# Newsletter 03/ 21-01-2026

**Source**: https://www.graduateacademy.uni-heidelberg.de/news/03_2026_en.html
**Parent**: https://www.graduateacademy.uni-heidelberg.de/index_en.html

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# Newsletter 03/ 21-01-2026

### NEW! Academic Writing Group (AWG) program starting in February 2026 - Info session on February 4, 2026

Dear Doctoral Researchers,

We would like to invite doctoral candidates from all faculties to participate in the **Focused Writing Group Program** starting in **February 2026**. As always, our Academic Writing Group program will continue to provide you with a physical working space, experts on call, and a community of like-minded peers to support doctoral researchers in their academic and dissertation writing process.

**WHAT IS A WRITING GROUP AND HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?**

A writing group is a community of six to eight doctoral candidates who meet on a regular basis to work towards composing an academic text. You will work on your own projects but do so within a peer-based environment and with the support of a team of tutors. The latter will assist each group over the course of at least four sessions after which participants are eligible to extend their participation for up to three months.

Core objectives include:

- provide you with structured support in a facilitated peer-based setting.
- guide you through strategies and focused exercises on selected topics related to academic writing.
- share and discuss work in-progress.
- produce ongoing writing towards specific goals and deadlines.
- develop a “community” of academic writers in the interest of support, collegiality, and solidarity.

A spacious working space with power connections, wireless access, and basic office supplies will be available to you during each session.

**HOW LONG ARE THE WRITING GROUP SESSIONS? WHERE AND HOW FREQUENTLY DO THEY TAKE PLACE?**

Our writing groups meet weekly (currently on Wednesday mornings) for 3-hour focused writing sessions.

**‘HOP ON, HOP OFF’ POLICY**

Each writing group cycle has a specific duration but you may “hop on” or “hop off” at any time, provided you commit to a minimum of four consecutive sessions. (Please note that this initial commitment and the willingness to engage with others in collaborative efforts is crucial for the success of the program!)

**WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?**

The focused writing groups are open to PhD candidates from all faculties regardless of the stage of their research.

**HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?**

Absolutely nothing! Our program is free of charge.  We can only allow for a limited number of participants though, so make sure to sign up today!

**WHAT IS A BRAIN BOOSTER SESSION?**

Recent studies show that taking regular short breaks helps the brain "reset" and prevents mental fatigue. This is especially important during the sustained cognitive load involved in writing a dissertation.

A brain booster session is a 15- to 20-minute break under the guidance of a specialized trainer. During each session, you will be able to explore different activities of exercise and relaxation, both mental and physical. These activities are specifically aimed at reducing cognitive overload, countering physical fatigue, restoring mental focus, and improving complex decision-making. With this addition to our regular writing group program, we hope to broaden your range of strategies for stimulating the body and mind in the interest of productivity and wellbeing.

**HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM?**

To launch the program, the Graduate Academy’s writing support team will be hosting an information session at the Käthe Leichter Forum (INF 370) on February 4th at 10:30 am. The event will introduce you to the program’s details, the tutor and the working space at the Graduate Academy. You will also have the opportunity to register in advance for the upcoming writing group cycle.

Our **first session** is scheduled to start on **February 11th** at **9:30 am**.

[Registration: Academic Writing Group (in person)](https://kursdatenbank.graduateacademy.uni-heidelberg.de/de/kurs/318-focused-writing-group-program)

**Our team is also working on offering a digital writing group this spring. Look out for more updates!**

Please feel free to contact Dr. David Jara if you have questions or suggestions: [david.jara@uni-heidelberg.de](mailto:david.jara@uni-heidelberg.de)

Best wishes,

The Team of the Academic Writing Support

**Contact:** Dr. David Jara\
Email: [david.jara@uni-heidelberg.de](mailto:david.jara@uni-heidelberg.de)\
Phone: +49 6221 / 54 – 19767

Web Administrator:
[Naranjo](mailto:ga-edv@uni-heidelberg.de)

Latest Revision:
2026-01-25