There will be 3 rounds of discussion sessions of 60 minutes each, split across three days of the workshop. At the time of registration, students can select topics which are of interest to them (see example list of topics below) and they will be split up into groups accordingly, where each group will have one expert and approximately 6 students. Experts will give a short introduction to the topic (e.g. 3 - 6 slides) to get the conversation started and will lead students through discussions based on research topic at hand. This can include designing experiments, methodology challenges, how to present results, and open research questions/gaps associated with topic. There will also be an opportunity for the students to ask questions to the experts, but all participants should ideally be involved in the discussion (i.e. not simply a question and answer session hosted by the expert).

Two weeks before the workshop, the students will be sent a reminder to submit a writing sample (e.g. conference abstract, manuscript introduction, draft manuscript, etc.). Students will be randomly assigned into small groups of 5 and the writing samples of all students in the given group will be shared. Prior to the workshop, the students will read and revise the text of other students and be prepared to discuss the format, clarity, and scientific content of the writing sample in peer-editing circles. At the workshop, three hours will be dedicated to peer-editing circles after an introductory lecture of best practices for scientific writing. Experts will also join the circles to help moderate discus-sions and provide additional advice and tips. This will not only allow students to learn more about different research fields, but provide them with the opportunity to act as a peer reviewer (potentially for the first time), allowing them to better understand how their own writing could be improved. This will also give each individual significant feed-back for improvement on their own writing style.

After a morning session focused on presentation skills and communication approaches to both scientific and public audiences, in the afternoon students will be broken up into groups of 6 to give previously prepared 15 minute oral presentations on their research topic and results. Beyond scientific questions, the audience will also provide feedback on didactics, slide clarity, presentation style, etc. Experts will also join the circles to help moderate discussion and provide additional advice and tips. Here again the students will be able to learn about new areas of research, but also have the opportunity to give constructive criticism to their peers and receive valuable feedback for improving their own oral communication style.

Over the course of three sessions, students and experts will have the opportunity to present their work in a poster fair. Posters should be printed at the home institute and be brought with the student to the workshop venue to be displayed on poster boards. This will allow the students to 1) have an additional venue to present their own work and 2) learn more about the work of others which they did not yet meet during the writing café and communication café sessions.

During a two hour session the participants will be able to choose on of the following topics:

1) CV

2) Grant writing

3) Identify transferable skills

4) Gaining visibility

5) Creating work-life balance

There will be one Panel discussion about Career Development.

To register and attend the workshop a short abstract (350 words) and a writing sample is required. After abstract submission we will send information about final attendance confirmation.

The attendance is capped at around 75 students.

Registration fee: TBD