As a place where people meet, CERes promotes networking and cooperation among emerging researchers. Our physical and virtual rooms are open to doctoral researchers and postdocs for mutual exchange, coworking with like-minded peers, or quiet work. Our trainers cultivate a stimulating, supportive and productive atmosphere where you can relax and concentrate on writing, work on your projects, and meet peers from many different faculties.
Our (Virtual) Writing Groups
Writing together helps!
Did you know that taking part in writing groups can reduce stress and anxiety in doctoral researchers which arise in connection with writing a dissertation (e.g. Buckley et al. 2021)? Or that writing groups can promote interdisciplinary learning among doctoral researchers (e.g. Bergen et al. 2020)? As far as university teachers are concerned (including postdocs), taking part in an academic writing group can help to increase productivity as regards writing manuscripts and publications (e.g. Kwan et al. 2021). Join our writing community and let us celebrate your successes together!
Having a “place” to come to, knowing that I have blocked it in my calendar, that there are others that also want to write and that I can work on my draft. Basically, to get into the habit of setting aside time specifically for writing.
16 & 23 Oct 2025 & more (15–17:30) / Writing gurus, unite! Collaborative Virtual Writing Retreats
DOCTORAL and POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS
Join the collaborative Virtual Writing Retreats! An initiative by UK universities (Bristol, Cambridge, Crick, Glasgow, KCL, Imperial, QMUL, Surrey, Ulster, and York), with the University of Münster as an external partner, this series of writing sessions provides researchers with structured support and uninterrupted Pomodoro-style writing intervals. This unique collaboration combines Uni Münster’s focused Writing Gurus sessions with the broader Virtual Writing Retreats network, offering strategies, tools, and peer support to help you make tangible progress on your writing projects.
Focused sessions delivered by Uni Münster:
- Session 1: Prewriting strategies
Thu, 16 Oct 2025, 15:00–17:30 (Zoom) - Session 2: Time and task management
Thu, 23 Oct 2025, 15:00–17:30 (Zoom) - Other sessions: Freestyle writing sessions (dates will be provided in Session 1)
Münster Sessions 1 and 2 include structured activities to help develop essential writing habits and boost productivity. Participation in these activities is encouraged but not mandatory. If you’re interested in freestyle writing only, the session format allows for flexible individual writing time.
Objectives:
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Use one prewriting technique to find the focus of the section
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Apply time and task management strategies to establish a more productive and enjoyable writing routine
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Build sustainable writing habits
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Overcome procrastination and writer’s block through focused writing time
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Connect with a motivated writing community
Requirement: To join the Virtual Writing Retreats, participants are expected to attend at least one of the Münster sessions. Attendance includes automatic access to the full Virtual Writing Retreats network and Zoom links for all upcoming sessions.
Facilitators: Dr Iva Ognjanovic (CERes), Researcher Developers at UK universities (Bristol, Cambridge, Crick, Glasgow, KCL, Imperial, QMUL, Surrey, Ulster, York)
8–10 Jan 2026 (17:30–19:30, 08:00–20:00, 08:00–20:00) / Focus forward: A writing retreat for postdocs
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS
Do you need time and space to work on your current publication, your next grant proposal or to finally start that paper? We have got you covered! All you need to do is bring your stuff and start working. There will be snacks, coffee and other beverages, active breaks, optional writing consultations and writing prompts, as well as opportunities to network with other postdocs.
Meals are organised on a self-paid basis. If you need childcare during the event, please let us know by 24 November 2025. Registered participants will receive a detailed schedule and further information before the event.
Schedule:
- 8 Jan (Thu), 5–8pm: Starting session and joint dinner
- 9 Jan (Fri), 8am–8pm: Three writing sessions with joint lunch, afternoon, and dinner break
- 10 Jan (Sat), 8am–8pm: Three writing sessions with joint lunch, afternoon, and dinner break
Objectives:
- Set writing goals for your individual project
- Make tangible progress on your writing project and make use of consultation sessions as needed
- Strengthen the postdoc community in Münster through networking and peer exchange
Requirements: Attendance on 8 January is compulsory. You are free to choose your own start and finish times as well as meals on 9 and 10 January. Please indicate your choices in this form no later than 5 January 2026: https://forms.office.com/e/T5AwC3j0Li.
Facilitator: Rebecca Meier (CERes)
The Supportstelle Englisch offers postdocs and doctoral candidates support with high-impact publications, conference papers and research funding applications. The services include language editing, individual writing consultations and customised workshops – all in English and tailored to your respective requirements.
- Session 1: Prewriting strategies