Training
Check here for an overview of training by other providers.
General procedure:
- courses are usually filled on a first-come, first-served basis
- you can find further information regarding each workshop in the list below - often you can download an additional PDF with more details
- registrations
- will be accepted up to 2 weeks prior to the event
- register yourself via gsgs-adminuni-koeln.de, necessary information: your full name, date and name of the course
- if you do not receive a confirmation e-mail for your registration, you are not registered > please notify the GSGS staff via gsgs-adminuni-koeln.de
- Induction Part D is not organised by the GSGS, please find registration information below
Please note any specific registration guidelines indicated in the list below.
Induction Part A - Being a GSGS member
by Dr Karin Boessenkool
Date and times | 30 April 2024, 09:30-12:00 CEST |
Location | online via zoom |
Details | Min. 3, max. 12 participants. This workshop is a part of the compulsory GSGS induction module. Make sure that you attend all parts (A,B,C & D) once. |
Registration | Register by sending an e-mail to gsgs-adminuni-koeln.de. |
Writing retreat
by Lesley-Anne Weiling (Write English)
Date(s) and times | 03 May 2024 9:30 - 18:00 CEST |
Location | Flandrische Str. 4, 50674 Köln |
Details | Academics across the world face increasing pressure to publish. Research shows that writing retreats have helped by creating dedicated writing time and building collegiality. A new form of ‘structured’ writing retreat was created to increase its impact by taking a community of practice approach. This paper reports on an evaluation, funded by the British Academy, in which participants were interviewed one year after structured retreat. They reported many changes in their approaches to writing and in their sense of themselves as writers and some of these changes were sustained on return to campus. This paper argues that structured retreat increases learning through participation and helps academics to mainstream writing in their lives and careers. We conclude by suggesting that, since publishing is a mainstream academic activity, it makes sense to mainstream this intervention in academic careers. more information can be found here min. 6, max. 8 participants |
Registration | Register your interest by sending an e-mail to gsgs-adminuni-koeln.de |
Induction Part C - Cooperation and Self-Management
by Dr Karin Boessenkool
Date(s) and times | 11 June 2024, 9:30 - 15:00 CEST |
Location | online |
Details | Min. 8, max. 16 participants. This workshop is a part of the compulsory GSGS induction module. Make sure that you attend all parts (A,B,C & D) once. |
Registration | Register by sending an e-mail to gsgs-adminuni-koeln.de |
Induction D - Research Data Management
by C³RDM (Cologne Competence Center for Research Data Management)
Date and times | 03 July 2024, 9:00 - 16:00 CEST |
Location | online |
Details | Please note that "Induction Part D" is currently not organised especially for GSGS. Instead, make sure to partake in one of the workshops "RDM - a practice-oriented introduction" in English or "Forschungsdatenmanagement (FDM/RDM): Eine praxisbezogene Einführung" in German. Both workshops are provided by the Cologne Competence Center for Research Data Management (C3RDM). |
Registration & further Info | register until 04 June: click here. |
Getting Started. The path to a successful doctorate (Self- & Project Management)
by Dr Jan Stamm (ImpulsPlus)
Date and times | 04 July 2024 |
Location | tbd |
Details | For most people, doing a PhD is the first major research project that they have to master on their own. There is a multitude of challenges along the way (i.e. getting smart ideas, getting along with supervisors, mastering the basics of scientific work …). A good time- and project-management is essential in order to set one’s focus right and use one’s time and energy in a productive and efficient way. This workshop provides you with basic strategies and tools for an effective and efficient time- and project-management. You will get specific ideas for improving your own approach to-wards organizing yourself and your work. The workshop takes the idea seriously, that be-coming a better, smarter, more focused time-manager is an evolution not a revolution. You already have a lot of the ideas and skills that you need. This workshop helps you to under-stand them in a deeper way and to commit yourself to really using them. max. 12 participants |
Registration | Register by sending an e-mail to gsgs-adminuni-koeln.de. |
Paid to research: preparing successful funding applications
by Dr. Matteo Garavoglia
Date and times | 15/16 July 2024, 2 days |
Location | online |
Details | max. 12 participants |
Registration | Register by sending an e-mail to gsgs-adminuni-koeln.de. |
Improving Presentation Skills with Focus on Poster Presentations
by Jill Yates
Date and times | 22 & 23 July 2024, 1.5 days 1st day: 9:30 - 17:00 CEST 2nd day: 9:30 - 12:30 CEST |
Location | in person |
Details | Participants should bring a poster to present to the group 1 st day: Summary of general presentation skills: - Knowing your audience
