

Wageningen Graduate Schools
PhD Workshop Carousel
Friday 25 April 2025
Orion building, Wageningen campus
Every year, Wageningen Graduate Schools (WGS) organises a one-day event for PhD candidates consisting of a carousel of 4 sessions with 6 workshops per session. The learning target of the WUR PhD is to become an independent practitioner of science, who is able to integrate the research within the framework of their scientific discipline and against the background of a broader scientific area, to place the research aims and research results in a societal context, and postulate concisely worded propositions in scientific and societal areas. Based on this vision, WGS created a model that focuses on skills development including five themes: Academic professional skills, Value for Society, Professional attitude, Academic Insights and Thinking and Career perspectives. The 1.5-hour workshops are divided into these themes and deal with elements important for PhDs and the PhD track. Workshops are either stand-alone workshops or teasers that give a taste of more elaborate courses and workshops organised by Wageningen Graduate Schools.
You can register by filling in the information at the end of the page. After registration, you will receive a confirmation of the workshops you will participate in.
PROGRAMME
- Research data and scientific publishing in a changing world (Lecturers: Irene Verhagen and Joris Geurts - WUR Library)
Science is opening up. Publishers, funders, universities and research communities are focusing more and more on Open Access publishing and making research data available. But what are the effects of being ‘open’? And how do you do it? In this workshop, you will be introduced to the world of Open Access publishing and Open and FAIR Data. We will show you different Open Access options and tools. We will also explain how and where you can make your dataset available, as well as where to find existing datasets to reuse.
- Essentials of scientific writing (Lecturer: Dr Edith Schouten)
Many writers find it difficult to create a clear narrative. They struggle not only with content but also with language. In the end, writers often sacrifice readability for content because they don’t understand how good writing works. In this workshop we’ll discuss the linguistic elements of clear writing, including good paragraph structure, sentence length, concrete vs abstract subjects, nominalization and general elements of coherency. After each discussion, we’ll do a short exercise to gain hands-on experience.
- Pitching your research (Lecturer: Sarah Dresden)
Knowing how to present your idea in a convincing manner is an indispensable skill. Scientists must be able to explain their work effectively and memorably to non-specialist audiences as well as to their peers. This 1.5-hour workshop provides you with practical tools to develop both a compact and convincing message and inspiring delivery. You will discover creative approaches in delivering an effective pitch, learn vocal and performance techniques to engage and inspire an audience and to bring content to life. You will learn to: develop body language and voice skills to communicate powerfully, craft a captivating short pitch using examples and metaphors and explain in 60 seconds what the heart is of what you do and what the importance and relevance is or may be.
- Starting to supervise BSc and MSc thesis students (Lecturer: Marieke van Schaik - WUR)
In this workshop you will be provided with some general information about supervising BSc & MSc thesis students at Wageningen University to prepare you for your role as a thesis supervisor. We will discuss expectations and basic skills to get you started. There will be room for exchange and questions.
- Explaining your research to an alien (Lecturer: Sylvia Brugman - Centre for Unusual Collaborations)
n this workshop, the Centre for Unusual Collaborations (CUCo) wants to illustrate the often difficult and slow, but fun process of interdisciplinary work. Participants of this workshop will experience disciplinary grounding and perspective taking, the first two necessary steps for successful interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Storytelling for academics (Lecturer: Marsha Walraven)
Researchers and academics struggle to communicate their research and experiences with society. Effective narrative tools like story can make this task more effective and enjoyable. A well composed story enables multi-disciplinary cooperation, successful funding applications, and positive interactions with the media. Structure is the foundation you need to tell great stories. Story structures can be as simple or as complicated as you want them to be, accommodating everything from Little Red Riding Hood to Game of Thrones. They can be used to put together a pitch or a grant proposal. Understanding story structure and how the parts fit together will help you craft and tell better stories in the future. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn a basic story structure that they can use to share their research with a broader public. Participants will see those stories in a different light when they are done and have a method for analysing stories they want to tell!
