Hi,

My second supervisor has just announced she is leaving for a promotion and move closer to her long-term partner. Don't blame her at all but it leaves me in the lurch.

She is taking all her other PhD students, post-docs and equipment with her but she isn't my director of Studies (DoS), so I get to stay. The problem is that I am a cross-disciplinary project and I used her equipment/lab space. She was my link to that department and helped with all politics in that department, as there is a massive shortage of lab space. I have this feeling that the department will just drop me as my project doesn't fit with their new research goals, but I need access. From talking with my DoS, she doesn't really know anyone else in that department with the same research area. I have also been informed that my second supervisor's departure was less than acrimonious and

I only found out out today and I really should wait to talk with her properly. Yet has anyone been in a similar position?

I agree this might not work well. If it's feasible with your home life and project, could you ask about the possibility of being a visiting student at her new university for as much time as you need with the equipment? I assume you prefer to stay put than move with her? You could of course ask for that if appropriate supervision is there too.

That's seriously bad news rewt and it was something I was terrified of happening to me. So much so that during my interview for the PhD I asked him outright if he had ambitions of moving in the next 5 years and what would have to me if he did.

If moving with her is an option I would definitely consider it. I think bewildered's suggestion is great. Getting to spend a few months in each location could work.