Qualification programme of the RTG in the summer semester 2025
In the summer semester 2025 the qualification programme of the RTG included workshops on science communication, HiTOP, scientific writing, and grant writing, which were tailored specifically to the needs of our PhD students, many of whom are nearing the last stages of their PhD.
On the 7th of March, a group of RTG members participated in a one-day science communication workshop led by Dr. Daniel Hölle, a neuropsychologist and an experienced science communicator. Dr. Hölle, co-host of the podcast I am Scientist, focused specifically on three formats of communicating scientific concepts: elevator pitches, podcasts, and social media writing. The workshop combined practical exercises with real-time feedback, helping participants improve their ability to engage with broader audiences.
On the 24th of March, an online workshop on the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) framework took place, led by Dr. Katherine Jonas from Stony Brook University. The session introduced participants to this dimensional model for understanding mental health disorders, with practical insights into how it can be applied to ongoing research. Dr. Jonas specifically addressed the utility of HiTOP for the projects within our RTG, using the examples of the subprojects C2 and C3. The workshop encouraged active discussion, allowing attendees to explore the framework's relevance to their own work.
On the 29th of April, Prof. Dr. med. Christian Büchel led a workshop on scientific writing for our group. The participants were able to benefit from the extensive experience of Prof. Büchel on how to write clear, structured research papers—skills crucial for successful PhD completion and career advancement. Prof. Büchel offered valuable advice on drafting strong research papers and addressed participants' individual writing challenges. The workshop provided lots of valuable input that the RTG members could apply in the nine writing sessions that followed.
Finally,on the 15th of May, we offered a session on grant writing, led by Prof. Dr. Lars Schwabe. The session focused on the key elements of successful grant applications, with Prof. Schwabe drawing on his expertise to provide practical insights and strategies. The session concluded with a group discussion, allowing participants to address specific challenges and improve their grant-writing skills.