- Inspring theatre: A safe society is of value for research (Lecturer: Howard van Dodemont)
Of course research is of great importance for society. But the way we work together in a research environment and communicate about the work together and to the world outside can be of great benefit to the quality of research institutions as (…) Wageningen University. How can you have a safe space to speak up without the fear of being denied or bullied? Based on one or two cases provided by participants in the workshop, Howard will give simple tools that you can work with in daily practice.
- Designing an attractive and effective poster (Lecturer: Sarah Dresden)
What attracts an audience to my poster? What makes them look at it longer? How can I present my results in a clear way? During this short workshop you will learn: what makes a poster attractive, how to present text, pictures and graphs, how to make your poster self-explanatory, how to make use of colour schemes. In groups you will evaluate existing posters and you may bring your own (colour-printed on A4 paper) to receive feedback from your peers and your instructor.
- Personal effectiveness for the introvert professional (Lecturer: Karolien Koolhof)
This workshop addresses differences in personality and communication styles. Based on her own research, Karolien Koolhof will discuss the distinctions between introversion, ambiversion, and extraversion, as well as the various communication preferences. She will then connect this information to personal effectiveness. During the session, there will be ample opportunity for further exploration and questions. Participants will receive practical tools, and there will be plenty of room for discussion.
- The Secret Struggle: Tackling Imposter Syndrome for PhD Students (Lecturer: Arjenne Louter)
You're not alone—uncover the hidden challenge most PhD students face and how to overcome it. Gain insights and actionable steps to transform insecurity into empowerment.
- Managing your supervisor (Lecturers: Claudius van de Vijver - Graduate School PE&RC, Peter Vermeulen - Graduate School WIMEK)
Ever have troubles with your supervisor? Would like to know how to tackle the issues you might have with your supervisor? This workshop deals with main challenges PhD candidates encounter with their supervisors and how best to tackle these.
- Effective behaviour (Lecturer: Geraldine Sinnema)
In this interactive workshop we explore personal and professional skills to successfully work on your PhD project and beyond. We will work on how to: 1) build and sustain professional relations with your supervisors and other colleagues, 2) develop assertiveness to help you stand up for your professional needs, 3) express yourself authentically both verbally and non-verbally
- Systems Thinking: Addressing socioecological challenges with systems thinking: how systems thinking and systems mapping can help you in your research (Lecturer: Carlo Cucchi, WUR)
Systems thinking offers great opportunities to better understand and address socioecological problems holistically. But how can we meaningfully apply systems thinking in your research and more broadly, in theory & practice without getting lost in its own complexity and ideals? In this workshop we will address some general principles of systems thinking and we will discuss different visual applications of systems thinking. We will dedicate part of the workshop to do a participatory exercise combining systems mapping tools (i.e. causal loop diagramming and value network mapping) in different groups, examining cases of your choice. We will terminate the session with a reflection on how systems thinking and systems mapping can help you in your research as a method of both collecting and interpreting data.
- Balanced decision making with Aristotle using the Middle Position (Lecturer: Claartje van Sijl)
This workshop helps PhD candidates to make more balanced decisions in their research context and to navigate ethical dilemmas by finding the Middle Position, a balanced approach between extremes of virtues, inspired Aristotle’s concept of the Golden Mean and the VIRT2UE project. Participants will learn to balance conflicting values and virtues in academic decision-making. Expected Outcomes: 1) Enhanced decision-making skills balancing research virtues in academic contexts, 2) A practical understanding of how to navigate ethical dilemmas and decisions using the Middle Position, 3) A deeper commitment to maintaining integrity by making balanced decisions in the complex moral landscape of research.
- How to engage in dialogue as a scientist? (Lecturer: Suzy Rebisz - WUR Dialogues)
Would you like to be better understood by society and stakeholders? But do you also realize that you need more than an understandable message to connect with them? This workshop is all about two-way communication, exploring the essence of dialogue. Especially relevant for those working on complex, debated, societal challenges – like climate change, energy transition and food production. Join us to investigate how dialogue can serve as a powerful bridge between the realms of science and society. We welcome you to share your challenges in advance to tailor this workshop to your needs.
