50/10: JustWrite! Just Write! is an open online writing group that offers regular focused writing sessions and helps participants develop writing routines. The group is self-organized by the participants and supported by the ZEWK.

AI and Expert Authorship in Academic Writing: AI-based writing tools play an important role in academic writing today. They are used (openly or covertly) to generate new text, as well as to rewrite and revise texts written by the authors themselves. However, this takes place in a situation that is unclear in at least two respects: On the one hand, many doctoral candidates wonder whether it is legally and ethically permissible at all to use AI-based writing tools. On the other hand, it is not obvious how AI-based writing tools can be integrated into the writing process in a meaningful and effective way. In this workshop, we will therefore explore AI-based writing tools by examining our own, entirely human writing competence: What constitutes competent authorship in the academic world? The ability to generate new texts is certainly part of it—as is the ability to rewrite, critically evaluate, and improve existing texts. In the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to try out and compare relevant human and AI-supported writing techniques.

Career Day: The Career Day is an annual event organized by the Berlin University Alliance. It is primarily designed for doctoral candidates in Berlin who are looking to expand their horizons and learn about the various career options available to them. It is an excellent opportunity for doctoral candidates in Berlin to explore future perspectives and meet exciting guests. The Career Day will provide an opportunity to meet and speak directly with professionals from various industries and sectors. Participants will be able to attend round table discussions and world cafés, as well as meet with professionals who can provide valuable insights and advice on their future prospects.

Clear and Compelling Scientific Texts: The practice-oriented workshop provides the know-how needed to write well-structured, convincing and easy-to-read scientific texts in the STEM research fields.

Mastering journal publication and peer review: Strategies for success in the natural and life sciences: The course familiarizes participants with the steps of the peer review and publication process and helps them understand and meet the expectations of reviewers.

Optimize your writing productivity: The course teaches techniques that make it possible to write efficiently and with ease. Participants learn to dissolve writing blocks. They develop individual action plans to sustainably improve self-management and writing productivity.

Thesis Defense Training: The final major milestone of the doctoral program is the oral defense of the dissertation, which presents unique communication challenges. This workshop is designed for doctoral candidates who wish to prepare intensively for their defense. At the beginning of the seminar, the traditional procedure and significance of a defense will be presented, and questions typically asked during defenses will be compiled. Subsequently, various strategies for presenting a convincing argumentative and rhetorical case during the defense will be taught. All doctoral candidates will have the opportunity to simulate their defense during the seminar and receive detailed feedback.