MIBE Scientific Writing Retreat 2024

Date: May 13 – 15, 2024

Location: Marburger Haus, Kleinwalsertal

Participants: 10 – 12 Doctoral Candidates

Registration deadline: March 15

Kickoff: April 23, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm via Zoom

Arrival: via Carpools

May 13–15, 2024 | Marburger Haus | Kleinwalsertal

Join us for a focused three-day Scientific Writing Retreat in the serene setting of Marburger Haus, Kleinwalsertal. This retreat is tailored for doctoral candidates looking to enhance their scientific writing skills and advance one of their current writing projects, either a paper manuscript or their thesis. The program focuses on practical applications, and further integrates theoretical insights, providing individual (peer) feedback and one-on-one coaching sessions.

Departure: Monday, May 13, 2024, 8:00 am, Garching Forschungszentrum

Start of program: Monday, May 13, 2024, 11:00 am

End of program: Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 4:00 pm

Arrival: Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 7:00 pm, Garching Forschungszentrum

Coaches

For this three-day writing workshop, we are pleased to be working with 2 coaches who specialize in scientific writing. Dr. Alexander Britz is an interdisciplinary scientist in chemistry, physics, and materials science. While working in academic research groups in Germany, Spain, and the United States, he now coaches young researchers to improve their scientific communication, management, creativity, and leadership skills. On the third day of the workshop, Dr. Daniel Mertens, biochemist, lecturer, and group leader at the German Cancer Research Centre and at the University of Ulm, will support our workshop.

Learning Objectives

• Develop skills in structuring and narrating scientific papers or theses.
• Learn techniques for clear and effective scientific writing.
• Address common writing challenges, including blank page anxiety.
• Utilize visualization tools for data presentation.
• Understand the process of selecting journals and writing cover letters for publication.
• Optional/Bonus: Discover how AI tools can aid in brainstorming and research.

Special Features:

• Focus on applying learned techniques to real-life projects of the participants.
• Emphasis on constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
• One-on-one coaching to meet individual project needs.
• Opportunities for collaborative learning and peer interaction.

Preliminary Agenda

Day 1: Building the Foundation of Your Scientific Story

• Morning Session (11 am – 1 pm):
  Introduction to Structuring Texts and Scientific Storytelling
• Afternoon Workshop (2:30pm – 4:30pm):
  Practical Application to Individual Projects
• Evening Feedback (5 pm – 6 pm):
  Peer and Trainer Feedback Session
• Night Coaching (7 pm – 9 pm):
  One-on-One Coaching

Day 2: Refining Your Writing and Overcoming Challenges

• Morning Session (9 am – 10 am):
  Advanced Writing Techniques for Scientific Texts
• Midday Project Work (10 am – 12 pm):
  Hands-on Writing and One-on-One Coaching
• Optional Afternoon Workshop (3 pm – 4 pm):
  Strategies for Overcoming Blank Page Anxiety
• Late Afternoon Application (4 pm – 6 pm):
  Focused Writing Time and One-on-One Coaching
• Evening Feedback (7 pm – 8 pm):
  Group Discussion and Feedback Session

Day 3: Effective Data Presentation and Navigating the Publication Process

• Morning Workshop (8:30 am – 9:30 pm):
  Visualization Techniques for Scientific Data
• Application and Coaching (9:30 am – 11:30 am):
  Implementing Visualization Tools
• Feedback Session (11:30 am – 12:30 pm):
  Group Review and Discussion
• Afternoon Guide (2 pm – 4 pm):
  Understanding the Publication Process, Including Journal Selection and Writing a Cover Letter

The detailed schedule will be emailed to registered participants before the event.

Located in the beautiful Kleinwalsertal Valley, the Marburger Haus offers an ideal retreat for a focused and successful writing workshop thanks to its peaceful location on a south-facing slope at an altitude of 1,140 meters.

The high-quality regional cuisine, sun terrace, and in-house leisure facilities provide an ideal balance to the intensive work in the seminar room.

Accommodation is in 2-bed rooms with shower/WC or shared shower/WC.

Participation is free of charge for doctoral candidates affiliated with MIBE. This includes accommodation, regular meals (including one drink per meal), travel, and workshop costs.

If you would like to participate and are wondering if you are eligible for free participation, please get in touch with us at docedu@bioengineering.tum.de.

To register, please use the form at the bottom of the page.

Participation in the Scientific Writing Retreat can be counted towards a subject-specific qualification for doctoral candidates in the TUM-GS qualification program.

Registration Deadline: March 15, 2024

Please note that registration is binding. If there are more applications than places available, we will prioritize based on the qualifications and the planned writing project. You will receive final confirmation of your participation by March 22. After April 2, a cancellation fee of 100 Euros will apply.