The CERes workshop programme

With our varied programme of workshops, we provide support for doctoral researchers and postdocs in the development of their generic competences. If you would like to take part in our workshops to plug some gaps in your competences, discover your hidden talents or expand your professional perspectives, simply register for the current semester programme. We look forward to meeting you! Registration for the summer semester 2026 begins on 17 March 2026 at 7 pm.

The University of Münster offers a large number of workshops which are also open to doctoral researchers and postdocs. The programmes of generic competences workshops offered by various institutions can be found under “Weitere Qualifizierungsangebote” (“Further Training Offers”).

We aim to provide all participants with a safe and accessible learning environment and are happy to accommodate individual needs (e.g., accessibility requirements or neurodiversity-sensitive communication) within our means.

You are welcome to contact our team in advance in confidence at ceres.events@uni-muenster.de.

Academic professionalism

  • Thu, 5 Mar 2026, 13:00–17:00 / Want to be a perfect copycat? Master anti-plagiarism strategies

    DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

    What counts as plagiarism – and how can you avoid it? In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn to distinguish between different types of plagiarism, practise micro-paraphrasing, and reflect on whether the use of generative AI tools may constitute plagiarism in various scenarios.

    Facilitator: Dr Iva Ognjanovic (CERes)
    Venue: Zoom

    Registration

  • Thu–Fri, 19–20 Mar 2026, 9:00–14:00 / Good scientific practice

    DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

    How do you navigate ethical dilemmas in research? In this workshop, you’ll deepen your understanding of good scientific practice, learn to distinguish between different types of problematic research behaviour, and explore what effective supervision and mentoring look like. Through case studies and reflection, you’ll strengthen your ability to make informed decisions in everyday research contexts.

    Facilitator: Dr Iva Ognjanovic (CERes)
    Venue: Zoom

    Registration

  • Thu–Fri, 7–8 May 2026, 9:00–14:00 / Good scientific practice

    DOCTORAL and POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

    How do you navigate ethical dilemmas in research? In this workshop, you’ll deepen your understanding of good scientific practice, learn to distinguish between different types of problematic research behaviour, and explore what effective supervision and mentoring look like. Through case studies and reflection, you’ll strengthen your ability to make informed decisions in everyday research contexts.

    Facilitator: Dr Iva Ognjanovic (CERes)
    Venue: Zoom

    Registration

Techniques of academic work

  • 14 Jan–6 Mar 2026 / GenAI Lab: Hands-on GenAI training for doctoral & postdoctoral researchers

    GenAI Lab is a practice-oriented workshop series tailored for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers eager to leverage the potential of Generative AI (GenAI) technology in their academic work. Each workshop focuses on a specific area and includes practical examples or case studies from various disciplines. Participants will engage in interactive activities, hands-on exercises (including prompting techniques), and reflective discussions.

    The dates and workshop details for the GenAI Lab in the winter term 2025/26 will be announced at the end of October 2025.

    Registration

  • Fri, 13 & 27 Mar 2026, 10:00–13:00 / Reading, fast and slow: Shifting gears from skimming to deep dive

    DOCTORAL and POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

    In this workshop, you will learn to skim and scan texts rapidly to identify key information and save time. You will explore active reading and annotation strategies to improve comprehension and retention. Additionally, you will develop a personal reading toolkit to enhance your performance and motivation.

    Facilitator: Sabine Schneider (CERes)
    Venue: CERes, Schlossplatz 6, room 001 (on 13 March) & Zoom (on 27 March)

    Registration

  • TBA / Academic writing essentials

    DOCTORAL and POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

    In this interactive and practical workshop, you’ll learn how to structure your writing effectively, communicate complex research clearly and persuasively, and build strong, engaging arguments. You’ll also explore strategies to overcome writer’s block and discover how to use AI ethically to support your writing process.

    Facilitator: Dr Julie Davies (Supportstelle Englisch)
    Venue: Zoom

    Registration

  • Mon–Tue, 11–12 May 2026, 09:00–14:00 and 09:00–17:00 / Thesis defence training

    DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS (at a final stage of the doctorate)

    In this workshop, you will learn to give a convincing, well-structured presentation and respond confidently to critical questions. You’ll prepare key elements of your thesis defense, such as research questions and main messages. Throughout the course, we’ll address formalities, ensuring you’re fully prepared and confident.

