Workshops 2024/25

 

 

 

PhD & Skills Sessions

The VDTR PhD & Skills Sessions offer PhD students the opportunity to gain practical insights into skills and strategies that will advance their academic careers. In an increasingly competitive and interdisciplinary academic world, it is important to deal with topics such as publication strategies, mobility opportunities and the communication of research results at an early stage.

1) Publication Strategies (and how to develop it)

In academia, the quantity and quality of publications are essential for career advancement. Researchers who publish consistently in recognized journals are more likely to secure funding, earn promotions, achieve tenure, and open doors to various career opportunities. Beyond these career benefits, however, developing a clear publication strategy is crucial: many funding agencies now require a publication plan as part of grant proposals. Additionally, a well-crafted publication strategy—incorporating open-access options—ensures that research findings reach both the scientific community and the public, enhancing the visibility and impact of a researcher’s work.

In this session, Dr. Giulia Rossetto, post-doctoral researcher at the department of byzantine and modern greek studies, will give an overview of various types of scientific publications, covering key criteria for quality, accessibility, and standards in scholarly publishing. Additionally, we will explore publication funding opportunities available at the University of Vienna and across Austria.

when: 3 December 2024, 1:00PM - 2:30PM
where: Campus, Spitalgasse 2, Hof 1.11, 2A-Z1-01

2) How mobility during your PhD can enrich your research experience (and improve your career prospects)

Mobility plays a crucial role in advancing an academic career by expanding networking opportunities and enhancing career prospects. Spending time at different institutions or working internationally allows you to build a diverse network of peers, mentors and collaborators, which can open doors to new research opportunities and collaborative projects. The University of Vienna supports early-stage researchers by offering several opportunities to go and stay abroad.

Franz Stefan Michalke from the International Office will talk about the different options for organising a research or teaching stay abroad and how to organise and plan your doctoral mobility.

when: 7 January 2025, 1:00PM - 2.30PM 
where: tba

3) Science/Research Communication (and why you should do it)

Science or research communication is the art of conveying scientific information to diverse audiences in an engaging, clear, and accessible manner. It encompasses a spectrum of activities such as writing for the public, creating compelling visuals, giving captivating presentations, and engaging with various media platforms. The goal is to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the public, making complex ideas understandable and relevant to non-experts. This workshop aims to delve into the essence of science communication, why it holds paramount importance, and what crucial skills you should acquire to become an effective science communicator. 

In this session, Lynn Chiu will give an overview on the basic principles of science/research communication, what it includes and why you should get involved. Thiemo Kronlechner and Kathrin Schönfelder will provide information on how the University supports you in communicating your research.

when: 14 Januar 2025, 1:00PM - 2:30PM
where: tba

4) Good scientific practice (and how to apply it)

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming research in the humanities. In the face of this change, it is all the more important to know and apply the principles of good scientific practice in your doctoral thesis. This workshop introduces the basic principles of good scientific practice and helps participants to understand ethical, methodological and organisational standards in research. In addition, participants will learn what constitutes questionable research practices or even misconduct in research, how the University of Vienna deals with problems related to scientific integrity, and where to turn for help with these issues.

In this session, AI Coordinator Dr Laura Gandelgruber will give an overview of the standards of good scientific practice in the humanities and how to implement them in your research process, addressing artificial intelligence as a particular challenge. In addition, Claudia Stermsek, coordinator of the Ombuds Office for Ensuring Compliance with Good Academic Practice will discuss the institutional perspective and the handling of scientific misconduct at the University of Vienna.

when: 21 January 2025, 1:00PM - 2:30PM
where: tba

13 January 2025, 9.30am to 4pm: Academic Skills Workshop on Research Methods and Academic Writing

Person taking notes in front of a Laptop

If you have any uncertainties and/or questions about academic writing and especially about the formalities of citation and bibliographies, this workshop is for you!

The workshop will cover the following topics:

  • How to formulate your research question
  • How to search and select literature
  • How to cite correctly
  • How to use footnotes
  • How to create and structure a bibliography
  • How to use citation software (Citavi, Endnote & Zotero)
  • How to respect the formal requirements (layout, table of contents, title page, ...).

The above topics will be discussed theoretically and time will be allocated for practical exercises. The approach to the work will follow the citation guidelines of the Faculty of Catholic Theology. This workshop is open to all VDTR members, with a particular focus on those who write in English. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops (and paper) for the practical activities.

The workshop will be facilitated by Christina Dietl, praedoc assistants at the Institute of Historical Theology (Faculty of Catholic Theology) and Julia Weingartler, praedoc assistant at the Institute of Canon Law and Law on Religion.

The Workshop will take place on 13 January from 9.30 to 16.00 at HS2 (Schenkenstrasse 8-10, 5th floor).

Places are limited to 15 participants on site; however, the workshop will be offered hybrid. Please register in a timely manner by e-mail and specify whether you would like to participate online or on site: contact.vdtr@univie.ac.at.