This was our first ever writing retreat for doctoral researchers (the postdocs have had the pleasure since 2022), and looking at the feedbacks in our inbox, we're already committed to doing it again next April. It's amazing how generous the PhD researchers - who spent the latter half of last week in Deutschlandsberg with Gayannee Kedia - are with their praise!
What are the very special takeaways in our view?
The openness of researchers for development:
"I learned a lot about 'a healthier scientific lifestyle' (like how and when to write, balance, ...). Surely, I still have to reflect some of the things I learned and discovered about myself."
How they experienced and described the flow:
"I was really motivated and in the writing flow. It was great that writing was the only focus of these days and I progressed a lot. I could nearly finish my chapter on methodology and I was surprised what is possible if you focus on something for three days, even with all the breaks we had."
That breaks boost productivity:
"Breaks, breaks, and more breaks. I always thought that when you're in the flow, you shouldn't stop writing. The retreat showed me that this is not the case."
That some PhD researchers like to get up early:
"The Yoga classes could be a bit earlier in the morning (but that is a personal preference)."
That we're really lucky to have found Gayannee Kedia five years ago:
"The atmosphere helped me a lot to achieve my goals. It was a really motivating environment that Gaya created with us."
How enjoyable it is to take a time-out and a time-away:
"It was a huge pleasure to be able to write and also to meet other PhDs. I was able to focus on my tesis without worring about anything (e.g. cooking, classes, ...)."
We're really happy that University of Graz allows us to trial innovative offers like this, which have a massive impact on researcher wellbeing and belonging. These fully-funded, expert-led retreats are a way to directly express the appreciation our institution has for the outstanding research scholars early in their career produce - and are a great way to nurture this talent!
Well done to all those who committed to these three days and got so much writing (and personal development) done!
Find out more about our writing community offers here. The writing retreat for scholars with a PhD will take place in September, the registration starts on June 1.
(Picture credit: Astrid Klotz, Gehende Forschende, Gayanee Kedia, Sitzende Forschende)