The HIDA PhD Journey is the overarching program for doctoral researchers at the Helmholtz Information & Data Science Schools. It complements the curricula of the individual Schools with joint offerings focused on scientific research skills, personal and professional development, as well as exchange and networking.
The HIDA PhD Journey brings doctoral researchers together across schools and Helmholtz Centers. Throughout their PhD, it provides recurring opportunities for academic exchange, collaborative learning, and personal development.
As an overarching program, the HIDA PhD Journey comprises three formats, each with a different focus, complementing the curricula of the individual research schools:
The Journey at a Glance
The Three PhD Journey Formats – in Detail
HIDA PhD Kick-off Days
The HIDA PhD Kick-off Days are a two-day onboarding and networking event for doctoral researchers from the seven Helmholtz Information & Data Science Schools. They bring doctoral researchers from the different Schools together and encourage them to look beyond their own School.
The program combines information and orientation with scientific exchange and interactive formats. Participants gain insights into HIDA, the Helmholtz Association, and the seven Schools, present their own research projects, and learn about the research topics of their fellow doctoral researchers. Workshops, contributions from alumni, and informal networking activities round out the program.
In this way, the Kick-off Days create opportunities for personal connections, new perspectives, and the development of a network that can support doctoral researchers throughout their time in the Schools.
HIDA Research Writing Lab
The Research Writing Lab is a one-week writing retreat for doctoral researchers. For one week, participants come together in one location to focus intensively on their dissertation, a paper, or another academic writing project away from their everyday work environment. HIDA provides a dedicated setting that allows for focused work as well as exchange, collaborative learning, and connections with other doctoral researchers.
The focus is on extended, scheduled writing sessions. At the beginning of the week, participants define specific goals for their project and work towards them during structured deep-work sessions. Complementary input sessions, individual guidance, and group reflection help participants approach their writing process more intentionally, address challenges, and make tangible progress.
Professional Growth Camp
The Professional Growth Camp is designed for doctoral researchers at an advanced stage of their PhD and invites them to reflect intentionally on their personal and professional development. It focuses on questions such as: What are my key strengths and values? How has my profile evolved over the course of my PhD? And what career opportunities would I like to explore for life after my PhD?
The Camp provides space for reflection, exchange, and new perspectives on career orientation and personal development. Through a range of interactive formats, participants explore their individual goals, potential career paths, and next steps. The aim is also to gain greater clarity about their own priorities and to approach the transition from the PhD to the next stage of their career with intention and confidence.
Further information on the program, its content, and the schedule of the Professional Growth Camp will be available soon.
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Dr. Christian Beilmann
General Manager
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Viktoria Schwarze
Strategic Program & Events Manager
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