents provided substantial support for you during this process, thank them in a personal manner by saying something like, “It is impossible to extend enough thanks to my family, especially my parents, who gave me the encouragement I needed throughout this process.”
• Instead of naming each of your friends individually, you could try thanking them collectively in a more casual manner. For example, you could write, “To my friends, this would have been a much more difficult feat without you. Thank you all for your unwavering support and for reminding me to take breaks and have fun when I’ve been stressed out.”

• If you want to thank someone for their support in a more emotional, personal manner, try thanking them in person or with a handwritten letter.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/acknowledgements/
• ↑ https://www.phdstudent.com/Writing-Tips/writing-acknowledgements-your-personal-gratitude
• ↑ Jeremiah Kaplan. Research & Training Specialist. Expert Interview. 2 September 2021.
• ↑ https://elc.polyu.edu.hk/FYP/html/ack.htm

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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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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.

These thesis are written for different subjects by different students from different countries. The examples vary in length, style, and substance depending upon the writer.

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.

University: University of Illinois Graduate College Author: Sample Full Thesis Sample: https://grad.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/samplethesispages.pdf

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

Acknowledgement samples for thesis – sample 16, 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.

Other Popular Acknowledgement Examples

For work or business Acknowledgement Receipt of Payment [4 Examples] Acknowledging Receipt of Documents: A Quick Guide with Examples Acknowledgement for Presentation [9 Examples] Acknowledgement for Job Offer [3 Examples] Acknowledgement for Business Plan [4 Examples] Acknowledgement for Work Immersion [5 Examples] Acknowledgement of Receipt of Appraisal [3 Examples] Acknowledegment of Debt [5 Examples] Resignation Acknowledgement for Employers [5 Examples]

Academic Acknowledgement for Research Paper [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Internship Report [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Thesis and Dissertation [15 Examples] Acknowledgement for Portfolio [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Case Study [4 Examples] Acknowledgement for Academic Research Paper [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for College/School Assignment [5 Examples] Acknowledgemet to God in Reports [5 Examples]

Others Acknowledgement to Funeral Attendees [5 Examples] Funeral Acknowledgement Templates (for Newspapers and Websites) Common Website Disclaimers to Protect Your Online Business Notary Acknowledgement [5 Examples]

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!

The Savvy Scientist

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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• 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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Acknowledgement for Thesis

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Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 Definition
• 3 Sample Acknowledgement for Thesis
• 4 Writing an Acknowledgement
• 5 Do’s and Don`ts
• 6 In a Nutshell

The acknowledgement for thesis is the section where you thank all people, institutions, and companies that helped you complete the project successfully. It is similar to a dedication, except for the fact that it is formal. Also, you don’t need to mention every single person who helped you with the research- just those who were most important to your research. For example, you don’t need to thank your boyfriend for making you dinner as you worked on the project.

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What is an acknowledgement for thesis/for research?

In a research paper, an acknowledgement refers to the section at the beginning of your thesis formatting where you show your appreciation for the people who contributed to your project. It is up to you to determine who you are most grateful to for helping you with the research.

How do you write the thesis/dissertation acknowledgements?

Unlike acknowledgements in a book, a thesis or dissertation acknowledgement has to be formal. You should avoid showing strong emotions in the acknowledgement for thesis and should simply show your appreciation for their input.

Helpful: If you’re having trouble with phrasing your acknowledgement for thesis, transition words will help to enhance the flow of your writing.

Where do you put acknowledgements in a thesis?

The acknowledgement for thesis section is included right at the beginning in your thesis formatting . It is placed immediately after the table of contents, before the body of the thesis. The acknowledgement for thesis section is relatively brief.

Who should you thank in the acknowledgement for thesis section?

You should thank anyone who helped you with the project. Some people who are commonly included in the acknowledgement for thesis include your primary supervisor, other academic staff in your department, anyone who financed the research, and family and friends. Perhaps they helped you with your research proposal right at the beginning, or maybe they helped with editing your thesis. Regardless, you can recognise them in your acknowledgement for thesis. Although the first person is not used in academic research projects, you can use it in the acknowledgement for thesis section.

Can you use the first person in the acknowledgement?

Although the first person is not used in academic research projects, or most academic writing , you can use it in the acknowledgement for thesis section. The acknowledgement for thesis section is informal compared to the rest of your paper. However, you should still refrain from including strong emotional words in your acknowledgements.

Sample Acknowledgement for Thesis

The acknowledgement for thesis should be brief and should not include personal details. Here are some good sample thesis acknowledgements:

• I would like to express my gratitude to my primary supervisor, Michael Brown, who guided me throughout this project. I would also like to thank my friends and family who supported me and offered deep insight into the study.
• I wish to acknowledge the help provided by the technical and support staff in the Economics department of the University of London. I would also like to show my deep appreciation to my supervisors who helped me finalize my project.