    Facilitator: Dr Malte Engel (Argumentationskompetenz)
    Venue: Zoom

    Registration

  • Do, 30.07.2026 & 27.08.2026, 9:00–13:00 / Reading, fast and slow: Adaptive Strategien für wissenschaftliche Texte

    PROMOVIERENDE und POSTDOCS

    Lesen ist eine zentrale Kompetenz in der Forschung, fühlt sich aber oft wie eine zeitraubende Aufgabe an – überwältigend und demotivierend. In diesem interaktiven Workshop entdecken und erproben Sie verschiedene Lesestrategien, um Ihr Lesetempo bewusst variieren zu lernen und so effizienter und selbstbewusster lesen zu können sowie Ihr Textverständnis und Ihre Motivation zu steigern. 

    Workshopleitung: Sabine Schneider (CERes)
    Ort: CERes, Schlossplatz 6, Raum 001 (30.07.2026) & Zoom (27.08.2026)

    Anmeldung

Self-management

  • Fri, 22 May 2026, 10:00–12:00 and 13:00–15:00 / Inside German academia: Decoding its research landscape and career options for postdocs

    (international) POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

    This two-part interactive info event introduces the German research landscape, its key institutions, funding mechanisms, and opportunities at the University of Münster. It also highlights postdoc career paths in and beyond academia, including requirements, development strategies, and common challenges for (international) postdocs in Germany.

    Facilitators: Sabina Schneider & Rebecca Meier (CERes)
    Venue: Zoom

    Registration

  • Thu–Fri, 18–19 Jun, 13:00–17:00 and 09:00–13:00 / Navigating postdoc pathways: Crafting your Individual Development Plan (IDP) after the doctorate

    POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

    In this workshop, you will clarify your personal and professional values, competencies, and motivations, linking them to development goals. You will identify internal and external resources to support these goals, set SMART objectives, and anticipate challenges. You will exchange constructive feedback on action plans in a supportive peer environment.

    Facilitators: Rebecca Meier & Dr Iva Ognjanovic (CERes)
    Venue: CERes, Schlossplatz 6, room 001

    Registration

  • Thu–Fri, 25–26 Jun 2026, 13:00–17:00 and 09:00–13:00 / Crafting your Individual Development Plan (IDP): A workshop for doctoral researchers

    DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

    In this workshop, you will clarify your personal and professional values, competencies, and motivations, linking them to development goals. You will identify internal and external resources to support these goals, set SMART objectives, and anticipate challenges.

    Facilitators: Dr Iva Ognjanovic & Rebecca Meier (CERes)
    Venue: CERes, Schlossplatz 6, room 001

    Registration

  • Tue, 30 Jun 2026, 09:00–16:00 / Self-motivation

    DOCTORAL and POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

    Research is a marathon, not a sprint. This interactive workshop provides practical strategies and reflective exercises to help you sustain motivation, navigate common challenges, and make steady progress in your research and writing. Participants explore goal-setting techniques, methods for overcoming procrastination, and ways to balance research with personal well-being. The workshop also addresses how to handle setbacks and feedback constructively, strengthen resilience, and build supportive academic networks.

    Facilitator: Dr Matthias Zach (Coaching und Training Dr. Matthias Schwarzkopf)
    Venue: Zoom

    Registration

  • Thu–Fri, 2–3 Jul 2026, 13:00–17:00 and 09:00–13:00 / „Just do it!“? Understanding and managing procrastination

    DOCTORAL and POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

    In this workshop, we will use tools such as the Zurich Resource Model (ZRM®) to explore the cognitive, volitional, and emotional processes that constitute and foster procrastination, and to identify your own behavioral patterns so you can develop strategies to take back control. By the end of the workshop, however, you will not be completely free of procrastination!

