Community and wellbeing

Research in general, and a doctorate in particular, can be a solitary activity, and a source of stress, self-doubt and mental blocks. Isolation is an ideal environment for these feelings to thrive, and puts a strain on morale and analytical capacities. The restrictions of lockdown have taken this risk to a new level.

The PhDChat is a place for doctoral candidates to take the time for a short online session (max. 6 people) to share the challenges, questions, and potential solutions to this strange time. The discussion is facilitated by a member of the Graduate Campus, and the core of our time together will be devoted to peer-to-peer exchange.

If individual situations require it, a separate discussion with a member of the Graduate Campus can be scheduled after the session to allow for a more in-depth discussion.

To register for a PhDChat, head over to our online platform.

The purpose of this workshop is to explore ways to make the postdoc time of passage a more fulfilling experience. Together, we will investigate what it is that makes you thrive, what you cherish and what you require to live more fulfilled and happier, not in some distant future but today and tomorrow. You will take a look at your work- life-balance, discover what might be missing, listen to the experience of others, and together craft initial answers to these questions.

As a result of the workshop, you will

• assess how content you are with your current postdoc life, including work-life-balance,

• understand the significance of a balanced and fulfilled life to high performance,

• experience an attitude of curiosity as a prerequisite for a more proactive life,

• discover ways in which you can add to the quality of your current life, and

• design practical steps to continue on a path towards a more fulfilling everyday academic life.

The workshop also prepares you for your future role when you may have to guide other young researchers and support them in their ambition not only for success but for sustained performance and a fulfilled live.

You are encouraged to bring and share your own knowledge and experience. At the beginning of the workshop, we create a trustful and supportive atmosphere, in which all of us shall feel safe and comfortable to contribute what they already know about the subject.

Please make sure that you can be present during the entire time of the workshop.

Trainer: Thomas Teichler

⇒ Registration

The Stress and Energy Management series of mini-workshops ("workouts") has been created for postdocs to provide some essential tools for stress and energy management. The tools are based on easy-to-apply techniques, that focus either on how to handle a stressful situation when it arises, or how to build the capacity to sustain high levels of energy as to be better equipped to face future challenging situations.

The workouts have been designed to be highly interactive and experiential, to make learning more effective and personalized. Participants will be working on real case scenarios individually as well as in small groups.

Module 1 : Navigate Out of Feeling Overwhelmed

This Workout will help participants to get out of the feeling of being overwhelmed. At the end of the workshop, they will be able to recognize a situation in which they feel overwhelmed, know what specific factors trigger the overwhelm and find their way out in a more empowered way.

Module 2 : Take Charge of Your Time: The Power of a "Positive No"

In the workplace more often than not we find ourselves in situations where we would like to say No ...yet we end up saying yes, often out of fear of hurting people or destroying important relationships. In this workout, participants will learn the important and art of saying a 'positive no' through a simple, proven three-step technique.

You'll find further information and be able to register for these mini-workshops on our online platform.

Trainer: Donatella Canella

⇒ Registration