Some common phrases you can use in the acknowledgement section of your project include:

• I wish to show my appreciation
• I would like to thank
• The assistance provided by Mr X was greatly appreciated
• I wish to extend my special thanks to
• I would like to thank the following people for helping me finalize the project
• Mr. X offered valuable data and statistics which I used in my project

Writing an Acknowledgement

The acknowledgement for thesis is typically written in the first person, singular or plural. You will have to avoid getting too personal as this section is not meant to be a dedication.You will typically start with the person who was most important in your study. This could be your professor, your supervisor, the staff, or even your family and friends. The last people you should acknowledge are those who played a smaller role in your research.

Acknowledgements don’t have a standard length. It could be just a few paragraphs, or it could run for a few pages. The length will primarily depend on the number of people you want to thank and acknowledge. It is advisable to keep the length of your acknowledgement for thesis as short as possible. If it gets very long, it could easily become meaningless. You can limit longer acknowledgements to the few people who had a significant impact on the study.

In the acknowledgement for thesis, you should try to be very specific. Mention the names of the people you are acknowledging, and not just their titles. Some people have trouble remembering the names of people and how they helped them with the research projects. If you have such tendencies, you can consider writing down the names of the people as they offer their help with the research. You should not miss out any party that played a major role in the study.

Do’s and Don`ts

• State the full names of the people you are acknowledging
• Use the first person singular or plural
• Write in formal language
• Identify the role played by each of the acknowledged parties
• List the funding organizations along with the parts of the projects that they funded

• Use personal or informal language
• Acknowledge every single person who had even the smallest impact on your research. For example, you don’t need to acknowledge the waitress at the restaurant where you used to relax after working on the project.
• Include people who qualified for authorship in the research project. A person will qualify for authorship if they make a substantial contribution to the project, if they draught and revise the work for intellectual content, and if they agree to be accountable for the content of the work.

In a Nutshell

• The acknowledgement for thesis section shows all the people who played an important role in the creation of the final paper, except for those who qualified for authorship.
• You should use the first person to show gratitude to the people who contributed to the project.
• You should show the specific role played by each person and party in the research project.
• The thesis acknowledgement should first show the people who contributed the most to the research and should end with the people who contributed the least.
• The thesis acknowledgement should be added after the table of contents in your research paper.

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Trapped in dissertation revisions?

How to write acknowledgments for a dissertation, published by steve tippins on april 23, 2020 april 23, 2020.

Last Updated on: 22nd May 2024, 04:22 am

If you are wondering how to write your dissertation acknowledgments, that means you are basically finished. Congratulations! You have done the hard work and are just putting the finishing touches on your masterpiece and deciding who to thank.

Seriously though, deciding whom to acknowledge and how to do it is important.

How to Write Dissertation Acknowledgements

There are a few things to keep in mind when writing your dissertation acknowledgements:

• Know your school’s requirements
• Thank the right people from your institution
• Thank the right people from your personal life
• Add a touch of humor (when appropriate)
• Keep it the appropriate length

Jump to: Dissertation Acknowledgements Example

Know Your School’s Requirements

The first thing to do is check with your university to see if there are any requirements for or limitations on what to write in the acknowledgments for your dissertation. Some schools have page or word limits. 

Others may limit the types of things that you can say, but for the most part I have seen few limitations. Universities recognize that it takes a village, so to speak, and they want to give you ample opportunity to recognize those who’ve played a part in your success.

Who Should I Thank in My Dissertation Acknowledgments?

Finishing a dissertation is a celebration. Go ahead and tell those who are meaningful that you appreciate them. 

It is generally best to start with the most formal relationships and move from there to the personal. Keep in mind that there is a certain political aspect to your list of acknowledgements, so be careful to avoid leaving out anyone at your institution who made a contribution. These are some of the people to consider thanking as a courtesy:

• Committee members
• Supervisors
• Librarians (generalists and specialists)
• Other academics
• Professional colleagues
• Classmates who contributed in some way
• Research participants

The acknowledgement section of your dissertation is also a great place to thank those in your personal life who contributed to your ability to go to school and take the time to write this tome. These can include:

• Past teachers
• Family — parents, spouses, children, extended family members
• If you are religious, thanking God (using whatever name is appropriate to your religion) is acceptable as well
• Pets (I saw a student thank her cat for keeping her company during the many long nights of writing in her office)

I once had someone ask about thanking a therapist. This is fine, but I would suggest asking their permission first.

Should I Add Humor in my Dissertation Acknowledgements?