- Importance of a strong introduction / conclusion
- Body language
- Dealing with stage fright
- Handling questions
- Specific tips for poster presentations
2 nd day: Practice of poster presentations with trainer / peer feedback max. 10 participants |
Registration | Register by sending an e-mail to gsgs-adminuni-koeln.de. |
Getting Published/ Mastering Peer Review
Dr. Brian Cusack (Science Craft)
Date and times | 19/20 September 2024, 2 days |
Location | online |
Details | Learning to write and respond to reviewers' comments are vital skills for early-career research-ers to master if they wish to become established scientists. However, these skills are often neglected, forcing researchers to learn them by trial and error. By learning to address review-ers' comments, researchers not only increase their chances of getting their work published but also learn to think critically about their own research. This workshop is especially recom-mended for GSGS members in the second half of their project but others are welcome to ap-ply. "One of the best two workshops I ever attended" (quote from a GSGS member). This work-shop guides you through the peer review process using a practical approach that explores the roles of the author, the reviewer and the editor. Following the workshop, as an author you will be able to engage the interest of the journal editor with a cover letter. You will also be skilled in responding comprehensively and courteously to reviewers' comments. As a future reviewer, you will know how to critically evaluate a research article and to phrase criticism in a constructive review that benefits the scientific process. max. 10 participants |
Registration | Register by sending an e-mail to gsgs-adminuni-koeln.de. |
Academic Writing (+ optional text feedback)
by Lesley-Anne Weiling (Write English)
Date(s) and times | 08/09 October 2024, 2 days 9:00 – 15:30 instructor - led sessions + feedback on participants’ texts. |
Location | tbd |
Details | To improve the style and structure of the participants’ English academic papers. The workshop will contain information on structuring an English language paper and abstract, vocabulary and punctuation, cultural differences in academic papers, the writing process, finding a narrative and tools and resources for improving one’s written English. To get the most out of the workshop, participants should bring a short text they have written themselves for peer review. In addition, participants will receive feedback on a text sample of up to 1,000 words. More information can be found here. max. 14 participants |
Registration | Register your interest by sending an e-mail to gsgs-adminuni-koeln.de |
Induction D - Forschungsdatenmanagement (FDM/RDM): Eine praxisbezogene Einführung
by C³RDM (Cologne Competence Center for Research Data Management)
Date and times | 30 October 2024, 9:00 - 16:00 CET |
Location | online |
Details | Please note that "Induction Part D" is currently not organised especially for GSGS. Instead, make sure to partake in one of the workshops "RDM - a practice-oriented introduction" in English or "Forschungsdatenmanagement (FDM/RDM): Eine praxisbezogene Einführung" in German. Both workshops are provided by the Cologne Competence Center for Research Data Management (C3RDM). |
Registration & further Info | register until 01 October: click here. |
Empowering Presence and Effective Communication
by Sandra Leonhardt/ Dr. Benjamin Hartwig
Date and times | 28/29 November 2024, 2 days 9:00 - 17:00 |
Location | in person |
Details | In the dynamic and demanding field of geoscience, PhD students often face the dual challenge of mastering their scientific expertise while effectively communicating their findings and ideas. This workshop, tailored specifically for international geoscience doctoral students, aims to bridge this gap by enhancing skills in presence, negotiation, and quick-wittedness. The interactive workshop will empower participants to confidently navigate the multifaceted aspects of scientific communication and interpersonal interactions. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical exercises, attendees will learn to booster their self-confidence and self-worth, key attributes that resonate in all forms of communication. Topics covered: • Counteracting Insecurities: Strategies to overcome doubts and fears, fostering a mind-set of resilience and self-assurance. • Quick-Wittedness in Communication: Developing the ability to respond swiftly and ef-fectively in discussions, enhancing engagement and impact. • Science Communication and Negotiation: Techniques to clearly and compellingly pre-sent complex scientific ideas and negotiate effectively when applying for a new posi-tion or requesting resources. • Understanding Cultural Nuances: Exploring the 'Culture Map' to appreciate and navi-gate the diversity in international settings. Participants will emerge with the ability to clearly articulate their mistakes, stand confidently in their expertise, and radiate their capabilities. The workshop encourages networking and collaboration, fostering a community where sharing challenges and solutions becomes the norm. The workshop transforms the graduates’ presence and communication skills, making their scientific journey as impactful as their research. more information can be found here min. 13, max. 16 participants |
