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Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Group Activities

Application Deadline: 10 February 2024
 
The Graduate School supports three formats of group activities for doctoral students:

  •     Self-organized working groups in a research context
  •     Peer mentoring groups
  •     Writing retreats

In total, a maximum of 15 groups can be supported in 2024 with each receiving up to 5000 CHF. Smaller sums can also be requested. A group consists of an organizing team comprising at least three (or two for peer mentoring groups) doctoral students enrolled at PhF, and it is expected that as many PhF doctoral students as possible benefit from the group's added value, e.g., through a public activity (workshop, panel discussion, etc.).
 
The activities of the working groups are not curricularly accredited, and no ECTS credits are awarded for them. Repeated applications are allowed. Budgetary constraints apply.
 
The supported groups present themselves on the Graduate School website: PhD Showcase.

Self-organised Working Groups in a Research Context

The Graduate School provides funding for doctoral students engaged in self-organized working groups throughout 2024 on a common theme or project within a research context. This offers doctoral students the opportunity to realize their own ideas. Supported activities include self-organized exchanges and networking in a research area through the execution of joint activities.

Activities typically take place at UZH. Exceptions are possible in justified cases.

Activities eligible for funding include

  • Regular meetings to work on the shared research theme
  • Workshops
  • Small conferences or panel events
  • Networking events with other early-stage researchers
  • Other suitable activities 

Budget items that can be financed include

  • Event costs (e.g., coffee breaks, lunches, flyers)
  • Fees for external experts
  • Travel and accommodation costs for external experts. Preferential consideration is given to train travel.
  • CO2 compensation tax for flights taken by external experts

Application

Groups of at least three enrolled PhF doctoral students are eligible to apply. The application (especially the budget) must be discussed with a PhD coordinator.

The application must be submitted as a PDF by 10 February 2024, via email: graduiertenschule@phil.uzh.ch.
 
The Graduate School's Steering Committee will decide on the applications by early March 2024.
 
Funding criteria primarily focus on the project's scientific quality, relevance, and originality. In the case of equally evaluated applications by the Steering Committee, an equitable distribution of supported working groups among the Subject Boards will be considered.

Peer Mentoring Groups

The objective of peer mentoring groups is to support career development within a group of aspiring and advanced researchers (the "peers"). These self-initiated groups aim to discuss conditions and requirements for an academic career and conduct activities collectively to acquire necessary qualifications (e.g., methodological or interdisciplinary skills). The focus is on mutual support and establishing a network among colleagues. Knowledge and experiences gained personally are shared among group members within the peer mentoring group. Consequently, groups should include members at various stages of their academic careers, both doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers.

Peer mentoring groups typically span multiple years. Hence, the group's activity and member recruitment over time serve as important quality indicators. Ideally, previous mentees within the group progress to become mentors, passing on their experiences to new members. Groups usually consist of approximately 12 to 20 members.

Activities typically take place at UZH. Exceptions are possible in justified cases.

Activities eligible for funding include

  • Regular meetings for peer exchange
  • Workshops
  • Writing retreats
  • Small conferences or panel events on current career development topics
  • Networking events with other early-stage researchers
  • Other suitable activities

Budget items that can be financed include

  • Event costs (e.g., coffee breaks, lunches, flyers)
  • Fees for external experts
  • Travel and accommodation costs for external experts. Preferential consideration is given to train travel.
  • CO2 compensation tax for flights taken by external experts
  • Travel costs for members of the peer mentoring group, including postdocs

Application 

Groups of at least three individuals, including a minimum of two enrolled PhF doctoral students, are eligible to apply. Postdoctoral researchers can also be part of the organizing team and/or participate in group activities.

The Graduate School's funding is annual, but a multi-year perspective is valuable for peer mentoring groups. Therefore, applications for continued support are encouraged.

The application (especially the budget) must be discussed with a PhD coordinator.

The application must be submitted as a PDF by 10 February 2024, via email: graduiertenschule@phil.uzh.ch.

The Graduate School's Steering Committee will decide on the applications by early March 2024.

Funding Criteria: The activity program contributes to career advancement and professional development of the peers and has a long-term perspective. In cases where applications are equally evaluated by the Steering Committee, an equitable distribution of supported peer mentoring groups among the Subject Boards will be considered.

Writing Retreats

The Graduate School provides funding for doctoral students organizing a writing retreat for concentrated work on their dissertations throughout the year 2024. Writing retreats typically last for three days.

Budget Items Eligible for Funding

  • Travel: up to max. 100 CHF per person
  • Accommodation: up to max. 180 CHF per person per night
  • Meals: up to max. 20 CHF per person per day
  • Room rental: actual costs in CHF
  • Travel and accommodation for external experts: actual costs in CHF
  • Honorarium for external experts: actual costs in CHF

Application

Groups of at least three enrolled PhF doctoral students are eligible to apply. The application (especially the budget) must be discussed with a PhD coordinator.

The application must be submitted as a PDF by 10 February 2024, via email: graduiertenschule@phil.uzh.ch.

Allocation

In the case of equal evaluation of applications by the Steering Committee, the decision will be made by lottery. In 2024, a maximum of five writing retreats can be funded.

The Graduate School's Steering Committee will decide by early March 2024.