Recommended target group: 1st or 2nd year of doctoral studies
Time:  2 days – online or in presence
Credit points: 1 
Form: Workshop
Languange: German or English
Regular offer: every term

regularly offered by Dr. Michael Gommel and Dr. Andrea Kliewer

Description:

The major objective of the workshop “Good Scientific Practice – Protecting Scientific Integrity” is to know and understand the basic rules and values of the responsible conduct of research in all its stages, according to local, national and international regulations and guidelines. The participants will explore the differences and grey areas between good scientific practice, questionable research practice and scientific misconduct. They will learn how misconduct can be recognized and prevented, and how it should be addressed and dealt with in case it occurs, and what damage it can cause if handled improperly. The participants will learn to develop appropriate solutions for difficult situations in the process of science and receive advice on how to protect their scientific work. They are encouraged to speak with colleagues and the appropriate institutions about mistakes and problems.

The content of the workshop follows the curriculum “Good scientific practice” which was commissioned by and developed in cooperation with the German Research Ombudsman:

• Definitions of good scientific practice and scientific misconduct
• Examples for responsible and irresponsible conduct of research
• Data and source management
• Authorship and the process of publication
• Supervision as tools for fostering good scientific practice
• Conflict management: how to deal with scientific misconduct
• Responsibility and accountability in science
• Local, national and international guidelines and regulations on good scientific practice and scientific misconduct

Recommended target group: 2^nd to 3^rd year of doctoral studies
Time:  2 days, 4 days
Credit points: 1-3
Form: workshop, writing retreat
Language: German or English
Regular offer: different formats, one every term

Different formats:

Example 1: Hands-on workshops “Scientific Writing from concept to conclusion” 

by Dr. Carsten Rohr

Publications of research results are the currency of modern science. While scientific writing may not always be the most thrilling aspect of your work, it is undeniably essential for shaping your future research and career prospects. In this course, you will be introduced to the process of writing a scientific paper. This workshop is about practical application. You will work with your own data throughout the seminar and apply the concepts to your manuscript.

Transforming data into text

• Developing a clear main message
• Priority setting in the writing process
• Structure and logical flow of the text
• Create meaningful graphics
• Memorable introduction and abstract
• Do’s and Don’ts of AI Tools in writing
• How to develop a daily writing routine
• Efficient communication with co-authors

Working on your text:  Please note: Given that this is a hands-on workshop, you need some data to serve as the foundation for a journal article. Please also bring some scientific texts written by you (e.g., Bachelor or Master thesis, as well as any published or upcoming papers) to the seminar.

Prerequisites: Enough (analyzed) data to write a (test) paper..

Example 2: Scientific Writing 

by Dr. Melanie Conrad

This Scientific Writing Workshop concentrates on the process of writing an academic manuscript in the natural sciences (biology, medicine, chemistry, physics). Choosing an audience, creating a story, explaining complex data and formulating convincing arguments will be discussed. Additionally, detailed information will be given regarding the content of each manuscript section. Workshop participants will be instructed in the formal and organizational aspects of academic writing and train their competency with exercises.

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the workshop participants will:

• - have a detailed overview of the structure of a scientific manuscript.
• - learn to build an interesting story from their data.
• - improve their argumentation skills for writing convincingly.
• - improve their writing structure and flow.
• - be familiarized with the publishing process.

Participant requirements

Participants should bring a 250-300 word abstract on their own work. A paper from their field (no reviews please).

Example 3: OLTECH - Scientific writing retreat 

by Eric Ahlberg

This three-day writing-focused workshop is designed to help you make meaningful progress on your English language writing projects. A thesis chapter, journal article, or other academic text, the choice is yours. With an emphasis on self-directed goals and focused time slots, the workshop provides a supportive environment for productive, reflective writing. 

Each morning features a short thematic session on topics, such as narrative structure in academic writing, clarity, definitions, coherence and succinctness, and persuasive language. Participants are encouraged to apply these insights directly into their work during extended writing blocks throughout the day. Personal review and feedback is available from the instructor (Eric Ahlberg, Language Centre and Graduate Academy), and periodically from peers.

In addition to individual writing time, we’ll also explore and critically reflect on the use of AI tools for academic writing. We’ll see how they can support clarity, structure, and productivity when used thoughtfully.

This offer is a chance to write with structure, support, and space to think. Suitable for researchers at any stage of the writing process.

Example 4: Scientific Writing done differently 

by Prof. Dr. Thilo Groß

Module is taught in eight early evening meetings of 2 hours each, in addition to self-study. In the module students will learn creative writing techniques and workflows and learn to apply them in scientific writing. 

Each meeting will be a mixture of lecture, seminar and in-class exercises.

The course will cover

1. Writing productively. (Conquering the empty page; plotting-drafting-revising workflows, structural constraints of text)
2. Good word choice (Eliminating needless words, use of subtext, word-choice in scientific writing)   
3. Better sentences (Improving readability, sentence orientation, additive vs multiplicative clauses, avoiding run-on sentences)
4. Sensible paragraphs (Basics of composition, beginning-middle-end structure, common issues)
5. Tone, Voice, etc. (Time, scientific vs. other voices, passive do’s and don’ts, pronouns, ideation)
6. Precision (Precise phrasing, use of meta-information, how to establish common ground)
7. Plot and protagonist (Hourglass structure, acts and story beats, a narratology of science)
8. Odds and Ends (Use of dialog, bad writing tips, rules and when to break them, …)

Recommended target group: anytime
Time: 1-3 days
Credit points: 1-3
Form: workshop, seminar
Language: German or English
Regular offer: every term/year

Different formats:

Example 1: Advanced presentation techniques - Fortgeschrittene Präsentationstechniken

regularly by Prof. Dr. Henrik Mouritsen and Prof. Dr. Heiko Schmaljohann

Example 2: Creating and presenting scientific posters

Recommended target group: 1. + 2. year of doctoral studies
Time: 2 days – in presence
Credit points: 1 
Form: Workshop
Language: German or Englisch
Regular offer: every term

regularly offered by Dr. Johannes Voßkuhl, Scientific Computing – Research Data Management, School V

Description:

Research data is an essential part of research in almost all disciplines. Sometimes research data create their own chaos between different versions, different machines, analysis steps, statistics, quality checks and re-analysis. 

