Productivity and peer exchange in a relaxing atmosphere

Imagine having two full days to devote entirely to your writing project – free from other obligations, in a calm and inspiring environment, surrounded by other writers, with complete flexibility over your schedule. Twelve researchers seized this opportunity at CERes from 8 to 10 January 2026, making real progress on diverse projects: long-overdue publications, upcoming presentations, habilitation theses, or final dissertation chapters. The variety was broad, but the shared aim was clear: to achieve tangible advances in focused tranquillity.

The retreat kicked off with a welcome evening to prepare for the writing sessions ahead. Participants got to know one another, fostered a supportive group dynamic, set personal goals for each work block, familiarised themselves with the venue, and set up their workspaces – including a spacious, brightly lit writing room and two seperate offices for even deeper concentration.

The days unfolded flexibly: some began in the early morning, others wrote into the evening. Shared lunches and dinners provided structure, offering not just nourishment but also valuable opportunities for exchange. These were complemented by optional active breaks led by the university sports programme, plus bracing winter walks in the fresh air to spark new ideas. Following the retreat, the University’s Academic Editing Service offered one-to-one feedback sessions on English-language texts.

If a writing getaway like this appeals to you, why not pencil in 28–30 May 2026? Applications will open from mid-March onwards – we’d be delighted to welcome you!