Writing Productivity

Aims

In this workshop, we focus on the writing workflow or process. Thus, we do not discuss text quality but talk about writing productivity and efficiency. We explore how to get started, to keep momentum, and to finish in time. We also compare AI writing tools and discuss their use. Participants test various techniques, share experiences and develop individual strategies for productive scientific writing.

Content

• stages in the writing process: (1) collecting information, (2) developing text structure, (3) drafting, (4)revising

• working techniques for different types of writers

• software tools and online databases for scientific writing

• detailed planning and energetic implementation of writing projects

• habits, routines, systems for writing productivity

• teamwork with co-authors and supervisors

Methods

• Input by trainer
• Writing exercises
• Group discussions

Target Group

All Doctoral Candidates

About the Trainer

Dr. Philipp Mayer qualified in geoecology and obtained a PhD in the field of biodiversity research. He works as a freelance trainer for scientific writing and holds lectureships from the ETH Zurich and the Universities of Basel and Zurich. Dr. Mayer has held many writing courses and is the author of two books about scientific writing.

Workload

Total of 12h (preliminary work 2h, course attendance 7h, follow-up work 3h)

Feature

Should the covid-19 situation change and we are required to switch to an online format, the course will take place on 29.04.2025, from 08:15-17:00.

Once registration is open, applications will be collected for 24 hours and course places allocated by lot. All registrations received after the initial 24h period will be put on a waiting list and assigned on a first come, first served basis.

Course places/places on the waiting list will be confirmed by e-mail. Course registrations can only be canceled before the registration period ends (send an e-mail to grace@unibas.ch). Full course attendance is mandatory. Participants who fail to attend a course without prior notification or withdraw after the registration deadline are subject to a fee of CHF 30. In addition, participants who cancel their course registration at a later point in time, are absent without an excuse or do not attend the entire course will, for reasons of fairness, not be considered for course registration in the following semester and will be removed from other courses offered in the same semester. Please find the detailed regulations on the Transferable Skills Homepage.