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Writing, publishing, and presenting skills for doctoral students
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:15
Abstract
Doctoral students will engage in expert- and peer-led workshops to enhance skills that are crucial for their success. Scientific writing constitutes a major part of this course. Additional topics will be chosen by students and could include publishing, data visualization, genAI and presentation skills. Students will bolster their scientific networks by learning and collaborating with peers.
Objective
Students acquire tools and strategies that will be foundational to completing their doctoral research projects. For scientific writing, the specific learning goal is: • Effective writing of scientific texts, including structuring of sections and using fluent, reader-focused sentences and paragraphs. Other learning goals will depend on the additional workshop topics chosen and could include: • Structuring and visualization of complex content; effective delivery of slide-based presentations. • Applying methods and tools to define milestones, manage risks, identify next steps, and communicate effectively with stakeholders (e.g., supervisor, collaborators, thesis committee). • Visualizing scientific data to maximize impact of graphs and plots
Content
This course will equip doctoral students from D-EAPS and D-USYS with the skills crucial for success in their doctorate. Through a blend of workshops, hands-on assignments, and peer-led sessions, students will refine their ability to produce high-quality scientific writing and will develop competencies across several research-support areas. The course is divided into two primary components: Part 1: Expert-led scientific writing workshops Students will enhance their scientific writing abilities across 5 workshops by completing several short written assignments and receiving individualized feedback. Content and materials deal specifically with the demands of writing in systems-oriented natural sciences. Assignments will therefore allow students to practice components of their prospective research articles. Part 2: Peer-led skill development workshops Students will partake in an interactive, peer-led learning experience. Participants will select topics of interest from a curated list, for example including: • AI-based tools and generative AI in research • Effective presentation skills • Academic project management • Data visualization techniques • Effective reference management and smart note-taking strategies • Maintain your scientific integrity and avoid plagiarism • Publishing: dealing with journals, editors, reviewers, open access etc. Working alone or in pairs, students will research, prepare, and conduct a workshop-style session on their chosen topic, gaining experience in both teaching and subject mastery. Access to expert consultation is provided to ensure a high-quality teaching and learning experience. Experts will offer support and guidance on content and will be available during presentations to add insights or address complex questions. This course is offered by D-EAPS and ETH Library. The minimum number of participants for this course to take place is 8 doctoral students. The costs for the scientific writing sessions are 350 CHF per student. Professors from D-EAPS have agreed on paying this course for their students. It is recommended that professors from D-USYS equally cover the costs for their students.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 20
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Writing, publishing, and presenting skills for doctoral students |
|
3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Doctorate Earth and Planetary Sciences (More Information at: )
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Doctorate Environmental Systems Sciences (More Information at: )
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