Registration | Register by sending an e-mail to gsgs-adminuni-koeln.de. |
Writing retreat
by Lesley-Anne Weiling (Write English)
Date(s) and times | 06 December 2024 |
Location | in person |
Details | Academics across the world face increasing pressure to publish. Research shows that writing retreats have helped by creating dedicated writing time and building collegiality. A new form of ‘structured’ writing retreat was created to increase its impact by taking a community of practice approach. This paper reports on an evaluation, funded by the British Academy, in which participants were interviewed one year after structured retreat. They reported many changes in their approaches to writing and in their sense of themselves as writers and some of these changes were sustained on return to campus. This paper argues that structured retreat increases learning through participation and helps academics to mainstream writing in their lives and careers. We conclude by suggesting that, since publishing is a mainstream academic activity, it makes sense to mainstream this intervention in academic careers. more information can be found here min. 6, max. 8 participants |
Registration | Register your interest by sending an e-mail to gsgs-adminuni-koeln.de |
Preparing for the Viva Defence/Disputation
by Dr. Matteo Garavoglia
Date and times | 18/19 December 2024, 2 days |
Location | online |
Details | The workshop provides information about the formal procedure, the requirements, the social setting of a Ph.D. examination and the dos and don’ts of a PhD examination. In this seminar we will use video recording as a tool to enable the participants to capitalize on their strengths and to improve their performance. This workshop places particularemphasis on preparing strategically one’s position in the lead up to the viva defense and dealing with the questions & answers session in the second part of the viva defense. On the first day, participants attend the workshop all together as a single group. On the second day, the participants join the trainer for a series of one-to-one sessions characterised by a dedicated tailor-made approach. max. 12 participants |
Registration | Register by sending an e-mail to gsgs-adminuni-koeln.de. |
Courses without a fixed date or registration deadline
Event | date(s) and times | remarks | registration status |
German as a Foreign Language Courses for international students | intensive pre-semester courses (20h per week) or semester courses (6h per week) | The courses cost 250€ per semester. The GSGS will usually cover two semesters, but you can apply for more. Read more... | Register with GSGS through the online form |
One day structured writing retreat | (one day) will be arranged with interested people | | register your interest at any time via email to gsgs-admin(at)uni-koeln.de with your name and the topic "writing retreat" |
Recherchieren lernen - Zielgerichtet zur Doktorarbeit (workshop literature research in German by Anja Becker-Haumann, GeoLibrary) | (c. 1/2 day) will be arranged with interested people | in small groups, part individual training; read more... | register your interest at any time via email to gsgs-admin(at)uni-koeln.de with your name and the topic "literature research" |
Compulsory: Induction Part A: Being a member of the GSGS by Dr. Karin Boessenkool | (2.5 hours) will be arranged with interested people | | register your interest at any time via email to gsgs-admin(at)uni-koeln.de with your name and the course code (IndA) |
Compulsory: Induction Part B: Good Scientific Practice by Prof. NN and Dr. Karin Boessenkool | (4.5 hours) will be arranged with interested people | | register your interest at any time via email to gsgs-admin(at)uni-koeln.de with your name and topic "Induction Part B" |
Compulsory: Induction Part C: Cooperation and Self-Management by Dr. Karin Boessenkool | (4 hours) will be arranged with interested people | | register your interest at any time via email to gsgs-admin(at)uni-koeln.de with your name and topic "Induction Part C" |
Compulsory: Induction Part D: Research Data Management by members of C3RDM | Please note that "Induction Part D" is currently not organised especially for GSGS. Instead, make sure to partake in one of the workshops "RDM - a practice-oriented introduction" in English or "Forschungsdatenmanagement (FDM/RDM): Eine praxisbezogene Einführung" in German. Both workshops are provided by the Cologne Competence Center for Research Data Management (C3RDM). | | register your interest via their website: https://fortbildung.uni-koeln.de/event_programme/index_eng.html |
| | | |
Poster presentations by Dr. Karin Boessenkool | (4 hours) date will be arranged with interested people | Bring your own poster to discuss; min. 5, max. 12 participants | register your interest at any time via email to gsgs-admin(at)uni-koeln.de with your name and the course code (2020_PO) |