The workshop series, originally designed for the “project scholarships” funding model, provides targeted support and guidance throughout the dissertation process. It also equips scholarship holders with the skills needed to navigate fellowship applications to funding institutions. The series offers detailed information on funding opportunities in Germany, as well as coaching, presentation training, and forums for the critical discussion of exposés at various stages of development.

In addition, the FSGS invites scholarship holders to participate in all events and gatherings of the Graduate School. This offers opportunities to connect and network with fellow members, visiting scholars, affiliated postdocs, and alumni of the School.

End of May/June

Welcome and introduction event

At the end of May or beginning of June, the FSGS warmly welcomes its new scholarship holders. This gathering offers an opportunity for them to get to know one another, while also allowing the Graduate School to introduce itself and present the upcoming program.

June - July

WorldCafé

The WorldCafé event, titled “Paths to the Dissertation: Which Foundation is a Good Fit for Me?”, is a public networking format open to anyone interested in pursuing doctoral studies. This innovative event provides an overview of the diverse funding programmes offered by German foundations and fosters dialogue between doctoral candidates and representatives of these institutions.

An overview of past WorldCafés can be found here.

July

Exposé writing workshop Part 1

The exposé writing workshop is designed to prepare scholarship holders for the application process with funding institutions and to support them in developing effective exposés. The first session focuses on the key elements of a successful exposé, including how to develop a central research question and articulate the hypotheses or aims of a research project.t.

Summer party

The FSGS cordially invites all colleagues and friends of the FSGS to its annual summer party.

August - November

Exposé writing workshop Part 2

In the individual coaching sessions, participants work on their specific doctoral projects and further develop their exposés in relation to concrete application requirements.

October / Beginning of the winter semester

Presentation workshop

During the presentation workshop, scholarship holders receive practical tools to present their dissertation projects clearly, concisely, and with rhetorical precision, preparing them for selection interviews.

Colloquium

In their first year, scholarship holders participate in the colloquium and discuss their research projects in an interdisciplinary context.

Lunch Forum

The scholarship holders introduce themselves to FSGS members during the Lunch Forum.

November

Annual conference

All colleagues and friends of the FSGS are cordially invited to our Annual Conference.

December

Winter party

February

End of semester

At the end of the scholarship period, scholarship holders submit a final report and reflect on their time at the FSGS. Those who have successfully secured external funding for their dissertation are awarded a PhD position at the Graduate School at the beginning of the following winter semester.