Dissertations can be somewhat dry, so adding a little bit of humor may make it more fun for both you and the reader — and a degree of humor is appropriate in the acknowledgements section. I once read an acknowledgement that said, “And now that I will have time to tend to relationships, I want to thank my three unborn children for being patient.” 

Another student recounted a cute family story in one sentence that captured the sacrifices his family made to support him.

With regard to humor, remember to maintain a level of professionalism and avoid straying too far into the weeds. Avoid critical (including self-critical) humor or presenting anyone in a bad light. Remember that prospective employers will likely be perusing this document.

How Long Should Dissertation Acknowledgments Be?

I have never seen an acknowledgement section go beyond one page. Keep it to those who really helped you through the process.

How Do You Write an Acknowledgment for a Dissertation: Example

The best way to learn how to write acknowledgements for a dissertation is by reading the acknowledgements section in dissertations previously published by your institution. However, to help you get started, here is an example of an acknowledgement for a dissertation.

Acknowledgements

There are many who helped me along the way on this journey. I want to take a moment to thank them.

First, I wish to thank my dissertation committee . Without their guidance, I would not have made it. Dr. Betty Rubble and Dr. Colin Slate served as wise committee members, and Dr. Barney Rubble, my Chair, went above and beyond to help me reach my goal.

To my friends, my parents, and my siblings: you put up with me being distracted and missing many events. I am forever grateful for your patience and understanding. I hope to have time now to reconnect with each of you.

Finally, to my wife, Charlotte, and my daughter, Jane: your love and understanding helped me through the dark times. Without you believing in me, I never would have made it. It is time to celebrate; you earned this degree right along with me.

When to Write Dissertation Acknowledgements

I’ve seen a surprising number of students turn in drafts of their proposals with the acknowledgements section already written. I suppose the thinking goes, “the more sections I complete now, the less I’ll have to do later.” And it must be tempting to fill out a section that doesn’t require any citations.

While there’s nothing wrong with drafting the acknowledgements section ahead of time, it’s best to keep it saved separately from the draft of your proposal. Acknowledgements are supposed to be written retroactively, and your Chair and committee members may find it strange to be thanked before they’ve finished the work of guiding you through the dissertation process. 

How to Write Dissertation Acknowledgements: Summary

The acknowledgement section of your dissertation is the least controlled area of the document. There are no special headings needed or word counts. I suggest you take your time and really think about those who helped you complete this journey and give them the thanks they deserve.

You can give them a card or take them out to dinner, and that’s a great idea. But an acknowledgement in your dissertation is a permanent reminder and an announcement to the wider world that these people really made a difference in your life and your future. Some proud parents have framed their child’s acknowledgement page! Try to make yours worthy of framing. 

And remember, though this is your opportunity to thank others, the way that you do so (and the care you put into it) is a reflection of who you are. As much as you might be tired of writing, it’s worth putting genuine effort into this section, as it will speak to everyone who reads it about who you are as a person.

Wondering what’s next after you have your PhD? As a PhD coach, I help recent graduates reach their goals , whether that’s landing their dream job at a university, diving into research, creating your own business, or beginning a career outside of academia.

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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Acknowledgement Sample for Undergraduate Thesis (5 Samples)

November 6, 2023

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By Mohsin Khurshid

The acknowledgment section in an undergraduate thesis serves as a platform for expressing gratitude and recognizing the support received throughout the research journey. This segment, often overlooked, plays a vital role in academic projects.

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Acknowledgement Sample for Bachelor Thesis
• 1.2 Acknowledgement Sample for Undergraduate Thesis
• 1.3 Undergraduate Thesis Acknowledgment Section
• 1.4 Acknowledgement Sample of Undergraduate Thesis
• 1.5 Sample Acknowledgement for Undergraduate Thesis File
• 2 Frequently Asked Questions
• 3 Conclusion

Five Acknowledgement Samples for Undergraduate Thesis Doc

Below are the five best samples of acknowledgement that you can use in your undergraduate thesis of any domain or field.

Acknowledgement Sample for Bachelor Thesis

In crafting the acknowledgment section for my bachelor’s thesis, I want to express my deep appreciation to my academic advisors, Professor Smith and Dr. Johnson. Their guidance and unwavering support have been invaluable throughout my research journey.

I’m also thankful to my family for their constant encouragement and my friends for their understanding during this academic endeavor. This thesis is as much theirs as it is mine.

Acknowledgement Sample for Undergraduate Thesis

Completing my undergraduate thesis was a significant milestone, and I’d like to extend my gratitude to my thesis advisor, Dr. Garcia, for her mentorship and guidance. I also appreciate the encouragement and support from my fellow students, who made this journey more enjoyable.

Additionally, I’m indebted to my parents for their unwavering support. This undergraduate thesis wouldn’t have been possible without their assistance.

