Academic Writing in English

The objective of this workshop is to improve the doctoral students’ ability to produce clear, precise and readable academic texts in English.
The workshop includes amongst others:

• conventions and features of academic writing
• improving readability and style / economy and clarity of expression
• avoiding common lexical and grammatical errors
• editing and improving your drafts
• useful tools/writing aids/phrasebank

Making a Research Career in German Universities and Research Institutes

German universities and research institutes in the public sector offer a variety of job opportunities for scholars of natural sciences, humanities and social sciences.

The workshop addresses the following questions:

• What kind of careers are possible for scientists within Germany's public sector?
• How do I structure my career as a university teacher or a researcher in institutes?
• Which competencies, certificates and achievements do I need for my career?
• Which competencies and achievements am I missing and how will I accomplish them?
• What are typical problems for careers within the German public sector?
• For which careers is it important to speak German?
• What are my next steps for my research career in Germany?

The workshop aims at PhD students and postdoctoral researchers of all fields of research with international background. Participants will have time enough to ask questions concerning their special situation.

How to write promising grant proposals in Science

Successful third party funding acquisition is one crucial performance indicator in science. Moreover, good scientific projects need financial support from third party funding. In light of limited public funding, the securing of sources of financial support is an important task for a scientist. However, for many early-career scientists writing grant applications poses some difficulties and at first glance seems overwhelming.

Even though there is no guaranteed success, the methods and instruments of writing proposals can be learnt. A prerequisite is an attractive project concept. If a convincingly formulated application is submitted, the chances of securing funding are good.

This workshop delivers proven grant application knowledge. It shows how strategic considerations naturally lead to a sound proposal.

The participants receive theoretical input and engage with the various aspects through guided exercises. These include group exercises and individual exercises, both with guided plenum discussions.

Contents:

• the fundraising process in Science
• overview of the fundraising landscape in Germany and the EU
• changing the perspective: The reviewers point of view
• the logic and essence of a grant proposal
• basics of proposal writing
• strategic considerations: Structure and style
• proposal writing: My next steps

Publishing Research Articles: Strategies & Steps

Publishing research articles in academic journals is a demanding task. It is a task sometimes rewarding and sometimes frustrating. As publishing is a prerequisite for a career in science, it is important to approach the topic strategically.

The objectives of this workshop are: (1) to understand the publication process in peer reviewed journals, (2) to develop individual strategies for publishing research articles.

Programme:

• the peer review system: stakeholders, processes, benefits, criticism
• criteria for journal selection (e.g. journal reputation, decision time)
• publishing in open access journals
• what editors want
• what reviewers do
• how to write a review report by yourself
• how to respond to editor’s comments
• what to do in case of rejection
• copyright issues

Academic Writing in English

The objective of this workshop is to improve the doctoral students’ ability to produce clear, precise and readable academic texts in English.
The workshop includes amongst others:

• conventions and features of academic writing
• improving readability and style / economy and clarity of expression
• avoiding common lexical and grammatical errors
• editing and improving your drafts
• useful tools/writing aids/phrasebank

Presenting in English

Giving presentations is a challenging task even in your mother tongue. For many people it seems even more challenging in a foreign language. However, most scholars will nowadays have to give presentations in English at some stage in their careers.

This application-oriented seminar is specifically geared towards doctoral students who want to present their ideas more effectively. The workshop will provide you with tools and techniques to speak freely in English and to become as convincing and clear in front of your audience as possible. The workshop puts a focus on active participation and practice.

Content of the workshop:

• The difference between spoken and written English
• Cultural awareness when speaking to an international audience
• How to start and end your presentation
• How to structure your presentation
• How to engage your audience
• How to use visual aids
• Body language and non-verbal communication
• How to deal with questions

Learning objectives:

• Improve your fluency in English
• Learn about your own strengths and weaknesses when presenting in English
• Learn about techniques to keep your audience connected when presenting in English

Learning outcomes:

After visiting the workshop you…

• will have improved your confidence with the English language when giving lectures.
• will be able to design engaging and well-structured scientific presentations and lectures in English.
• will be able to present your ideas clearly and effectively in English.