Data that is securely stored and well described can not only ease your conscience, it can also save time when re-using the data or sharing it with collaborators, and it contributes significantly to transparent research. In doing so, research data management can improve your impact on science.

In this workshop you will learn the basics of research data management (RDM), such as the FAIR principles, the research data lifecycle, open science, data publication, legal aspects of research data and the handling of personal data. You will also gain an insight into the infrastructure at UOL that can help you store your data in the right way and good practices of research data management on your own computer. The workshop will have lecture parts, interactive discussions and hands-on practice on realistic research data.

Recommended target group: anytime
Time: 2 days
Credit points: 1-2
Form: Workshop
Language: German or English
Regular offer: every term

regularly offered by Dr. Jale Özyurt

Description:

In this event, master's and doctoral students are introduced to basic questions of ethics in the sciences as well as to content-related and formal aspects of creating an Ethikantrag. Participants receive semester-long support upon request in writing their own Ethikantrag.

At the beginning of each semester, participants are introduced to relevant questions of ethics in the sciences in a workshop. They learn in detail about the application procedure and the necessary forms. The application process, submission modalities, and content requirements for writing an Ethikantrag are explained using the example of a research project. Participants are also given the opportunity to work with sample texts provided by the Medical Ethics Commission, which are intended to achieve harmonization and standardization of information materials. Furthermore, initial efforts towards unification and simplification of the procedure through the ethics tool of the Technical University of Chemnitz are discussed.

For each semester, a maximum of 12 students can register, who will receive individual support upon prior agreement in writing their own Ethikantrag. The workshop and semester-long support in writing an application can also be taken separately from each other. Applications for studies that fall under special legal regulations (§ 15 BOÄKN, AMG, MPG, Radiation Protection Act, etc.) are not supported.

• Participants are familiar with the basic concepts and questions of ethics in the sciences
• Participants know the formal and content-related requirements for Ethikanträge and learn to apply them in their own Ethikantrag
• Participants learn to critically evaluate their own studies in terms of ethical aspects

Different formats:

Workshop: “Profile Development, Networking and Career Planning for OLTECH Doctoral Researchers

Recommended target group: 2nd - 4th year of PhD
Time: 2  days in presence
Credit points: 1
Form: Workshop
Language: German or English
Regular offer: 2 times a year

Lecturer: Dr. Ferdinand Esser (registration: ferdinand.esser@uol.de)

Workshop Description: 

This workshop is designed for doctoral researchers nearing the completion of their PhD. It provides guidance on refining their personal profile and identifying suitable career paths. What career opportunities are available to me after completing my doctorate? Should I pursue a career in academia or explore the opportunities beyond it? How can professional networks support my future career? 

Contents of the Workshop: 

Understanding your own profile is a crucial foundation for job hunting. In this workshop, we will identify the skills and competencies you possess and determine the conditions you need to work effectively. Based on this, you will develop your personal “career map”. This knowledge will help you explore potential career fields and build a professional network. You will learn strategies to navigate both academic and non-academic job markets. Additionally, you will receive support in planning your next steps and insights into how to use networks strategically. The workshop includes a combination of short theoretical sessions, individual and group exercises, discussions, and presentations.

OLTECH – Career paths in Science, Medicine and Technology - Online Career Sessions

Recommended target group: anytime
Time: 1,5 hours per session - online
Credit points: 0,5 for three sessions
Form: session
Language: German or English
Regular offer: every two to three months

Description

Career paths in Science, Medicine and Technology” offers you the chance to meet OLTECH alumni and other role models, to hear from their experiences, and to interact with them. You will learn about a variety of career paths and get insights into different areas of work, in particular jobs outside of academia. Our guest speakers will talk about their current position, the moves that got them there, the relevance of skills acquired during their doctoral studies and will be ready for your questions.

Overview of past events and guests

Mentoring is based on the informal transfer of experience and knowledge and the individual support of an early-career researcher (mentee) by an individual with specialist academic or professional experience (mentor). Mentoring promotes professional and personal development. Mentors support their (usually) younger colleagues in the early stages of their academic careers by giving insights into potential career pathways, career planning advice and constructive feedback on their achievements and skills. 

One-to-one mentoring is complemented by a supporting programme that prepares the mentees for their role and offers opportunities for networking and reflecting on the mentoring process. In addition, four training workshops are usually offered that are specifically tailored to the needs of the mentees.

Further information on our OLTECH Mentoring programme can be found here

Recommended target group: 2nd- last year of doctorate
Time: half day
Credit points: 0,5
Form: Workshop
Language: German or English
Regular offer: once a year

With the Workshop for doctoral candidates in the final phase or at mid-term, we would like to provide information on various topics and questions and talk to doctoral candidates and responsible persons from different organisational units (supervisors, doctoral committees, personnel department, library, etc.).
The content will cover various aspects of the final phase of the doctorate, the submission of the dissertation and the disputation. With this workshop, we would like to create an offer that takes up and answers questions on the following topics:

• Timetable/time management for the final phase - tips and suggestions
• Self-motivation 
• Contract situation in the final phase/contract extensions; experiences and legal basis
• Important deadlines for the final phase 
• Assessment/review of doctoral theses, tips for the defence
• Publication and dissemination of the dissertation