Writing Days for PhD Students

31 August to 3 September 2026

Marc Matter, Writing Coach, HEG Fribourg Language Center, ZUW University of Bern

Dr. Sarah Miéville, CUSO Mirobiology Program Coordinator

Marc Matter, Writing Coach, Head of Language Center HEG Fribourg

Jonhatan Sarfin, Department of English, University of Bern

This four-day writing retreat provides doctoral candidates with the time, space, and support needed to maximize their efficiency in scientific writing. The programme combines extensive periods of individual writing with personalized coaching and feedback from experienced writing coaches. Depending on participants' needs, additional group instruction may be offered, while maintaining a strong focus on individual work and one-to-one support.The retreat offers a highly supportive environment where participants can make substantial progress on a manuscript, dissertation chapter, or thesis. The programme integrates both theoretical and practical aspects of academic writing, and a wide range of resources will be available for guided exercises and personal coaching.Priority is given to doctoral candidates who are in the final stages of their PhD and/or actively working on a publication or dissertation. Accommodation, meals, and dedicated writing facilities are included, allowing participants to fully concentrate on their writing projects while benefiting from exchanges with peers.

The retreat combines extensive individual writing periods with personalized coaching in a supportive environment. Participants will have dedicated time to advance their manuscripts, thesis chapters, or dissertations, while benefiting from advice and feedback from experienced writing coaches.

Day 1 (Arrival) - 31.08.2026

• Shuttle transfer from Puidoux railway station to Crêt-Bérard
• Check-in and room allocation
• Welcome dinner and informal networking with participants and coaches

Day 2 - 01.09.2026

• Welcome and practical information
• Individual writing sessions
• One-to-one coaching sessions (by appointment)
• Coffee breaks and meals
• Afternoon writing sessions with access to coaches
• Dinner

Day 3 - 02.09.2026

• Individual writing sessions
• One-to-one coaching sessions (by appointment)
• Coffee breaks and meals
• Afternoon writing sessions with access to coaches
• Dinner

Day 4 - 03.09.2026

• Individual writing sessions
• One-to-one coaching sessions (by appointment)
• Final writing period with free access to coaches
• Wrap-up session
• Shuttle transfer to Puidoux railway station

Throughout the retreat, the emphasis is placed on focused writing time and individualized support. Depending on participants' needs, additional guidance on academic writing may be provided. The programme is particularly suited to doctoral candidates in the final stages of their PhD or currently preparing a publication or dissertation.

This retreat offers a quiet setting, expert guidance, and peer support to boost your productivity and confidence in scientific writing.

**Shuttle service from Puidoux rail station to Crêt-Bérard and back organized by the CUSO Microbiology Program.**

Crêt-Bérard

Map

14 participants (9 doctorants CUSO + 5 doctorants DSLS UNINE)

Reimbursements for CUSO Students: Train ticket, 2°class, half-fare from your institution to the place of the activity.

Reimbursement of your travel tickets can be asked online through your MyCUSO. See HERE for the procedure.

For any question concerning reimbursement please contact the CUSO Microbiology coordinator Sarah Miéville

Registration deadline : 20.08.2026

Important informations :

• A waiting list will be prepared to ensure that there are no empty seats.
• For cancellations after the deadline of registration or no-show: 150 CHF administrative fee

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Dr. Sarah Miéville, CUSO Microbiology Program Coordinator ([email protected])