    Facilitator: Rebecca Meier (CERes)
    Venue: CERes, Schlossplatz 6, room 001

    Registration

  • Mi–Do, 15.–16.07.2026, 13:00–17:00 und 09:00–13:00 / Mentale Gesundheit im Wissenschaftssystem

    PROMOVIERENDE, POSTDOCS

    In diesem Workshop diskutieren Sie Kriterien und Einflussfaktoren auf die mentale Gesundheit von Forschenden. Sie reflektieren den Zusammenhang zwischen Strukturen des Wissenschaftssystems, individuellen Voraussetzungen und möglichen Belastungen im Dialog. Gemeinsam erarbeiten Sie individuelle Präventionsmaßnahmen und Strategien zum Umgang mit psychischen Belastungen während der Promotions- und Postdoc-Phase.

    Workshopleitung: Rebecca Meier (CERes)
    Ort: CERes, Schlossplatz 6, Raum 001

    Anmeldung

  • Fr, 17.07.2026, 09:00–16:00 / Netzwerken – Strategisch? Authentisch!

    PROMOVIERENDE, POSTDOCS

    Ein starkes fachliches und persönliches Netzwerk im In- und Ausland kann erfolgsentscheidend sein für (akademische) Karrieren. Im Workshop reflektieren Sie Ihren eigenen Standpunkt und entwickeln Ideen, wie Sie strategisch und nachhaltig Netzwerke aufbauen können, die Sie zum Erfolg bringen.

    Workshopleitung: Dr. Anneka Esch-van Kan (CERes)
    Ort: CERes, Schlossplatz 6, Raum 001

    Anmeldung

  • Wed, 22 Jul 2026, 09:00–13:00 / International research stays in your doctorate: From first ideas to lasting ties

    DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

    International research stays are often seen as valuable, yet only bout 30% of doctoral researchers go abroad during their doctorate.This session encourages participants to reflect on whether, when, and how such experiences fit their research, career goals, and personal situation.

    Facilitator: Sabine Schneider (CERes)
    Venue: CERes, Schlossplatz 6, room 001

    Registration

Research management

  • Mon, 16 Mar 2026 / 14:00–17:00 / Establishing boundaries in research supervision: Meta-communication and active listening to manage expectations and build rapport

    POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

    The first part of the workshop explores how supervisory relationships are shaped not only by what is communicated, but also by how communication itself is addressed. Participants will be introduced to meta-communication as a practical approach to aligning expectations and fostering effective collaboration throughout the candidature, particularly in complex contexts such as team or cross-cultural supervision. In the second part of the workshop, participants will engage with the active listening technique and apply the supervisory expectations grid, a practical tool for establishing shared expectations and strengthening rapport. [...]

    Facilitators: Dr Iva Ognjanovic, Rebecca Meier (CERes)
    Venue: Münster CERes, Schlossplatz 6, room 001

    Registration

    This workshop was developed as part of the Next Generation Research SuperVision Project (RSVP), and provided to CERes as part of the project’s piloting programme. 

  • Mon, 30 Mar 2026 / 09:30–12:00 / Supporting doctoral researchers’ development beyond the project

    POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

    This workshop seeks to help research supervisors support doctoral researchers beyond their research by addressing the hidden curriculum and encouraging reflective practice. Emphasis is placed on maintaining healthy boundaries and fostering inclusivity, both of which are essential for supporting supervisor wellbeing and preventing burnout. Participants will explore common challenges and best practices through peer-led, reflective practices, and case studies drawn from real-life supervisory experiences. [...]

    Facilitators: Rebecca Meier, Dr Iva Ognjanovic (CERes)
    Venue: Zoom

    Registration

Social responsibility & transfer

LinkedIn Learning Tip

PowerPoint: Visualisation

Discover LinkedIn as a platform for learning! LinkedIn Learning offers many videos on business, technology, and creativity – for beginners to professionals, in German, English, and more! If you’re a member of the University of Münster, you can even access it for free through the University and State Library of Münster. And with the LinkedIn Learning app, you can continue your training and gather new ideas on the go. Follow the link, type your university email ending with “@uni-muenster.de“ and sign in via Single Sign-On.

PowerPoint: Visualisierung (365/2019) (fortgeschrittene) by Maria Hoeren (3 hrs 39 mins, in German)
PowerPoint Data Visualization: High-Impact Charts and Graphs (intermediate) by Echo Swinford (1 hr. 47 mins, in English)