PhD Supervisor Afternoon Workshop - Supervising and supporting PhD’s with writing (29 October 2026)

Supervising and supporting PhD’s with writing

Writing is a central component of the PhD trajectory, in which candidates develop to become independent scientists. Indeed, as Janzen (1996) stated “The best way to learn science is to write science” since “Clear writing generates clear thinking and clear thinking generates inspiration” (J. Satchell, 1992). But many PhD candidates struggle with writing and the question is how to go about supervising the writing process of your PhD?

In this afternoon workshop we focus on feedback and guidance that activates and empowers the PhD as a writer. We will dive into the different roles you as a supervisor can play in this.

Besides group discussion and experience exchange, an academic writing specialist will share  “Tips and Tricks”, “Do’s and Don’ts” to supervise the development of your PhD’s writing in an effective and efficient manner.

Programme

We start off with sharing and discussing experiences (when we were a PhD and now as supervisor). Accordingly we will list the main challenges for PhD's in the writing process and how these can be tackled with support of the supervisor. Then tips and tricks are shared how to enhance attractiveness and efficiency of  the PhD's writing. Finally the use of AI in the writing process will be discussed. 

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Target group:    PhD/EngD Supervisors
Group size:       15-25 participants
Language:         English
Organizers:       Claudius van de Vijver (WU, PE&RC), Janneke van Seters (WU, Dean of Research office)
Guest Speaker: Joy de Jong (Academisch Schrijven / The Joy of Writing)

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Fee:  

The workshop is free of charge but in case of a no show a fee of € 100,- will be charged.

Information

For more information about the course content, please contact: claudius.vandevijver@wur.nl or janneke.vanseters@wur.nl

For more information about registration and cancellation, please contact wgscourses@wur.nl