The workshop series specifically developed for the funding model “project scholarships” aims to provide concrete support and assistance on the path to the dissertation, and to prepare the project scholars for the fellowship application process with Funding institutions. The workshop series provides specific information about funding possibilities in Germany as well as coaching, presentation training, and forums to critically discuss one’s exposé in the various stages of its development.

Further, FSGS invites the project scholars to participate in all of the Graduate School’s events and parties to meet and network with other members, visiting scholars, associated postdocs, and alumni of the school.

June

Welcome and introductory event

In June, FSGS welcomes the new project scholars. They have a chance to meet each other, and it gives the Graduate School the opportunity to introduce itself and explain the upcoming program.

Exposé writing workshop part 1

The two-part exposé writing workshop aims to prepare the project scholars for the application process with Funding institutions, and to formulate the exposé in an appropriate way. The first part addresses the content of a successful exposé, how to develop a central question, and how to frame a research project’s hypotheses or goals.

July

WorldCafé

The WorldCafé on the topic of “Paths to the dissertation. Which foundation is a good fit for me?“ is a public networking event to which anyone interested in doctoral studies is invited. The goal of this innovative event model is to provide an overview of the various funding programs offered by German foundations, and to start the dialog between doctoral students and foundation representatives.

A review of past WorldCafés can be found here.

Summer party

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

August

Exposé writing workshop part 2

The second part of the exposé writing workshop serves to reflect on the exposé’s development. Further, any foundation-specific knowledge gained at the WorldCafé should be incorporated in the application, and any remaining questions discussed.

Kick-off meeting: writing group

The writing workshop should develop into a self-organized writing group that meets on a regular basis in order to help each other with the writing process.

September

Colloquium day

On colloquium day, the project scholars discuss their now formulated research ideas in an interdisciplinary setting with their fellow students and supervisors.

October / Beginning of the winter semester at FSGS

Presentations workshop

During the presentations workshop, project scholars are given concrete tools to present their dissertation project clearly, succinctly, and rhetorically founded for selection interviews.

Colloquium

The project scholars participate in the first year’s colloquium and discuss their research project in an interdisciplinary context.

Lunch Forum

The project scholars introduce themselves to FSGS members in the Lunch Forum.

November

Annual meeting

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

December

Christmas party

February

End of semester

At the end of the scholarship period, the project scholars write final reports and reflect on their time at FSGS. Those who have successfully secured external funding for their dissertation receive a PhD position at the Graduate School at the beginning of the following winter semester.