Scientific Writing Retreat with Professional Childcare

Balancing family and scientific work can be a challenge for doctoral researchers with children. The 4-day Scientific Writing Retreat aims to allow doctoral candidates to focus on their paper or thesis writing project. At the same time, their children (3-10 years) are being looked after by the professional childcare provider Kids in Munich. The course week coincides with the first week of the Bavarian summer school holidays.

When writing a paper or thesis, doctoral candidates face several challenges: The text has to address the target readership, be structured logically and stringently, and be written in a precise and concise style. Moreover, the writing process must align with professional and personal duties. The complexity of such a writing project can be overwhelming, leading to a lack of motivation and enhanced procrastination - especially when writing alone, as an isolated author. 

In this scientific writing retreat, Dr. Kerstin Minnich will provide material for strategies to efficiently plan scientific texts and to implement style and structural conventions adequately during the writing process. Furthermore, there will be short writing impulses at the start of each writing day. Besides theoretical input on writing topics, the participants will have plenty of opportunities to work on their own texts, make progress with their manuscripts, and profit from the exchange with fellow writers. There will also be an individual 30-minute coaching session for each participant.

For your children aged from 3 to 10, Kids in Munich will provide professional childcare during course hours, enabling you to focus on your writing project without worrying about your child’s well-being. During the four days, your child will benefit from exciting activities themed around “aerospace” and “our solar system.” On offer are activities such as a visit to the Planet Way in Garching and the ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Center on campus, crafting a solar system, making a space rocket, and various planet-themed games and activities. Upon request,child care is also provided during lunch hours (food not included), or parents can have lunch together with their children. For more childcare information see below.

Very important: Registration is by waiting list only. Directly after registration, please send this completed form to Mrs. Zizheng Zhang! (zhang@zv.tum.de), Tel.: 089 289 10631.