PhD Writing Retreat: Flow For Your Thesis

Join the first-ever PhD Writing Retreat offered by the Research Careers Campus!

Your days to focus on writing (Thu, Apr 9 to Sat, Apr 11, 2026)

We invite you to the lush Styrian countryside for three days! Focus on your writing while staying sane, enjoying the community of other researchers and being/moving in nature. 

The retreat is designed to help you get into deep, focused work, without distractions. Each day includes quiet writing slots, and space to breathe. You won’t have to worry about anything else: no emails, no meetings, no errands. Just time to write.

You’ll also have the chance to get support if you need it — whether you're stuck, unsure how to start, or want feedback. Many participants are surprised by how much they get done — and how enjoyable writing can feel in this setting. Plus, it's a great opportunity to connect with fellow PhD candidates and share the ups and downs of the research journey.

The retreat is facilitated by an expert in academic writing and productivity, and consists of a melange of focused work, voluntary exercise and leisure. The language will be a mix of English and German.

TARGET GROUP:

• All PhD candidates enrolled in a PhD at the University of Graz at the time of the retreat

COSTS:

• This event is free of charge for registered participants, all costs will be covered by RCC Graz!
• Participants are requested to pay a deposit of €100 (cash) at the RCC office. This deposit serves to increase accountability, and will be refunded after participant's arrival to the retreat. If the participant fails to attend the event without giving prior notice, the deposit will be retained. Cancellations for the retreat will be accepted without penalty up to 24 hours in advance.

TIME SCHEDULE: 

• Participants take the train together to the retreat location (ca. 10:30am), the retreat starts with a lunch. The programme finishes on Saturday at 5pm, and participants can take the train home to Graz together.
• The detailed programme depends on the wishes of participants and is provided in late January.

REGISTRATION PROCESS: 

• There are 15 spots available, registration is on a first come first serve basis. You will receive a confirmation email explaining the next steps.
• The registration window is open between Tuesday, December 2, 8am and Wednesday, Dec 10, 2025.
• Apply via email to rcc(at)uni-graz.at, answering the following question: What part of your thesis, which paper, or which grant proposal are you planning to work on during the retreat? (the retreat is about actual writing, not data analysis)
• The registration is confirmed once a) employees of the University of Graz have submitted an electronic travel application, or b) students have provided proof of ongoing enrollment (Inskriptionsbestätigung or letter from supervisor).

CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION:

• If you sign up, you need to make time for the mandatory preparation meeting on January 28, 2026, 2pm (in-person in Leechgasse 42, ground floor & online).
• If you don't show up to the retreat without giving advance notice, we will have to bill you for the costs of room and board.

ACOMMODATION, COMPANIONS, FOOD, WRITING SET-UP: 

• The location is the JUFA Hotel Deutschlandsberg***. Accommodation is in large single-occupant rooms. For writing, you get a standard desk, chair, and plug socket, bring a pillow for more comfort! Three fresh, local buffet-style meals a day are provided. Coffee is available at breakfast, additional hot and cold drinks can be purchased from staff. Participants contact JUFA directly in case of specific dietary requirements.

FACILITATOR: 

• Dr. Gayannée Kedia is a researcher and teacher in social psychology and neuroscience at the Karl-Franzens University of Graz, Austria. She has degrees in biology and psychology and has worked for several universities in France, the UK, Germany, and Austria. Parallel to her academic activity, she works as a writing coach. She is also the founder of abrilliantmind.blog, a blog aimed at helping scientists be more productive and happier in their professional activity.