In the academic world, clear, concise, and well-written texts play an important role in convincing journal editors and conference organisers to accept a paper for review and publication, or to invite a researcher to present at a conference. This workshop provides PhD students with strategies to write short texts efficiently and effectively. It enables participants to organise ideas and structure texts effectively, to present their own and other researchers‘ findings and opinions appropriately, and to use correct terminology and vocabulary.

During the workshop, participants work with their own texts as well as with examples from their own disciplines that they bring along and consider to be particularly well written. They discuss features of good scientific papers and are equipped to use adequate language in different genres and for different audiences. In addition, they receive peer feedback on their own drafts. All exercises empower them to produce clearer, and more correct, concise, and reader-oriented papers.

The two-day workshop covers the following topics:
• taking inventory: participants‘ strengths and challenges in writing scientific papers in English
• a brief introduction to research and writing processes
• using text analysis to become a better writer
• reporting findings, ideas, and opinions professionally and adequately
• making yourself understood: principles of clear and concise writing
• structuring ideas, organising texts: transitions, connectives, & co.
• working effectively with co-authors and constructive text feedback
• useful online and offline resources

(After the workshop, participants have the opportunity to sign up for an individual writing coaching, or text feedback session. In this session, they can ask for individual feedback on an extract of their written work, or get deeper into issues from the workshop in a one-on-one setting.)

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Mathematical foundations of machine learning
- Geometric machine learning (e.g., geometric deep learning, graph neural networks, geometry processing)
- Topological machine learning (e.g., topological deep learning, topological data analysis (TDA), shape analysis)
- Applications of geometry and topology in machine learning (e.g., in life sciences and complex systems)

For more information, please visit the event website.

The activity-based workshop, led by a theatre professional uses improvisation and free-speaking exercises as concrete tools to prepare speakers for unexpected situations that occur during online presentations, meetings and discussions. Practical techniques help participants to step out of their comfort zone and to develop their authority, focus anxiety, prepare for blackouts, technical challenges and to become more self-reliant. The training is tailored to individual participant questions and uses role-play to investigate proposed scenarios and to train coping strategies, which can be applied in virtual and non-virtual situations.

Description
The first day of the seminar begins with verbal and non-verbal communication training, connecting breathing to thinking, in order to relieve panic in stressful situations. This is followed by training with improvisation exercises to help presenters maintain their focus and composure and to cultivate quick thinking and problem solving, followed by free-speaking exercises to train quick thinking, staying focused, engaging an audience in a topic, and maintaining authority. Strategies are then discussed and practiced to deal with disruptions during the impromptu talks.

In the second session, participants will explore various challenges in meetings as well as in online Q&A sessions. Techniques are trained to handle awkward situations. Role-play situations are tailored, practiced, and discussed in the roles as presenters, meeting facilitators and Q&A moderators.

Contents in brief
- Breathing and focusing exercises for stress management
- Free-Speaking Exercises
- Improvisation Techniques for quick thinking and problem solving
- Role-play disruptions during talks, meetings, and discussions
- Tailored coaching and individual feedback

Methods
- Individual, pair and group working exercises
- Breakout room activities
- Voice and non-verbal communication coaching
- Improvisation techniques
- Role-play exercises and discussion