Undergraduate Thesis Acknowledgment Section

The acknowledgment section of this undergraduate thesis is a heartfelt tribute to those who made this academic endeavor possible. I am profoundly grateful to my thesis advisor, Dr. Rodriguez, for her invaluable guidance and encouragement. I also wish to acknowledge the support of my classmates, whose insights were instrumental to this work.

Lastly, my deepest appreciation goes to my family for their enduring support and belief in my abilities. This thesis stands as a testament to their contributions and my academic journey.

Acknowledgement Sample of Undergraduate Thesis

I’d like to dedicate this section of my undergraduate thesis to express my heartfelt appreciation to those who have played a significant role in its completion. First and foremost, I extend my gratitude to my thesis advisor, Dr. Watson, for her expert guidance and unwavering support.

I am also thankful to my peers and friends who provided valuable insights and encouragement throughout the research process. Finally, my deepest thanks go to my family for their continuous belief in my abilities and support, which made this academic achievement possible.

Sample Acknowledgement for Undergraduate Thesis File

The following acknowledgment is a token of my gratitude to the individuals who have contributed to the successful completion of my undergraduate thesis. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my thesis advisor, Professor Anderson, whose guidance and expertise have been instrumental. I am also appreciative of my fellow students for their camaraderie and valuable feedback.

Lastly, my deepest gratitude is reserved for my family, who have been a constant source of encouragement and support throughout this academic journey. This undergraduate thesis file is a culmination of their unwavering belief in my potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in the acknowledgement section of an undergraduate thesis?

In the acknowledgement section of an undergraduate thesis, you should express your gratitude to individuals who have contributed to your research and academic journey. This can include your thesis advisor, professors, fellow students, and family members who have provided support and encouragement.

How long should the acknowledgement section be in an undergraduate thesis?

The length of the acknowledgement section in an undergraduate thesis can vary but is typically a brief section, usually no more than one page. It should be concise and focus on expressing gratitude without going into extensive details.

Can I include humor or personal anecdotes in the undergraduate thesis acknowledgement section?

While the acknowledgement section is generally a formal expression of gratitude, it can occasionally include a touch of personal or humorous elements. However, it’s essential to maintain professionalism and ensure that any humor in acknowledgement is relevant and suitable for the academic context.

In conclusion, the acknowledgement section in an undergraduate thesis is more than just words; it’s an expression of gratitude and a way to foster academic integrity. By acknowledging those who have aided you on this educational path, you not only build strong relationships but also ensure that academic ethics are upheld. Utilize the samples provided in this article but make sure you change the names with your actual supervisor or advisor names.

Acknowledgement for Thesis (10 Samples and Writing Tips)

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Dedicating PhD thesis to my Dad who recently passed away

I lost my Dad while waiting for the examiners reports of my thesis. In my final copy I would like to include a dedication page to him (in addition to the general acknowledgements page), but I'm not really sure what to say. I know I would like something really short, but more than "I dedicate this thesis to my Dad."

I was thinking including something about how I know how proud he was even though he won't be around to see me graduate. Or perhaps referencing how I hope my dedication to my field in science stays as strong as his dedication to his own field (engineering).

I would appreciate any suggestions or examples of dedications as I haven't managed to find too much online and I'm lost for words.

• acknowledgement

• 2 Your own suggestion is fine. –  Anonymous Physicist Commented Jun 16, 2020 at 0:35
• 7 If a friend asked for me advice about this situation, I would advise them to write their honest feelings as best they could express them in their own words, without worrying about whether it is exactly the right thing to say as a dedication. –  d_b Commented Jun 16, 2020 at 0:40
• 1 OP - thanks everyone, I'll try to come up with something in my own words to use. –  user125368 Commented Jun 16, 2020 at 2:01
• 1 @user125368 Perhaps ask close friends to comment on the words you find. –  user2768 Commented Jun 16, 2020 at 6:51
• 2 My condolences! Just do what you think is right! Your suggestion seems fine since it is coming from your heart. –  stackoverblown Commented Jun 16, 2020 at 18:11

2 Answers 2

I had a dedication page in my PhD thesis, to my recently deceased grandparents. I kept it short, with a line that basically translates to:

"To my grandparents, in loving memory."

The things you suggest to include and to reference will make it more personal, and more appropriate for you. And that is all that matters: write it such that it represents well how you feel.

I started my Ph.D. a few years after my father passed away. I dedicated the thesis to him. I wrote, "To my father who never saw this adventure" (something like this when translated).

Like all who commented, I would say keep it short, keep it personal. Grief makes it difficult to find words. Actually, looking back at my thesis and this dedication bring back memories of him. I guess that's what this dedication page is for: yourself.

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