- Critical thinking and Argumentation in Scientific Research (Lecturer: Lara Minnaard)
The most interesting conversation is a conversation in which you disagree with each other. In this workshop we will explore the tools to disagree and to facilitate fruitful conversation, both in speaking and in writing. You will learn the basics of argumentation and asking and answering questions.
- Entrepreneurship as a skillset for career development (Lecturers: Gitte Schober, Robin Reijnen - CVC Entrepreneurship & WUR)
Our globalised, digital economy is creating virtually unlimited opportunities for new technological innovations and new ways of doing things. Creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset are needed to initiate successful new ideas, and develop sustainable new markets and business models that benefit society and can be used in research, in an existing company to assist the transition to a more sustainable way of working or with your own startup. We want to introduce you to the entrepreneurial way of working and the opportunities you have as a PhD to act on your own ideas.
- Job searching skills/strategies (Lecturer: Geraldine Sinnema)
Understanding the value of your strengths, accomplishments and transferable skills helps in the networking and application process. In this interactive workshop we pay attention to: 1) Self-assessment; key to finding your career, 2) Networking, 3) Tips and tricks for writing your CV.
- Essentials for Negotiations (Lecturers: Jonathan Nicklin; Tom Nyhoff)
Join us for an engaging workshop focused on enhancing your negotiation abilities. Through a blend of theory and practice, you’ll learn how to navigate negotiations with confidence and achieve favourable outcomes.
- Designing an attractive and effective poster (Lecturer: Sarah Dresden)
What attracts an audience to my poster? What makes them look at it longer? How can I present my results in a clear way? During this short workshop you will learn: what makes a poster attractive, how to present text, pictures and graphs, how to make your poster self-explanatory, how to make use of colour schemes. In groups you will evaluate existing posters and you may bring your own (colour-printed on A4 paper) to receive feedback from your peers and your instructor.
- Inclusive leadership in international settings (Lecturers: Margreet van der Burg, Rico Lie)
This workshop supports you to explore your own leadership style and options to grow in working (more) inclusively in international settings. Mainly through exercises you will investigate aspects of inclusive leadership and position yourself within current notions on leadership versus management and various leadership styles. It gives you a flavour of the upcoming PhD course under the same name.
- Optimal GenAI use in your PhD (Lecturer: Tijmen Kerstens – WUR)
Building hands-on experience with generative AI tools for your PhD in an ethical manner. How do you optimize your GenAI use and maintain your scientific integrity?
ORGANISATION
The WGS PhD Workshop Carousel is organised by the PhD programme coordinators of the 6 graduate schools that form Wageningen Graduate Schools.
WGS Payment Conditions
The cost for attending the carousel day depends on your status:
|
REGULAR FEE 1 |
a) PhD/EngD Candidates registered at one of the Wageningen Graduate Schools *
b) Postdocs of Wageningen University that are registered at one of the Wageningen Graduate Schools |
€ 60.- |
All others |
€ 120.- |
1 The course fee includes coffee/tea, lunch, and drinks with bites at the end of the day
WGS Payment Instructions
Payments will be arranged after the final submission date. Please inform the secretary in your group about your participation, and let them know that they will receive an overview of all participating PhDs from your group and will receive instructions on how to process these payments.
WGS Cancellation Conditions
- Up to 2 (two) weeks prior to the start of the course, cancellation is free of charge.
- After that, you will be charged the full fee of € 120.-.
Note: If you would like to cancel your registration, ALWAYS inform us (and do note that you will be kept to the cancellation conditions)
More information
For general enquiries and questions in relation to the organisation of this year's WGS PhD Workshop Carousel, please contact Sanja Selakovic (PE&RC; sanja.selakovic@wur.nl). If you would like to change your registration details or cancel your registration altogether, please contact Miriam van Heist (miriam.vanheist@wur.nl).