Cultivating Personal Resilience & Well-being: A Support Program for PhD students’ Careers in Academia
A comprehensive support program for doctoral students focusing on four key areas - academic writing, proposal writing skills, well-being, and career planning.
About the programme
This project, run by Welcome Services and supported by EURAXESS, focuses on empowering doctoral students to excel in both their academic careers and personal development. The project will run from autumn 2024 to spring 2025. The activities are open to all national and international doctoral students at the University of Gothenburg.
Key Areas of Focus
- Academic Writing Support: Workshops to improve scientific writing and overcome writer's block.
- Proposal Writing & Research Funding: Lecture on grant proposal writing and research funding opportunities.
- Well-being: Sessions on resilience, stress management, and work-life balance.
- Career Planning: Workshop and lectures to develop career strategies within and beyond academia.
Peer Support via PhD Cafés
During the project we will arrange what we call "PhD cafés". These casual gatherings is meant to provide a space for doctoral students to connect and share experiences on supervision, career aspirations, and well-being.
Collaboration with Experts
This project is supported by key university units, including the Unit for Academic Language, the Grants and Innovation Office, and external trainers, ensuring that doctoral students receive specialized guidance on writing, career planning, and mental well-being.
Join the Programme
Whether you're looking to improve your writing, explore career opportunities, or enhance your well-being, our programme is designed to support you, national or international doctoral student. Stay informed by signing up for events, newsletters, and updates.
For more information on the programme or how to participate, please contact Welcome Services at the University of Gothenburg.
ERA TALENT project
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme within the framework of the ERA TALENT Project funded under grant agreement No 101103476
Events include
AUTUMN 2024
7 November, 15:30 - 17:30 - Writing during your academic career
A reflective discussion on academic writing for doctoral researchers. Includes strategies for planning and starting writing, interactive exercises, and an overview of GU's writing support services.
7 November, 17:30 - 19:00 - PhD Café
Join the Board Game Fika in Studenternas Hus for an informal chance to meet fellow doctoral and international students. Enjoy refreshments and games in a relaxed setting.
26 November, 17-20 - Introduction to peer support
An introduction to peer support, highlighting how cultural backgrounds shape the way we listen, communicate, and provide support to one another.
3 December, 17:00 - 19:00 - How to write a competitive research grant proposal
Covers how to structure a grant proposal, the key differences from academic articles, and tips on developing research grant ideas.
5 December, 16:00- 18:00 - PhD Café: Connect and Collaborate!
An excellent opportunity to connect with fellow doctoral students and share your experiences! Open to all PhD students at the University of Gothenburg, this event offers an informal setting to meet peers and exchange ideas.
SPRING 2025
29 January - Doctoral writing and well-being
A discussion on the emotional challenges of writing, with research-based tips on minimizing negative feelings. An overview of the writing support services available at GU will also be provided.
5 February, 12 March, 19 March, & 2 April 13:00 - 16:00 - Career planning workshops, and an AW with Patent Attorney
A series focused on hands-on tips and tools to help researchers align their career goals with personal values and global needs. It will cover "which job is right for you?", job search and networking strategies, building non-academic CV and LinkedIn profile, and more.
4 March, 16:30 - 16:30 -18:00 - Phd café Speed -networking.
An opportunity to connect with fellow researchers, exchange ideas, and build meaningful academic relationships, or simply new friendships over faculty borders.
3 April, 14:00 - 15:30 - Rethinking productivity
Explore productivity through a well-being lens, focusing on creating routines, maintaining focus, and balancing family and research responsibilities. Register now
29 April, 09:30 - 11:00 - Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome
We’ll examine the impact of these patterns on productivity and well-being, offering ways to reshape your inner critic for personal growth. Register now
5 May 9:00-10:00 Phd café at International House Gothenburg
Join us for a breakfast fika and learn what support International House Gothenburg has to offer.
22 May - Full-day Workshop on Resilience & Well-being in Academia
Learn practical strategies for building resilience against stress, anxiety, and burnout in academia. Discover how to manage self-critical thoughts, shift your mindset for success, and break free from unhelpful habits like procrastination. Gain tools to create a healthier, more sustainable approach to your work and career. Learn more about this event
Other events for doctoral students
Outside of our project, the university organises a wide range of activities for doctoral students.
Boost your career through international mobility
International mobility is important and, in many cases, a hidden evaluation criteria for research grants. This short lunch seminar will explain why you should start building your international network early. Staff members from the Research and Innovation Services and the International Centre will talk about the importance of an international research network and how it can boost your career, as well as the opportunities available within the GU’s existing networks and projects. Read more and register here:
The same seminar is given on several occasions, each time with a new guest speaker, an early career researcher sharing experiences from a particular project and country. Please find below information about the two remaining events: next:
- 21 March 2025, time: 12:00-12:40: SASUF, South Africa Sweden University Forum, Participating researchers: Angelica Höök and Angelica Wiljén
- 23 May 2025, time: 12:00-12:40: USI, Swedish Research Institutes in Rome, Athens, Istanbul